WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Ready.... This is long.... But just need some advice....
My DS is one week shy of 7 months. I've am still breast feeding but he is basically down to 4 feedings a day 1 sometimes 2 are breast milk and 2 are formula. I've been supplementing with formula since he was 3 months

He is in 75-90th percentile for weight... So he doesn't have gaining issues by any means... Meeting all his milestones and is on food as well (oatmeal and rice and stage 1-2 fruits and veggies ).

Ok.... So my normal schedule is as follows:
8am- I nurse him
9am cereal and fruit
12-1pm- 8oz bottle of formula
3-4pm 8oz bottle of expressed breast milk (or formula)
5pm- rice and a veggie
7pm- 8oz bottle of formula
He STTN

I pump after my Morning nursing session (only pump1-2 oz) and I pump around 8pm at night (again 1-2 oz). That's all I pump.
When I am at work I add in one more pumping session around 3pm and I only pump 1-2 oz.

For the past 3-4 months I was able to maintain a nice stash of breast milk to freeze. That stash is now down to next to nothing obviously with the amount I am now pumping .

Here's my question and what I am so confused about:
The days I am at work I replace that 8am nursing session with an 8oz bottle of expressed breast milk (like I said I had a nice stash but that's going to end soon).

However when I am at work at that time when I pump (when I would normally be nursing him- I only get 1-2 oz). Now I know pumping output can vary from actual nursing but I doubt by that much!! But at home DH is giving him an full 8oz bottle of BM and he takes it no problem. Soy question is- am I not providing him with enough nutrition and calories when I nurse him the mornings I am home being that I only express 2oz max?
Mind you- he seems satisfied either way.
My pediatrician said there's no way he can be satisfied on that little breast milk so he thought there was a problem with my pump. However I work in a hospital and have access to the hospital grade pumps and it makes Zero difference

I changed the membranes as you ladies on here suggested and it didn't matter.

I wanted to keep a nursing session In as long as I could but I also want to make sure I am doing the right thing for my baby.




If you got this far.... God bless you!!! Lol

Message edited 11/18/2014 10:23:35 PM.

WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Babies suck out significantly more milk than a pump can. A baby will nurse out what they need. Your body is actually making milk as the baby is taking it. I pumped for 18mos and definitely had difficulties towards the end. If I were you I would nurse dc every time you're with him and save the expressed breast milk for when you're not. This tells your body to make more milk bc the baby is telling your body make 8oz not 2oz.

Also tons of water and I had success with mother milk tea. Good luck! I know it's a lot of work!

Re: WWYD- pumping related really need advice

I never got a lot of milk from pumping either. Babies are so much more efficient than any pump, so I'm sure LO is getting plenty from you. As PP suggested, BF whenever you are together because it will increase your supply. Also, while pumping, try to relax and massage your breasts- that should help. Good luck!

WWYD- pumping related really need advice

The pump is definitely not as efficient as the baby.

Can you try to pump before and after that morning nursing session? I pump before I nurse ds in the morning and get 10 ounces now that he is STTN. I used to get 4-6 when he wasn't. I pump until the flow slows down, but doesn't stop. I figure he's more efficient than the pump so he'll get out what he needs. Can you add another pumping session at work? Sometimes, I pump as he nurses when I get home from work since I don't feel like staying at work an extra 30 minutes to get in another pumping session.

Re: WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Also your BM changes as your baby ages, so it can be more nutrient dense now. Can you add a pumping session at work? It doesn't have to be such a strict schedule. Good job momma!!!

Re: WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Some women never respond well to the pump, but have no issues nursing their babies. Are you pumping on the weekends? If not, add at least 1-2 pumping sessions in each day.

WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Thanks. Let me add I only work 1-2 says a week.

Re: WWYD- pumping related really need advice

Re: WWYD- pumping related really need advice

WWYD- pumping related really need advice

I pump the same- weekdays, weekends I never miss a session.