Supply and demand - a qus...

[Bearsbaby]

Hi Ladies. Just wanted to ask a question about breastmilk supply and demand.

I've been exclusively BF since my DD was born (apart from 3 days when I was told to stop coz of jaundice) and although she's slept through since 5 weeks old, I've stayed awake every night to pump at 2am ish and have produced more than I needed. I've been stockpiling this milk in the freezer and have loads. I've been back at work (just a few hours in the evening) since she was 3 weeks old and some of this EBM has covered her feed whilst I've been out. Thing is I'm rather worn out coz of the lack of sleep and working (aren't we all!) and would really like to take advantage of the fact that my DD does sleep through. So my question is this; can I drop that pumping session without it messing up my supply? If I do drop it, how long will it take for my body to realise that I don't want to pump at 2am anymore? AND; If I ever needed to feed/pump again during the night, will my body respond? WOuld ask my Dr but things often get lost in translation IYKWIM.

Another reason for dropping the session is because I'm planning to go back to see my family mid August for 3 weeks and can't risk leaving my supply in the freezer coz when there's a thunder storm here, it sometimes trips the electricity. Couldn't bear the thought of losing all that milk so I'd rather use it up beforehand.

I know there are a lot of BF experts amongst us, and I'd really value some good advice.

Thanks,

 

[thelilbump]

I really don't think there's any need for you to pump at that time of the morning. Missing one session like that shouldn't make much of a difference. you may be a bit engorged/leaky for the first few days but you'll calm down.

 

[mrs shine]

I think you'll be able to drop that session without any problems. My LO went from waking 2 or 3 times a night to sleeping through til 5 pretty much overnight and my breasts were fine. I think we're now at the stage were our breasts produce on demand.
My man seems to be having a bit of a growth spurt now and waking more in the night and my boobs seem to be adapting ok.

 

[mommyof3co]

Your body will adapt, I would just drop the pumping, you might find your a bit sore n the morning for a few days or so until your body starts to realize that you no longer need that feed, but it will adjust.