I had similar issues with my DD bf and so mostly expressed. I was told by my midwife that although it was still great to do, it's not sustainable, because eventually ur supply starts to dwindle because ur breasts aren't being stimulated by the baby's suckling
It is certainly do-able, but as mentioned, it is loads more work. It makes leaving the house fairly difficult, in the beginning. Supply can suffer sometimes, the pump is not always as efficient as bub at drawing milk from the breast. And HotI mentioned the antibodies and less sterility (although on both counts, there are still benefits that you don't get with formula).
I've formula fed, and breastfed and EE for 14 months. If I had my time over I would have persisted longer with bfing. Having said that, I know when I made the decision to stop trying to bf and EE instead, I was at the end of my rope.
I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do
You are doing a fantastic job to still provide breastmilk to your lo - great work. I don't think though that there would be anything about the quality etc of the milk that would cause your DS problems if that's what you're asking. Sometimes babies that have a food sensitivity can react to it through breastmilk - that would be the most likely cause if it is something in the milk. The only way to really know is to go on an elimination diet to see if things improve. All the best with it hun.
I second MantaRay's words - you are doing a great job. I couldn't work out from your ticker how old your baby is now? Is he 7 mnths? Keep in mind that nearly every breastfeeding problem can be overcome. Are you seeing an LC? The biggest problem with feeding expressed milk is that many women find it difficult to keep up their supply by pumping - it's not the same as having the baby on the breast. So sometimes women find that their feeding/expressing experience ends sooner than they planned and they are left feeling disappointed and regretful. for my money, it's double handling - you have to get it out and then back in. it's time consuming, especially when you have another little one to care for. But if problems are insurmountable it is a great way to go - and better than the alternatives. I just feel it would be worth pursuing the cause of your current difficulties with feeding and getting some help to sort it out - feel free to post here or pm me.
Sorry if my post was a bit abrupt and disjointed yesterday, there were a few things going on here but i thought your question was an interesting one and wanted to post.
I didn't get to write that i admire those that choose to continue expressing for their baby when they have breastfeeding difficulties. I would hope that i could keep it up, but i know it would be a lot harder than direct breastfeeding.
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