This isn't about low supply, not quite the opposite either... more like confused supply.
I'm 6 weeks into our tandem feeding journey. My supply has mostly settled.
DD2 currently feeds like a newborn. Frequently, day and night - I don't really watch the clock but around every 2-3hrs.
DD1 is almost 3 and has one HUGE feed before bed, both sides (around 6pm). The reason I am acutely aware of how big it is is that she has one night with her dad each week where she obviously misses her feed and I am left so painfully engorged. This leads to a pretty unsettled night with DD2 who struggles to attach and then practically drowns in the forceful letdown. She is also then left gassy and windy. I try to hand express off some before bed but it is a problem every single feed that night, we are co-sleeping so I don't really get up to feed but on these nights I have to otherwise it is just a huge battle... I am lazy but my main concern is the discomfort DD2 is obviously experiencing. Will my supply ever get the message that 6 days of the week I need x amount but every Saturday only y amount? It probably doesn't help that as soon as DD1 gets back Sunday morning (10am), I have her feed from both sides as they are still extremely engorged and causing issues for the newborn. Should I stop that feed to help train my supply or is it a losing battle considering it is only one day out of seven? If cutting that feed would help then I imagine maintaining that feed would have a similar affect anyway of notifying my supply I only need the milk 16hrs later?
The other option I've considered is expressing that entire feed that night but I don't really need a freezer stock of milk -- DD1 has never had a bottle in her 3yrs and I have 3yrs off with DD2 so don't forsee any requirement for her to have one either. I have also thought about donating but when looking into it with DD1, she was deemed 'too old' by that point so not sure how that works when you are tandem feeding? Is it the younger child's age that is considered as they are the one driving the process or does DD1 still feeding affect that? If that isn't an option than I guess I could use it for DD1's cereal or give it to her as a drink etc.
I will say that I do not want to actively wean DD1 as I feel she is still benefitting from breastmilk and the special one on one time at the end of the day is nice for both of us. I also feel she is getting close to weaning of her own accord and after putting in all this time, I don't want to quit this close to the finishing line if that makes sense.
I hate to tell you that it will to some extent but not completely. When I went back to work my DS would have many more feeds on the weekends than during the week - and Mondays were always rather engorged and messy.
If it helps your DD2 attach then it's no disgrace to express until mostly empty and just throw it away - there appears to be plenty available.
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Supply Issue
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