11 month old down to two feedings?

by Rachel
(Edmonton, Ab, Canada)

My son is 11 months old and is still breastfeeding. I am in nursing school full time and am pumping on my breaks. I would like to start weaning him down to a morning feeding and a bedtime feeding as it is very difficult to find time and places to pump during the day. I can pump once per day during the day which gives me about 8oz.... can I mix the breastmilk with whole milk and spread it into two or three feedings? I am not sure what is the best way to go about this. Is it too early to introduce whole milk? I really do not want to use formula. Is three feedings of bm per day enough for him that i would not need any supplements? I would keep pumping, but my clinical schedule does not give me enough time or breaks to maintain my supply! Thanks for your help!
Rachel

Answer from the lactation consultant

That is a busy schedule to try to maintain a supply. Have you considered reverse cycling? Or pumping every 2-3 hours in the evening and through the night to gather enough milk to make it through the day? That is an option.
Or you can wean down and supplement for what you don't have. Cow's milk is not suggested until 12 months due to the cows milk protein. Some doctors will ok starting it a bit early but I do not suggest it. I would go with goats milk or an organic formula if necessary. He still needs the protein and vitamins from your breastmilk or a formula at this age.
Ask your pediatrician how many ounces of milk (whatever source) he should be getting a day. They will figure it by his weight and current development. That way you can gauge if what you are making is sufficient OR if you will need to supplement some.
Keep searching for a do-able routine, it will happen if you just keep trying! I am proud of you.

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC


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