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BFing vent. I'm so fed up with pumping.
In my 2 pumping sessions so far today (30-45 min each), I've gotten a total of 2.5oz. It's getting so time consuming and stressful that I'm actually considering partially weaning. I'm thinking about nursing first thing in the morning and evenings/nights. Would my supply keep up for those times? I don't want to wean completely. But even when I nurse him during the day on my home days and weekends, I can't satisfy him and have to give him a couple ounces in a bottle after nursing. I feel so guilty even thinking this, especially since Maya was EBF for over a year. I feel like I'm not giving him the same thing I gave her. Does anyone want to talk me down?? 
And how long do pumps typically last? I've used this one for a year with Maya and 6 months with Cameron.
Re: BFing vent. I'm so fed up with pumping.
I had exactly the same problem with both boys. I'm so sorry. You're doing a great job, and Cameron thanks you for the sacrifices!
You can have your pump tested. I called the LCs at Methodist and brought my pump in. It took about 5 minute to have the pressure tested. And they gave me a little pep talk and some other advice too, so it was definitely worth my time. Sadly, the pump was fine and the other advice didn't work, so the outcome didn't change.
I feel like I'm in the same boat. Since my little man was in NICU we had to go back and forth between breast and bottle SO much. I finally started doing just BFing a couple weeks ago and I feel like I can't keep up either. I'm so worried about going back to work in 2 weeks and having my supply drop even more. I thought I would BF until he was one.
I'm looking for advice too! HELP!
Also, those of you that BF and work - do you find it manageable? I'm so worried about being really tired since my babe is still getting up every 3 hours at night. I still want to be a good mommy, wife and teacher! I'm just worried about the sleep aspect.
You know more than I'll ever know about nursing but just in case it slipped your mind, you've replaced the little white flapper thingy's right? Could that be the cause? Lack of solid suction? I'm sure you already thought of that but wanted to throw it out just in case.
I think at this point you've really done a great job. If pumping is causing stress then I would probably stop too. Nursing in the morning and night means that at least he still gets antibodies, etc. I think there's absolutely no shame in supplementing. You've worked so hard. And don't worry about being even with both kids. It's just not going to happen. You can't possibly raise both the exact same way. It builds character.
kararae - I'm sorry you're struggling too. I EBF Maya and she was a horrible sleeper. She woke up every 2-3 hours for the first 9 months. I worked FT and I was definitely exhausted, especially since I'm the type of person that really needs a solid 8 hours of sleep to function well. I never pumped enough for her at work either, so I added a pumping session every night before bed just to keep up with her. That's something I haven't done with Cameron just because I don't have the energy by the end of the day. I just want to go to bed. Cameron is a little better sleeper. He was actually STTN, then stopped. It's gotten a little better lately, but I'm still tired.
Mrs.Reem - I last changed the membranes about 3 weeks ago, but I should probably change them again. Thanks for the reminder!
buzz- Maybe I will call and have them test it for me. I think you gave me that advice before, so thanks for reminding me of that.
Thanks so much ladies! This is so hard for me. Maya never got formula. I BF her for 15 months! I've been supplementing Cam since December, but it's just been about 3 bottles a week. But you're right, Angie, I know not everything can be equal.
I pump for so long because I'm waiting for my milk to let down. Sometimes it takes forever and sometimes it just never happens. And I've been told to pump for 15-20 after the last drop to increase supply. Last week I started pumping every 2 hours at work rather than every 3 hours, but this week that just wasn't possible with my schedule.
I gave up on pumping a couple of weeks ago b/c my supply dropped significantly. I now only nurse B in the morning before work and even then my boobs don't feel full or like there is anything in there at all. I don't pump anymore at work or at home, it was getting really stressful & frustrating when I would only get a couple of ounces in a 20 minute session. I was very sad about the whole situation but was happy I made it 5 months while working full time.
You have done awesome! Happy thoughts!
I dropped to supplementing a bottle a day around 6 months and starting at 9 months I nurse in the morning and at night. It's working for us so far. I intend to let him self wean at this point.
You're doing great! pumping is HARD work.
First of all - I think you should congratulate yourself for sticking as long as you have. Second thing,... are you drinking enough water? Do you eat enough? Do you have a lot of stress that you're dealing with? I have been told that they all impact your supply. I agree w/ everyone else, pumping is really hard. I have a lot of respect for moms who exclusively pump! My DD woke up to eat every 2-3 hrs until she was about 6 months, and I think those night nursing sessions really helped my supply. Good luck!
I started EP'ing when Zoey was 6 weeks and did it until she was 7 mos. It is so draining. I really found that power pumping (10 min on 10 min off for an hour) right before bed really helped. My supply tanked when she started STTN. Eventually I figured out that my last pump needed to be at 11pm and my am pump by 5. I also took Fenugreek, but I'm not completely convinced it helped a ton.
You're doing a great job, so don't beat yourself up. Once I decided to quit pumping I was so much happier, and felt like I enjoyed my time with Zoey rather than obsessing over my next pumping session. I'm by no means encouraging you to stop if you're not ready, you have to be at peace with your decision. Hoping you find a happy medium!