Worrying about supply

[allisonrose]

I thought I was beyond worrying about supply but I guess not. My guy is nearly a year old and I'm so thrilled that I made it to this point!

Hubby recently said something about him not taking a bottle and being attached to the breast. So I thought I'd pump a bit for hubby to try giving at bedtime. It's been since June at least since I last pumped. I used to do pretty well at pumping but yesterday I pumped just 1/2 an oz.

I'm hoping it's just that my body isn't used to pumping anymore but am a bit concerned because lately my guy has been waking at night a lot. After the dismal pumping session, I am wondering if he's waking frequently because he's hungry. At the same time, he is cutting a tooth that seems to be taking its time moving through the gumline.

Reassurance please?

[PatioGardener]

Sending reassuring vibes your way!

Your supply has regulated to what baby needs, and that is likely why you could only pump 1/2 oz. If you keep pumping you'll likely get more after a few days.

The night waking could be teething, or a growth spurt, or a zillion other things that are not related to your milk supply

Keep nursing, Mama! you're doing great!

Ps. Baby is only 1 year old, he's supposed to be attached to the breast! You're keeping him healthy - especially throughout the flu/cold season winter, you're growing his brain and helping his jaw to develop normally, and your giving him the security he needs now to develop into an independent adventurer when he grows

[Baby_Cakes]

I completely agree!
Your guy is probably waking b/c of the teething. We had quite a few rough nights in our house while DD was working on 4 at once.
Pumping output is no indicator of supply, especially since you aren't a frequent pumper. If you always pumped X amount and all of a sudden it dropped, I'd question things, but since you aren't, you just need to give your supply time to catch up to pumping. If you try pumping every day at the same time for a few days, you should be able to produce enough for one small bottle.

I think it's a common misconception that we should be able to pump enough for one whole bottle feeding in one pumping session. It just doesn't work like that. Though I wish it did, it doesn't, and it often takes quite a few pumping sessions to get enough for one bottle.

[allisonrose]

Thanks, ladies! The night wakings have been really brutal. At one point, he woke just twice a night and that was heaven compared to 4-6 times lately.

I used to pump 3-4 oz in one session but it has been quite a while. I stopped pumping because hubby didn't have the time to bother trying to give a bottle so really he only has himself to blame about our guy being a boob addict.

[Prisca]

I'm on my second little boob addict. It sounds like you're doing great! The frequent night waking is tough, but he'll probably settle back down soon. Just wanted to send a little reassurance too.