Background: Elise is about 4.5 months. She's been waking 4-5x/night for the last few weeks to nurse. I work full-time and pump 4x/day the days I work (8:30 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM, 10 PM). I nurse her before work, at lunch, after work, before bed, and throughout the night on the days I work. I nurse her exclusively on the weekends, but I still pump before I go to bed to build up my stash a little.

So, she's been waking lots in the night. And then today...

I went home for lunch, and Elise had eaten EVERYTHING I pumped that I thought would last at least all day, if not also part of tomorrow. ARGH! The nanny even had to break out formula!!!

So, to break it down, she nursed for an hour before bed, and then 4x through out the night. Then nursed at 8 AM. Then 8 oz of EBM at 9:30. Then 6 oz of EBM + 3 oz formula at 11:15. Then nursed a bit around 12:45 (but I think just because I offered it).

Before bed, E nurses constantly. She kept screaming at me last night. I just assumed she was tired and cranky, but maybe she was hungry?

I'm not engorged/full-feeling in the AM like I used to be, but I kinda figured it was because she was nursing more during the night. Hmph. I'm also not pumping as much as I used to, about 3 oz 4x/day is all I can get. So 12 oz day, which is apparently not enough for the 2-4 feedings/day I'm away from her during the week.

I know, I know, drink more water, but I already drink 4 liters/day. I know, I know, eat oatmeal, but I've been eating it for breakfast daily. Is it time to break out the fenugreek?

I'll probably regret ever saying these words, but perhaps I can just nurse her when I'm home? She'd still be nursing in the AM, at lunch, after work, before bed, and during the night. So at least 4 sessions, but more like 6-8. And then all day on the weekends. I wouldn't be heartbroken to put away the pump. OTOH, I know it's good give her at least the 12 oz while I'm gone. OTOH, I feel like if I'm not fully providing for her, then give myself a break and not torture myself with trying to pump.

I'll probably change my mind, but right now, I'm tired (from her constant waking), overwhelmed at my old job (last week), anticipating my new job, and feeling like I just can't possibly do it all.

Whatcha think? Advice on helping my supply, determining if she's really not getting enough to eat, working out a schedule that works for both of us, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Amy

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