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I know your LC said not to pump after nursing, but honestly, I found that really helped me keep my supply up and when I'm not doing it, I notice my supply drops. I pump after every feeding still at 11 months! Also, how often is your LO feeding? Could you try offering more often to see if he'll eat more? That might help increase your supply as well.

Do you feel full ever? Are you sure it's not a latch or other issue? I would see a different lc just to see.

BUT...in the end, the most important thing is that LO is getting the nutrition needed. My LO was a 25-weeker and I did provide BM for a long time, but he needed thickened feedings so I added formula early on and mixed with milk. I went through a lot of my own heartache about it and not bfing, but in the end I realized that it wasn't the best thing for my LO and I worked hard to be okay with that. We still struggle with weight gain, but have made huge progress....

i know pumping after feeding is a lot of work, but as the pp said, i would pump after nursing too, to up your supply. demanding more milk from your breasts is the best way produce more!

also, then you could use the pumped milk to supplement from a bottle, which is awesome!

however, if your baby needs more milk, i wouldn't feel bad about giving him formula etc -- he will hopefully sleep better too, which will let you be more rested (again contributing to a better supply!). i have a chronic low supply and supplement with formula at each feed. it's a bit of a pain, but LO is still happy to both nurse and bottle feed. on super hungry days he is impatient for the bottle though, and i try to pump afterward to mimic the demand :).

you are doing a great job taking care of your sweet baby!! you are an awesome mom.

@Sweet T: so it sounds like you have two issues, bottle preference and the drop in supply.

Are you using a slow flow nipple and the paced feeding method? Kellymom has some great resources for bottle feeding in conjunction with nursing, I'll try and find the links for you!

With regards to the drop in supply, how many times a day were you nursing prior to the pedi appointment? Are you working and pumping? I think LLL recommends at least 6-8 sessions in a 24 hour period and if you can fit a night feed in between 12 and 5am that could really help your supply. Lots of skin to skin and taking a nursing vacation can also help and I second all the suggestions above!

The other thought I had was towards lip or tongue tie, has your LO been checked for either?

Hang in there, Mama - you're doing a fabulous job!!

Just remember that no matter what happens, as long as you are feeding your baby, however that happens, you are a great mom!

@Sweet T: I know what you mean about feeling like you're supposed to. DS2 is now on Elecare because it's easier to digest and I am having a hard time giving up on pumping because I felt like it was the only natural thing we had going for us. But @Mrs Green Grass: is right (she always is! ) in the end it's up to little man and what he needs. I'm still working to wean off the pump but I'm down to 3x a day and at least I have more time to spend with my boys. I think pro-BFing culture doesn't acknowledge the health issues preemies and other babies run into where formula can be the 100% best choice option.

Hugs.

@Sweet T: hm, i didn't realize that, but i'm pretty sure my BFF got a prescription for it in the fall from her doc.... weird.

just wanted to pop in and say, you have so much on your plate and i don't blame you for not having the time to pump on top of nursing LO and taking care of a toddler! you're doing a great job, so do what you need to feel like you gave it your all, but at the end of the day, take care of yourself and your LO however that works best for you!

@Sweet T: It took me awhile to be able to eat it. I eat it on salad and in tacos. I still can't eat it by itself, and I do cover it in salt, pepper, and cheese to make it taste good.

ETA: The only place I can find brewer's yeast is at Whole Foods and at the Liquor store. But I made lactation cookies without it and they worked just fine this past time.

@Sweet T: how do you feel about coconut oil? If you don't mind a mild coconut flavor it's something you can add very easily to a cup of coffee or a smoothie. The only other thought I had was full fat dairy, as long as your LO doesn't have issues with the proteins?
As an aside, it sounds like there's a little nipple confusion/preference going on with his latch. we had the best luck with brestflow bottles but I'm sure others could give more input on that matter if that's something you want to tackle.