Thanks ladies. It's not so much the ability to express as the time. Toddler-wrangling, 2-hourly feeds and a bub that's not a huge fan of naps means that there's few moments in the day that I can sit and express. I actually haven't tried to express this time round but last time found that my boobs stopped responding to the pump (had a borrowed elec medela and own a hand pump) and had to hand-express. This works fine but takes me aaaages!

He does seem to last a little longer when I'm away. It's more about peace of mind I guess. Knowing that I'm leaving DH with something to give him in case he really gets desperate. I won't be able to relax if I think DS could be at home crying for a feed.

I'm feeling utterly drained and touched-out and am desperate to just get my body to myself for a few hours. My mother's group have monthly dinners and I'd love to go to one, but it's at the time when DS usually cluster-feeds so it's looking like a no-go unless I take him with me and feed as I try to eat and socialise (less than relaxing), or get enough expressed milk to keep him going.

I feel very guilty saying that I want to get out. With DD I didn't want her away from me for more than 5 minutes. I do, of course, adore being with them both. Just got some seriously flat Mummy-batteries and need a re-charge. Sounds like formula is not the way for us though.

Thanks again for your replies.