Re: I feel like I want to cry. Then, ask a question
I would be a total wreck...seriously. you are a champ for working so hard with all these misinformed people. I would challenge the day care, give them less to work with, you are the mom. I have had to fight back with doctors about my personal choices for my child and its made me feel really uncomfortable and angry. We are the moms!
I wanted to encourage you on the pumping front, I have done the obsessive worrying thing about every pump output. I think I've had a few small nervous breakdowns because of a bad measurement. I have low supply so I could never build a stash and have had to deal with formula supplementing. Not fun. You are so awesome for having a stash and you are totally justified in caring about every last oz.
I found that stressing out affected my pumping. When I had some mothers milk tea (its cheap on amazon) and a hot shower I always pumped better. Consider a hospital grade pump...my output improved with one. Also, try pumping for a few minutes and then come back 10-15 minutes later and doing it again...I figured this out when my output changed and my nipples became more accustomed to pumping...the nipples and how they are stimulated in a babies mouth trigger those letdowns. Give your nipples a break so they can relax and be stimulated again.
If you feel like your supply has really gone down, try a galactagogue like more milk plus or more milk special blend...also affordable on amazon.
But relax if you can...if you have a day or afternoon off, nurse the whole day and spend it absorbed with your baby.
I wish you could stay at home more with your baby...I wonder if you could do anything differently to cut back on how much you are gone...I am a stay at home mom and I cant imagine being away from my son....and trying to breastfeed? I'd really breakdown. Too much pressure. I don't want to preach or judge, but we could really use a second income but I budget the crud out of our lives and I just go without at times to stay home. Maybe you are your only source of income...I don't know, I do know that you are the best person to be with your child though...not those daycare people. I wish I could help you stay home.
You are doing so well...working 10 times harder than so many others would. Trust your instincts and defend yourself and your choices for your baby.
Long time wannabe Momma. First time actual Momma.
-candice -