Questions/Issues when your baby is older than 2 mos

[JUST1]

There is a great wealth of info available when my DS was younger, but I didn't have issues. I used leave to stay home until my son was 3 mo. Now I am having issues. To start I work at a hospital, so pumping sessions are limited (very limited). I manage to do it maybe twice but every 4 hours. But working I could pump 5-8 oz in 15-20 mins (at home). At work I only get 3 oz with a double pump. My son was born 3 wks early at 5.1 but now weighs 14. He is gaining weigh but I'm afraid one day it will catch up with both of us. I also work 2nd/3rd shift and I only nurse him maybe 3 times. He is always sleeping and I don't know when he eats enough to keep thriving. Another thing my sis bottlefeeding he 2 mo old and he takes the 8/9 oz bottles. I still feed my DS from lil bottles, he only eats maybe 3-4 oz. When will I knew if he needs more in one sitting if I'm working. To make it short, i regret going back to work, but I like being able to support my DS too.

Okay one more how long should I pump? I never see my breast drain empty even when I go for 25 mins at work (I do letdown). My breastless husband says it supply and demand, but since I've been back at work I think my baby is starving when I try to nurse him.

[JUST1]

Sorry here's another, how many diapers should I look for? 3mo, 14 pound. Bigger diapers hold more, I can't count accurately.

[whitnessforhim]

Nursing is the most efficient way to maintain your supply. Pumping just isn't the same. I would do what you can to make sure you nurse your baby as much as possible and I would do everything you can to pump more. You need to be pumping every 2-3 hrs while you are away from baby or at least be pumping at the times you know your baby will be eating. This will help to maintain your supply. Your husband is right that this is supply and demand and if you are not emptying the breast efficiently and often enough your supply will suffer over time. I work full-time and had to pump 3x's a day for 15mins at a time. That was enough to supply what DD needed.

Keep in mind that breastmilk is nothing like formula. The average breastfed baby only drinks 3-4oz of milk at a time. My DD drank 2-3oz at a time mostly. 8-9oz would be WAY over feeding. It sounds like you are feeding just the right amount to your DS.

You should see 4-5 sopping wet diapers a day.