To pump or not to pump?

Question

So I never was a big milk producer since the beginning. The most I ever pumped was 4oz collectively in a 20min sesh. But now I'm only getting 2oz all together. I put my baby on formula for 2 weeks and pumped a big stash but now he caught up to it. My 3 month old takes about 5 oz per feeding so I knew he going to catch up fast. My mind is torn between trying to pump as much as I can even tho he might only get one bottle of BM a day or should I even bother to keep going and just have him strictly on formula.

Answer

Girl if you’re tired of pumping then stop. And don’t feel guilty about it. I exclusively pumped for 3 months. And it SUCKED. Literally lol. Think of the time it takes to pump and think. You’ll get to spend that time with your baby or sleeping. I it would make you happier then do it! That baby needs a happy Mama over Breastmilk ♥️♥️

Answer

I think it's worth it to keep pumping. I'm exclusively pumping and supplementing only when needed. I had issues with my supply for a while too. Then I started pumping longer each session and it's helped a lot. I found that I have another couple of letdowns after the 20 minute mark, so I make sure to pump for at least 30 minutes each time. Basically I pump until there is absolutely no more milk coming out and then for a minute or two longer. I also find that I get more when I massage my breasts while pumping. When you massage at the same time, you can find the hard parts of the breast where the milk is and really work it all out. It also sometimes helps to increase the suction every 10 minutes or so.

Answer

Breast milk is great. Formula is great. A well fed baby is amazing and best! 
How are YOU doing, mama? 
If pumping is taking a mental toll on you, then you need to do what is best for you and your baby. I know a lot of us struggle with the pressure of breast-feeding and have often cried at the end of a pumping sesh/or pumping marathon because there is so much pressure to breast-feed and pump but ultimately if it’s affecting your happiness and time with the baby in my opinion it may not be worth it. 
I struggled with this exact issue so much with my first baby due to an undiagnosed thyroid issue. Ultimately my tears, stress, and anguish were not worth it. Being a happier mama with less stress and a well (formula) fed baby was best. Don’t let the pressure force you to continue if it’s putting you in a bad place! You do you, mama.

Answer

I don’t have any advice but I’m in the same boat. My baby is a month today and the last week I’ve only been getting 0.5-1.5oz each time I pump! Shes been down to only 1 or 2 bottles of breast milk a day and the others are formula. I feel bad but I’m thinking of just weaning myself from pumping because it doesn’t feel worth the effort for so little!

Answer

I hate pumping, but I pumped for 10 months straight with my second daughter (I nursed her twice daily too) and was able to give her breast milk up until a year old. It’s really up to you if you want to keep going. It’s a tough commitment and you have to follow a pretty strict pumping schedule or you’ll lose your supply. Good luck with whichever you decide!

Answer

I’d keep pumping since any amount of breastmilk is highly beneficial. Also you may want to consider decreasing how much breastmilk you’re giving in a bottle. Breastmilk is 1-1.5oz per hour no matter what age. It doesn’t have to be increased gradually like formula does since it changes to meet baby’s needs. 
My 9.5 month old has never taken more than 4oz in a single feeding. We pace feed her bottles using a newborn/preemie flow so she can better recognize when she is full similar to how she does at the breast.

Answer

Keep pumping for when baby is sick

Answer

Yea,  I've tried pumping every 2-3 he's for like 3 days to increase it. Didnt work.  I do massage as I pump but doesn't make much of a difference anymore.  It used to when I used to be super engorged.  I stimulate another let down at the 10 min mark. Nothing seems to increase my supply.  So sad.

To pump or not to pump?

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