Do I Still Need To Pump?

[amidsummernightsdream]

I have a 3 month old I am mixed feeding due to issues I had around the 6 week mark, which I got some great advice on here for and made the decision to top up feeds with formula.

It’s worked really well for us. I estimate my little girl gets a quarter to a third of her daily requirement from me and the rest from formula. She feeds from me first before every feed day and night.

At the time I was advised by an NHS lactation consultant to pump at least once a day and to try for twice to keep my supply up after introducing formula.
I’ve been doing that for the last 6 weeks and it occurred to me, do I still need to be doing this?

I really loath pumping, so would prefer to drop it if possible but what effect would this have on my overall supply if any?

Although she doesn’t get loads from me, I’m really happy with how things are and wouldn’t want that to drop further.

If it makes a difference, I pump once a day in the evening for 20 mins each side and get between 20-30ml a time, so not a lot! I usually store this for a couple of days and give to her as part of a feed. I don’t mind losing this though, it’s the other feeds I want to continue with.

Any insight/ advice would be most welcome. Thank you!

I honestly don't know but a BFC will be able to tell you. Have you got the BFing Helpline numbers?

Could I ask what the reason was for top ups etc in the first place, as this would help me advise? Is your baby's latch etc fine? If you stopped expressing, your supply would settle down to the amounts your baby is taking directly from the breast, without the extra few mls you get from pumping, as it works on a supply and demand basis. I take it you give the expressed milk to your baby? She would obviously stop having that, but if she's feeding from you first anyway at each feed, she will be getting lots of breastmilk still! If you loathe pumping, it doesn't sound like you need to continue. It's advised in the early weeks while your supply is being established, but at 3 months, your supply should be well established now.