Expert: Bridgette Wagner - 5/16/2006

Question
I HAVE A 10 1/2 MONTH OLD BABY BOY, I STAYED HOME FOR 6 MONTHS
AND RETURNED TO WORK JANUARY 2006. HIS LAST FEEDING IS AROUND
5:OO OR 6:00AM BEFORE I LEAVE TO WORK. I WAS PRODUCING PLENTY
MILK, I WOULD PUMP AT 10:30AM AND 2:30PM 1 BOTTLE OF A 10 TO 12 OUNCE OF MILK. SHOULD I PUMP MORE OFTEN? 3 TIMES A DAY RATHER
THAN 2 TIMES A DAY? I DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND EAT RIGHT.
DOES PUMPING DECREASE MILK SUPPLY? DO YOU RECOMMEND I TAKE AND
HERB OR DRINK A TEA? I NOW BRING HOME 1 BOTTLE OF 6 TO 7 OUNCES OF MILK. HE EATS WELL DURING THE DAY.IS THIS ENOUGH MILK FOR HIM? AT NIGHT HE WANTS MORE MILK.

Answer
Hi Vivian,

 I have to say -- being able to pump one bottle of 10-12 oz. of milk is fantastic!!  Even just feeding your baby a 3-4 oz. bottle at a time is plenty.  I would say that the 12 oz. is more than enough for a 10 1/2 month old to take for the whole day.  Is he eating plenty of solids as well?  As long as he is eating along w/ nursing at this age it is okay for him to have decreased nursing sessions.

 To me it seems like you have an awesome milk supply -- I could only pump 4-5 oz. in a session and that's after pumping both breasts for 15-20 mins!  I'd take your large milk supply as a blessing -- don't see ANY reason why you'd need supplements.  No pumping actually INCREASES milk supply, doesn't decrease.  The more you nurse, the more your supply increases.  The pump works the same way although it isn't quite as efficient as the actual suckling on the breast is.  

 Many times when the mother is gone all day the nursling will want to nurse more in the evenings.  It could possibly be because he is hungry -- but also could very possibly be because he missed you all day and wants the comfort.  Just nurse him on demand -- whether for comfort or food.

 Hope that helps!

       Bridgette W.