Re: Working mom in need of help :/

Originally Posted by
@llli*blue2000
If you stop pumping at this phase, you will probably have low supply at home too at 6 months, and this may end your nursing relationship earlier than you want. But if you pump as much as you can at work (or as is practical), let go of the actual volume you make, and then nurse a lot at home and on weekends, you can probably breast feed for as long as you and your child want.
I agree with this as an alternative to quitting pumping altogether. Try not to stress about it, but do it as often as you can. For your own comfort and to keep your supply up. Most moms experience a drop in pumping output around 8-9 months. If you try to keep it up as much as possible now you can cope with that drop later on with less difficulty.
I'd actually suggest you avoid being away from your baby too much when you aren't at work. For me, it was very important to nurse nurse nurse as much as possible when we were together. I pumped at work (though my output was low) and supplemented with formula, but I coslept, nursed frequently at night, and didn't leave her very often outside of work and I honestly believe that is what kept my supply sufficient to continue nursing her. And remember, around a year old you can pump wean completely during the day and not worry about losing your supply when you are with her. Right now, there is the danger that completely pump weaning during the day could drop your supply to the point that it is insufficient. Women for whom this is successful typically nurse frequently when they are with their baby and don't leave them for long periods of time when they aren't at work.
I also agree with Jenna that you should make sure your caregiver isn't overfeeding the baby. Here's a great link you can share with whomever is bottlefeeding your baby.
“We are not put on earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.”
--Anonymous