Hellobee Boards

Probably not what you want to hear but, when I pump just twice a day instead of 3x, I do not get 3 pumps worth of milk. I still just get the normal amount I would get in 2 pumps, maybe a little more. I wish it worked differently.

@pregnantbee: How much does your LO drink?

My LO takes 15 oz. during the work day at 9 months (and has been drinking that amount for about 3 months). I was able to cut back from 3 to 2 pumps a day at work. At first there was a dip in my supply and I would either make up for it with my pump before bed or use some of my frozen stash to come up with the full amount. I made sure to drink enough water, took some More Milk Plus, and I eat oatmeal every morning for breakfast and I now pump about 8-10 oz. during the first session (between 11:30/12:30) and 5 oz. during my later session (3:30/4). I keep my before bed pump and I've been able to have a little more to add to other bottles.

Not in your exact situation, but everything I've read would indicate that would lead to a decrease in supply

I had coworkers who, towards the end of the 1 year mark, dropped a pumping session and either substituted formula or dipped into their freezer stash...

@pregnantbee when LO was still eating 18-20oz a day, i pumped 3x during the day. i think it was around 7 or 8 months that she started getting more solids and decreased her milk a bit.

@pregnantbee: Not selfish at all!! Pumping at work is so hard. I did it for the 2 months I worked, and it was really difficult. I commend you for making it this far!

@pregnantbee: I was just about to post the same thing! Although, DD is only 4.5 months, and I have only been back at work for a week. We have an online reservation system for our mothers' rooms, and I noticed that I was the only one pumping 3x per day (at 10, 1, and 4 just like you). DD is currently taking 3 4.5-ounce bottles while I'm away, and nursing twice in the morning (4am and 7am) and once at night. So, I need to pump 13.5 ounces per day, and I was getting exactly that amount with 3 pump sessions during the workday.

I have a little extra in the fridge right now, so decided today to try only 2 pump sessions. I just pumped at 11:00 instead of 10, and was able to get 7 ounces (usually I get 6 at the first pump, then 4, then 3.5). I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get the 6.5 ounces I need at my 2nd pump, but I can pump tonight before I go to bed to make up for it.

I was hoping that 2 sessions during the day would be enough without having to add a night pumping, but I don't think that will work. Since you are already pumping at night, I don't know that you'd be able to make it work either

Let me know if you have any success with it!

You could try dropping one, but increasing the time on the other two. Total minutes are more important than number of pumps.

I think it also depends on your "max" capacity.

Also, your capacity probably won't immediately drop. You could probably go back to the 3 if it doesn't look like it's working. (But there is always a risk.)

@pregnantbee: You're right, it does depend on our individual supply. Just to update you, I only pumped twice today instead of 3 times, and was only able to get 11 oz total (usually I get 13.5 oz). So, I'll be pumping tonight so I don't have to dip into my freezer supply. Wish I could pump more, but I'm already taking fenugreek and drinking tons of water!