Breastfeeding journey coming to an end?

Question

I’m 5.5 months postpartum and the first three months I was EBF. Once I went back to work at 3.5 months my LO went on a nursing strike. I think from getting a bottle at daycare throughout the day. She was also sick a lot from getting the daycare germs so during the nursing strike I didn’t push her nursing since she was extremely fussy at the breast. 
Now I’m 5.5 months postpartum and exclusively pumping every 3 hours from 6 am to about 9 pm. She feeds overnight sometimes from the breast and sometimes I have extra milk leftover throughout the day. 
Lately I’m only pumping 3-4 ounces except for my first pump in the morning is usually 8-10 ounces. I feel like I’m not producing enough. I can’t keep up with the demand. 
Anyone have any tips on switching to formula? Or how I can increase my supply? I drink water, eat a ton, etc. nothing seems to help.

Answer

Maybe try doing longer sessions fewer times per day. Every 3 hours would wear me out. If you can do a pumping schedule that's less torturous, you'll be happier. Don't worry about keeping up. Just supplement with formula as needed.
But it's also totally okay to quit if you've just had it. You've done amazing making it this far, and formula is awesome!

Answer

Try supplements. I use fenugreek and milkapalooza. They are amazing!!!!

Answer

My babe is five months and I’m in the process of weaning from exclusive pumping. I never produced enough to give him just breast milk. But I recently sort of paused the wean because I got to a point where the number of pumps I’m doing feels manageable, I don’t resent the pump anymore (I was so burnt out) and I’m still getting about 12oz a day. It feels good to do that. I don’t say this to convince you to keep going, but rather to remind you that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. 
That said, pumping schedule and hydration sound solid. So I’d say check your flange fit (your nips can change after many months of breastfeeding and/or pumping) and make sure you’ve replaced the duckbills and membranes on your pump recently. 
As for transitioning to formula, if you decide to go that route, I’d just start weaning from the pump and use the pitcher method to pool your milk. Then split it up evenly for the next day’s bottles and top off each bottle with formula. That way babe is just gradually getting introduced to more and more formula as your supply goes down.

Breastfeeding journey coming to an end?

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