pumping schedule and supply

[sums2279]

hi all,
ds is currently 10 weeks old and i have been back to work for 3 weeks. i try to pump about 3 times a day, but sometimes (based on workload), i can only pump twice a day. i average about 10-12 ozs each time i pump, and sometimes will pump on my way to or from work in the car. i try not to go more than 4 hours without pumping, as ds eats every 3 hours so i try to stay on his schedule.

my question is, if i am producing enough to feed him (with a little extra) for the next day and don't see a drop in my production, is pumping only twice a day a bad thing? will my supply drop? i nurse him after i get home and during the night, so he is not preferring a bottle to me. just wondering if i am pumping enough. i can't imagine adding another pumping session, i would get absolutely no work done during the day!

[KerryS]

Yes, your supply will drop if you drop down to twice a day. It may not be obvious at first, but after a week or two you will probably notice a decrease. I think the schedule you have now is a good one.

[Prettyskittle82]

I think it will eventually drop too... I pump in the morning before I leave. You are pumping a lot of milk though, so maybe a drop won't hurt too bad depending on how much your baby eats. I only pump about 12-16 ounces total from 3 pumping sessions at work, but my baby (9 weeks) only takes 8-12 ounces while I'm gone.