Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!

[lyndsy_p]

Thanks Erin..I'll probably be in the same boat as you

[kris dg]

Kzener - i know what you mean about stressing out on pumping enough for feed, then to mjix with cereal then in our case, to mix with powdered zantac for reflux.  It's like I have to pump another 7 oz a day for the extras.  So I decided I will use formula for the cereal now.  And of course, I just realized the other day that I don't know how to make formula!  Hahaha.

[lyndsy_p]

You can mix cereal with water Kris, as long as your LO is getting enough milk in her bottles, or via boobie.

[kris dg]

oh wow, thanks lyndsy_p!!  that relieves me of so much pressure.

[lyndsy_p]

no probs!

[momnew]

Hey guys, sorry that I haven't expressed my thanks for all the feedback a couple posts ago! I am just starting my second full week back at work and it has been HECTIC. This week is better than the last week and I know that it will keep getting better.

Do you ever feel like once you've got something down pat that you start stressing out about something else? I was reading the last post and I am starting to worry about having enough milk for cereal and such now. Plus I am going on a trip for a week in May and am worried about supply then. I have 210oz in the freezer now. So I hope that all will be well with that.

I'll get through it, I think I just need to take Kzener's feedback and just be consistent. Thanks for all the encouraging words. I learn from everything that you guys are going through.

Now...back to work. Have a great day!

[MJMom]

Just for your reality check....  I've somehow been living with a freezer stash of never more than 64 oz and sometimes as low as 21.  It has all seemed to work out with having enough for food and milk for cereal even though I feel like I'm always fighting to keep my supply up.  So, believe me.  If I can do it, you can do it.  And I only average 2-4 oz a pump session!!! 
Can you pump on your trip as well?  That will help not only replenish your freezer stash, but to keep your supply up. 

And May is still 4-5 months away.  Just breathe, and enjoy this beautiful time with your LO!

[Bryony]

I've only got about 30 oz in the freezer at any one time as well - what is more worrying is that the freezer seems to be on the blink and so I am constantly monitoring the temperature in there with a plan to ship it all to my neighbour's if the freezer fails. Arrghh!!

Bryony

[momnew]

That does make me feel a little bit better. I will be pumping while I'm there, but it will have to be around meeting times, etc.

I'll get through it. I think that I just like to worry. My new goal is to not worry about things and to just enjoy it, like you said.

[marcimommy]

Momnew - it will get easier with the time! I remember having anxiety attacks every day! LOL I used to worry about everything. But now I have more confidence and can relax much better! 

[liacarmen]

You could even skip the cereal all together! A pumping mom I know at work did and all worked out just fine. We're getting ready for food and I think I'm going to skip it. I just can hardly bear to look at that dumb pump when I'm not at work, and I only pump enough for feeds when I'm there.

[~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~]

You don't need to put EBM in the cereal - you can always mix it with either water or fruit too!!  It is important for BFed babies to get that iron   Just a thought 

[Bryony]

For cereal, I use a breast shell on the "other" boob when I give Katie her 7am BF. I get about an oz leaking out which I catch in the breast shell. That is enough for her cereal that morning...  and on days when I forget or don't manage to catch the leakage    then I use orange juice, cows milk or she has it dry...

B

[jmaef]

Like some of you, I have found that I look forward to going to work, while it is hard to leave my DD somedays, I love what I do and it is helpful that I only work 5 hours 4 days a week.  I appreciated the post about how much milk she needs, it confirmed for me what I thought that she is getting enough, even though she seems to want to keep sucking after she finished her bottle.  Will give me good info to make my point if daycare brings up the question again.   My challenge is that my DD is at the stage where she loves cooing, looking and smiling at mommy making the morning feeding session a challenge.  I have tried everything, quiet dark room, covering her head (she just manages to move the cover so she can see me.)  I wonder if she really is getting a full feed some days, because we have to leave and she has not nursed for long. 

[lyndsy_p]

How old is your LO and how long does she nurse for?