Breastfeeding, working, and NOT pumping?
 

Well, I've been back at work for a couple of months now, pumping for
Katie during the day. From my POV, it's going really well - I'm now
pumping more than she drinks, and have a good freezer stash.
Unfortunately, Katie hates being at home with DH, and spends a good part
of each day screaming whatever he tries to do to pacify her.

Last week, I noticed that one of the spare cartons of ready-mixed
formula that we have was about to go out of date, so I suggested that DH
could use it rather than have it be wasted. So Katie got formula
instead of pumped milk on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, and
Barry thought she was noticeably happier during those times. We've
theorised that perhaps having breastmilk just reminds her of me and
hence upsets her. It seems worth a try, so on Monday she's going to be
getting formula while I'm at work.

The question is, what do I do about the pumping if this works out and
she does keep having formula during my working days? I know it's
possible to breastfeed just morning and evening, but I want to keep
breastfeeding during the day on the days when I'm with her. Will I be
able to do this without pumping on the days when I'm at work - will my
supply be capable of balancing out day by day? Has anyone managed this?
Or am I better off pumping and dumping? (It's possible, of course,
that I may be able to find a milk bank to take the milk, but apparently
they're not so keen from six months onwards.)


All the best,

Sarah
--
http://www.goodenoughmummy.typepad.com

"That which can be destroyed by the truth, should be" - P. C. Hodgell