pumping nursing question

[melimeli]

Do I have to pump or nurse at night?  I have enough stored milk to feed during the night and just want to sleep and not nurse or pump but will that hurt my supply?  tahnks

[mlb1234]

She should get better at latching as she gets bigger.  My daughter was only 6lbs5oz and had problems at first too (especially with my left side - guess that one is a little flatter or something).  It was a big process every time for the first month or so to feed her (also because she is my first child and I didn't know what I was doing and was stressing).  But then one day everything clicked and I can't even tell you when that was it happened so easily.  Whatever you can do is great, bottles or nursing.  Keep up the great work!  Hope you catch some ZZZ's!!!

[melimeli]

thanks all.. I do feed her bottles at night and try to pump... It is still kind of hard for her to get latched I use a nipple shield so it is a bit of a process for the night time... just was hoping to bottle feed and not pump also at night to cut down on my time awake... I guess I will just see what happens...

[mlb1234]

I think it is best to pump or nurse at night.  I am the same as kellym - get very full overnight to where it is uncomfortable if I don't do something about it (not to mention the times I have woken up with a milk soaked chest, not the most sexy thing for dh to see!!).  
Just thought I would also add that the nighttime feedings for me have gotten to be super nice - she eats quite fast (10 min or so) then I rock her for a few minutes and plunk her back in bed.  She goes right back to sleep (it took a couple months to get to this point though).  I actually LOVE those feedings since she looks so darn cute - she never even opens her eyes at night.  She is as sweet as can be during the night and I have to resist smothering her in kisses!!  Plus I love watching her sleep. :o)
It will get easier as she gets bigger but I agree - a full nights sleep sounds like heaven to me.  I haven't had one since about last October!!  I don't think it will really hurt your supply though - your body will adjust to it.  Plus if you do think it is hurting your supply just start nursing more and it will come back.  Best of luck with your little cutie pie - LOVE her hair and cute little face!!!

[kellym]

I think it's a supply & demand process. I'm sure your body will get used to it.  I hear you on the not nursing at night but my booooobs are huge if I don't nurse at night. Also, I would use some form of birth control.  If you're not nursing frequently, like giving up night feedings your body may cue you to ovulate :)  Just a thought.