Hi, I'm new to this thread and have a couple of questions about missing feeds/pumping.
DS currently just has a bf when he wakes in the morning, and then at BT, although I'll offer another 1/2 during the day if he's ill (especially upset stomach) and not eating/drinking much. From time to time, if I've had to miss the BT feed for whatever reason, I've pumped on my return home, and kept that in the freezer ready for the next time I miss one. However, I'm finding that I just can't pump very much any more, and I'm not sure if it's a supply issue or just that I struggle to get let-down with the pump? I used to be able to pump a full feed, but now I can only seem to get let-down if I'm simultaneously bf-ing DS from the other side, and even then I can't get more than 1oz at a time.
I now have a new weekly commitment which will mean missing the BT feed, so I'm wondering if it's still worth pumping for stimulation on those nights, even if I'm not getting anything? For those nights, I'm having to pump on 3-4 mornings a week (with DS's help!) to put in the cup which DH gives him at BT. He's not a fan of cow's milk and has never had formula so I don't see the point in offering that instead. So he only gets 3-4oz from the cup, but doesn't seem to need/want any more, so I'm assuming that's about the amount he's getting from me nowadays? But if I'm not pumping on those nights, will that affect my supply?
Also, I'm thinking of weaning the morning feed at some time before he turns 2, (only because at the moment there's not enough time for him to have that bf and a proper breakfast before going to his childminder 3 days per week, and we can't get him up any earlier because then his nap would be too late), so that would just leave the BT feed. I don't think I'd be able to pump at the BT feed as he's just too distracted by the pump and he needs to wind down and relax at that time! So then if I'm not pumping in the morning then I won't have any milk for him in the evening if I have to miss BT... And, on those nights, it could be 48h between feeds, iyswim? Would you suggest that I pump for stimulation on those nights, even if I still get nothing? I'm just hoping that by that time, he'll be happy with a BT snack/water/cow's milk, when I'm not around...
Also, a bit unconnected, but has anyone else experienced migraines around the start of your cycles for a few months after dropping feeds? That was my mum's theory for why I had a few after dropping the last daytime feed, is that quite common?
