Afraid I'm going to have to be done

[@llli*ashla]

I'm still nervous that I'm not producing the milk that I was before. His nursing sessions have become more frequent and for longer. He's not staying full like he was before. I am so frustrated, and just plain sad.
I just don't know what to do.

[@llli*LLLEme]

In addition to the great advise and informtation you've already received, I have a few questions.

When do you have to return to work? How long will you be away from him?

[@llli*ashla]

I am returning to work the week of the 23rd. I work 8.5 hours, and drive .5 there and back, so it would be 9.5 hours in all M-F.

[@llli*lostmyid]

Originally Posted by @llli*mommal

Yes, absolutely!!!! It's called combination feeding, and it's an option that works for many moms.

Can you call different WIC offices and see if some offices offer different pumps? I think I've heard of mamas getting electric pumps through WIC. You might also want to contact your local LLL- there may be a mama who has a good pump that she's ready to part with. (Please note that for health reasons not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sharing pumps, particularly the kind that aren't "closed system" pumps.)

Also, I'm with the other mamas who mentioned that a) it's normal for your breasts to feel less full after you've been nursing for a while and b) that babies are better at removing milk from the breast than a pump is, and c) that pumping is a less effective gauge of your supply than diaper output.

can you check in to see if you qualify for wic to get a better/good pump?

also nursing more frequently can indicate baby is going through a growth spurt as well. not solely indicative of 'getting enough'. diaper output is really the best thing for that and I think you've established his output is a-okay.

[@llli*ashla]

I am going to check with the LLL in my area for a pump, plus check with a pharmacy here to see how much they rent them for or see if my insurance will cover it, I've read elsewhere that some insurances do.
I am so grateful for this site! All the support is awesome, and you all have been very helpful. I am going to keep nursing him, and let whatever happens happen.

Thank you all again!

[@llli*mama.mia]

Sounds like some moms have already touched on this, but just to concur that a soft, floppy breast does not equal no milk. I had times with my twins that I would nurse one baby while the other slept. Then, when the next baby woke up, of course my breasts were soft and floppy. I would put the next baby to the breast, anyway, and sure enough, she would start gulping. It would take longer to have a let down, but it would come.

Milk fed to a baby from a soft breast is higher in fat, since it is made as the baby nurses and thus hasn't been sitting around in the breast. So, not a completely bad thing!!

I like your mantra: "I am going to keep nursing him, and let whatever happens happen."