Think I need to stop pumping and donating

[Pumpkin_Pie]

I realized tonight just how draining it is on me to pump every night a few times in addition to nursing my son and then pumping again in the morning. I end up pumping four or five times throughout the night trying to get absolutely as much milk out of my breasts as I can, and it is wearing me out.

I know I could cut back to once at night and once in the morning, but I am a little OCD, so I "know" I would go right back to pumping whenever I had a free second at night. I am a single mama and in the process of moving, and am about to start working nearly full time as well, so I think I need to reduce some of the stresses in my life.

I am so sad to have to stop donating to my little milk baby. She is such a sweetie! I have donated to her for four months now and she is doing so well. She is nearly 10 months old and her mama still has a supply in the freezer that will last a couple more weeks. I hate to see her go back on formula, but I can't figure out any other way.

My milk supply has been going way up and down lately due to stress (I am pretty sure this is the reason), and just having that happen is adding immensely to my stress level.

: : : :

[loriforeman]

awww! at least she's had this help from you, aye?

i remember pumping...the body is amazing. i could get 32 ounces in one sitting.

of course, i was only supporting MY little one...not another child, too!

[phathui5]

Don't feel bad, guilty. etc. Feel proud that for four months you've gotten breastmilk to a baby who would have had formula.

You rock.

[Martha_2sons]

I have to believe that your recipient mama will totally understand and only feel gratitude for what you've done so far.

[sanguine_speed]

Originally Posted by Martha_2sons

I have to believe that your recipient mama will totally understand and only feel gratitude for what you've done so far.

ITA!

You've done something truly spectacular mama. You need to take care of you right now too!

[timneh_mom]

OH my goodness!! You are a goddess!! What a beautiful gift to give another baby, along with your own! She is a very lucky little girl!

If you need to give yourself a break, please do so, you need to take care of you first, so you can care for your baby.

[MaryJaneLouise]

What an awesome gift you have given. to you. If it's time to stop, I know everyone will understand.

Can you direct your recipient family to milkshare for another donor?

[Arwyn]

Oh my goodness, that's a crazy pumping schedule! But I understand about the OCD - I've had to skip a couple of my twice-daily pumping-for-donation sessions this week, and am going out of town tomorrow, and it just drives me NUTS when I can't do it. I thought about taking the pump and the adapter in the car, even. And yes, I'll sit there at the end of a session just trying to squeeze out "just a little bit more" - it really is easy to get obsessive about.

You need to do what's best for you. You've done so much to be proud of! Let it be enough, as hard as that is.

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by loriforeman

awww! at least she's had this help from you, aye?

i remember pumping...the body is amazing. i could get 32 ounces in one sitting.

of course, i was only supporting MY little one...not another child, too!

And that right there gives me a massive inferiority complex! :

[loriforeman]

Originally Posted by Arwyn

And that right there gives me a massive inferiority complex! :

ack, no! not the intention!

my little one couldn't nurse at all at the time...i managed (somehow) to get it so that i produced ALL her milk in one sitting. the rest of the day, i could barely get a thing.