OK, to start decreasing pumping at work?

[Curlyfry7]

My DD is almost 1 y/o () and just starting to get interested in solids- sometimes she eats well, other times just tastes/eats nothing. No big deal. I work part-time, usually one 12 hour shift and one 6 hour shift per week. I recently had to add in another 12 hour shift for the next 3 months while someone is on maternity leave.

I have been pumping 3 times while at work (much to my employer's displeasure, but whatever) but am interested in starting to decrease this. I thought I could go to twice daily for a couple weeks, then go to just pumping at lunch. Would this work?? I am paranoid about losing my supply (for no good reason, just paranoid) I don't have to worry about a stash- my freezer is packed with milk.

Thanks!

[justKate]

I work FT and feed my 10 mo DD at 6:00 a.m.; pump at 11:30 a.m.; then feed her again at 4:30 p.m.

We've been on this schedule since she was 3 mos. and it has worked wonderfully. No supply issues and no need to supplement. I would try it. You can always pick up pumping if you feel like your supply is dimished.

Hooray for the 1 year mark! I'm anxious to celebrate it myself soon.

[Ruthla]

I assume the 3X per shift is when you're working a 12 hour shift, and not during the 6 hour shift? Because honestly I think pumping once should be adequate during a 6 hour shift.

If you decrease pumping at work, your supply may be affected (or at least your pumping output). If your baby is only just starting to take an interest in solids, you may have trouble pumping enough for her needs while you're working. Just taking on the extra shift weekly may be enough to decrease your pumping output, even if you continue the same pumping schedule.

Just how ample is that freezer stash? Are you comfortable with possibly using up your freezer stash if you're no longer able to pump enough? If you have enough frozen milk to last a few months, and you're OK with supplementing with cow's or goat's milk when the ebm is gone, then maybe it's OK to decrease the pumping now. But if you really want to keep her on your milk only, you might do best to wait until she's eating more solids before cutting down on the pumping.

[3girls1boy]

In my experience, my body was well adjusted to making milk when baby wanted to nurse by the time they were one. I don't think you will lose your supply as long as you continue to nurse on demand

[Baby_Cakes]

I agree w/all of the above. I was scared to cut back pumping, but once I did it, I felt so much more free and I've had no problems continuing to nurse on demand. I still have plenty of milk for Nora when we are together. Since you have a stash of frozen milk, you have a bit of a buffer to work with in case you do see your supply change.

I too think that once during a 6 hr shift is good, maybe twice if you're uncomfortable or something.

About a month ago (when DD was 14 mo) I stopped pumping altogether and I cannot even begin to tell you how much happier I am. I was feeling burnt out and had thoughts of weaning -- but with just nursing I can't believe how much "easier" it all is.

[Curlyfry7]

Hmmm...it sounds like most likely things would be OK, although it still makes me nervous.

Yes, I only pump once during the 6 hour shift . The 3 times is for the long day. Once in a while (like today) I just can't fit in all the pumpings, so only end up doing 2.

My freezer stash is huge...I am currently using milk that I pumped in May. DD pretty much reverse cycles on the days I work (the long days at least) and only takes in 4-6 oz while I am pumping anywhere from 12-15 (used to be 18-21 when DD was younger). She will NOT take a bottle.

I kind of want to decrease it for me, but also because my boss is getting less and less tolerant of it. I would continue to pump at lunch as I don't think I could comfortably go 12 hours between feedings. Maybe what I'll do sicne I now have to work the other shift, is try to pump 3 times, do it twice if boss is being a UAV, and then revisit the idea once I am back to one long shift a week. Heck, by then I'll have filled my deep freeze with milk anyhow! DD is also milk and soy intolerant so if for some reason we burned through my stash I don't have a lot of good options.

Ok, thanks for the info everyone!

[Baby_Cakes]

She's cows milk intolerant? Hmm, have you tried goats milk? I've heard it's less difficult to digest. Anyone else?

If she's still nursing plenty through the night and on days you are together, you probably don't need to substitute with another milk. Water in a sippy should be find for hydration.

Here is a good link to kellymom on the subject:
"Many nursing moms are told that they must introduce cow's milk at a year. Your nursing toddler is already getting the best milk he can get - mother's milk! Breastmilk has a higher fat content than whole cow's milk (needed for baby's brain growth), and all the nutrients of human milk are significantly more bioavailable than those of cow's milk because it is species specific (not to mention all the components of mother's milk that are not present in cow's milk).

There is no need for additional milk or (or the equivalent nutrients from other foods) as long as your baby is nursing 3-4 times per day. Cow's milk is really just a convenient source of calcium, protein, fats, vitamin D, etc. - it's not required. There are many people in many parts of the world who do not drink milk and still manage to get all the calcium, protein, fats, vitamin D, etc. that they need. "