Breastfeeding only at night

[decembersmom]

Hello, I currently pump for my 8 month old daughter while at work, and its getting harder and harder to do it...now what I'm wondering is if I stop pumping and formula feed her while I'm at work can I still breastfeed her during the evening and early morning or will my supply just stop all together?
Thank you for your time.

Veronica

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

Hi Veronica! If you continue to regularly nurse in the evening and at night, your supply should adjust to provide milk for her at those times, although you may find that production decreases over time.

What about the pumping is getting more difficult? Perhaps I can offer you some suggestions. I know that pumping at work is very difficult and time-consuming! Any way you can keep at it for just a couple more months, so that you don't have to bother with the formula?

If you decide that it's just no longer an option, then certainly many women are able to successfully combi-feed, giving formula during the day and breastfeed in the evenings. I would recommend that you consider exclusively breastfeeding her on weekends (avoid bottles) which will help your supply rebound somewhat from any dips during the week.

[decembersmom]

Whats getting more difficult is both the pumping and doing it at work...when I pump I only get 2 oz and lately I have been pumping only 1-1 1/2 oz and my daughter drinks a 6 ounce bottle in a matter of seconds. If I do combi-feed I definitely will only breastfeed on the weekends but will there be enough milk for her?

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

As long as you keep an eye to make sure she's having enough wet and poopy diapers, and complement her diet with solid foods (I assume she is taking solids, yes?) and water, you should be able to meet her needs on weekends through breastfeeding.

I completely understand the desire to HUTH (hang up the horns)! Just remember that any amount of breastmilk she gets is good for her, even if it's just a few ounces!

[decembersmom]

Thank you very much and I hope you have a great weekend.