Am I stealing DD's BM for later feeds

[splodge2001]

I am really confused. Have 6week DD who feeds all daytime. She started sleeping 9.30pm-3/4 am about 1 week ago. was so pleased about this happening i decided to try and reinforce that behaviour by trying to supplement with EBM at 9.30 and 3/4am feeds. Trouble is DD feeds all day leaving v little time for expressing, so am expressing whilst she feeds on other side or whilst she has a little kip - 20/30mins long generally. Now ive started this supplementation, I dont want to stop because i'll feel like shes getting less. But would she be getting less? By expressing am i just taking the milk she would be having during the day and 'saving it for later'? what im not clear about is how long it takes for milk to be made. If she falls asleep and i pump for 10mins and she wakes up when ive finished and wants a feed have i just nicked it??????

OP you've had lots of great advice so I'm only going to comment on the supply aspect of things.

We had a tough start and DS didn't feed from me as often as he should have during the first critical days - we didn't really establish him feeding fully from me until he was almost 3 weeks old. I struggled with supply - or at least I felt I did - so I know where you are coming from. The advice I had was to make sure that I was feeding and/or expressing at least once between midnight and 3am to take advantage of higher prolactin levels. I did this regularly for 2 weeks and my supply did really improve. Once I had fed through the 6 weeks growth spurt then everything sorted itself out.

What you are doing, giving the EBM during the night, is almost the opposite of what I was advised. If I was you then I would stop the EBM and go back to the switch feeding during the night as it will most likely be the surest way to increase your supply.

Thanks for all the suggestions - It definately feels like I'm playing catch up. Feel like the pump gets more out than she does. Instinct tells me its not quite right. I was planning - if not too tired to go to a baby cafe thing on Tues.

It's very kind of you samjamsmum to suggest someone specific in my area - I'm in central London - near Russell Sq. I saw LC last week, she showed me biological nursing which i tried unsuccesfuly one night - DD clamped down on me hard, so i shelved it.

If you phone the ABM helpline there is an ABM counsellor not far from you. Whoever answers the phone can direct you to her. Sounds like you need some new RL support.

thanks samjamsmum - will do