Support & advice needed

[maydaymom10]

So, I am a first-time mom and am definitely in the learning process when it comes to the natural progression of breast feeding. A little background on my experience so far. DS struggled with bf'ing since birth. We worked with a LC and he finally got it, but has never been a great nurser. Along with that, and probably connected to, my supply isn't great.

I work part-time and returned to work when DS was about 3 mos old. I've been pumping and providing a bottle (sometimes two) for DS in the afternoons when he's at daycare. I've never been able to pump more than about 5 oz (combines) and DS has never taken more than about 4 oz from the bottle. There are times when I've had to supplement formula due to a low supply from me, but I tried to provide only BM when possible. We started solids at 6 mos on the advice of our pedi. I make all of his food, but he does eat a lot of purees and some finger foods.

So here's my problem, in the last month DS has been rejecting his afternoon bottle at daycare. He's been eating the "meal" (usually cereal and/or yogurt), but pushes the bottle away. He is still an avid nurser in the mornings (around 6:30 & 11:30), and in the evenings (6:00 and before bed). He still occasionally wakes during the night and likes to be nursed to sleep, but I think that this is more for comfort than hunger.

I forgot to mention that DS is now 10 mos-old. I'm just curious if not having the interest in the afternoon feeding is normal at this age? I've been continuing to pump in the afternoons at work, but honestly it's a hassell to take the time to do so and then find out that DS isn't drinking it. I'm wondering if I should just give water or juice at daycare and save the nursing until the evening. My supply (obviously) is greater when I skip the pumping & DS nurses well in this case. I would just hate to deprive him of nutrients that he needs, but would also rather save my supply if possible. Also, I was planning on stopping the pumping at 1 year, but letting him continue to nurse in the mornings/evenings or on-demand when I'm home.

I just need some advice. I know that there are a lot of varied opinions on this forum & I'm open to all. Thanks for being gentle with me :)

[Asiago]

Perhaps he would be more interested in the breast milk if it is offered in a cup or sippy cup? I also wonder if he is just more likely to take his milk directly from you, perhaps he saves that part of his diet for being with you.

My own thought though would be to try to get him as much of your milk as possible since he is exposed to various germs and the extra antibodies of your breast milk will be very beneficial for him. He's really adorable by the way, that photo of him smiling is wonderful!

[carrierwright]

I agree that experimenting w/a sippy isn't a bad idea, but at the same time he may be ready to give up that afternoon bottle altogether. As he's increasing his solids he will naturally decrease his intake of breastmilk and so you may have to make a choice as to whether you're ready for that step. Offering the bottle well before the solids may reverse that cycle and keep him taking your milk longer. But if your goal is to stop pumping at one year, then this could be him helping you along...