Name: Angela

Toronto, CAN

Number of kids: 1

Ages of kids: 7.5 months old

Problem: My 7.5 month old son doesn't seem to drink much breast milk. I am going back to work shortly and would like to continue breastfeeding. He will only take 4-5 oz of breast milk from a bottle. When i pump my milk all i seem to get is 21/2-3 oz at one time and that is before he has eaten. How will i have enough milk to feed him when i go back to work and is he drinking enough? He is currently eating 3 meals of solids a day he seems to be breastfeeding about 5 times per day.

Solution submitted by Tami from Racine, WI: In response to your problem, you didn't mention if your child is completely breast or bottle fed. However, as long as your child is wetting his/her diaper approximately 8 times per day, you can feel confident that they are getting enough breast milk.

I too had the misfortune of returning to work while breast- feeding, however due to my schedule I had to pump and ended up giving my daughter Playtex nursers. Well of course she liked that much more than the breast! Hence, I religiously pumped every 2.5 hours/day for 11 months! Yes, it was a bit overbearing at times, however I knew I was doing the best I could for my daughter even when I wasn't with her. She too started taking solids at approximately 4 months of age and was eating table food by the time she was 9-10 mos. Her intake of breast milk was approximately 28-32 oz./day, which according to my pediatrician was in more than acceptable range.

Keep doing what you're doing. Remember--the more you pump the more you produce. Don't be discouraged if on some days you only pump 2-4 oz. per sitting. Completely empty your breasts! And, of course, continue eating the best nutritionally diet you can! What you eat so does baby! I was fortunate also in that my employer was 100% supportive of my choice. After awhile you can get it mastered to only 15 min. every 2.5-3.0 hours! (a cigarette break for some!). It'll all work out in the end. You can do it!--just remember to listen to your child. He/she will let you know when they've had enough to eat--both breast milk and solids. Good luck and please keep me informed!

Another solution submitted by "Grace" from Elkton, MD: Hi there! Sounds like your son is getting a lot of solids. I wouldn't be concerned about his nutrition. Just make sure you allow him unlimited access to the breast while you are home. Otherwise, he may wean prematurely or your supply may diminish. Nursing is such a sweet bond, and both of you will benefit from a continuing especially since you have re-entered the work force. You may not express as much as your son can suck, so don't be discouraged by the small amount you are getting.

Another solution submitted by "Vicki" from San Jose, CA: Maybe your child is weaning himself. If he's eating that much solid food, he's likely to not need more breast milk than he is getting. After all, that's pretty nutritious stuff.

Also, maybe he is in a leveling-off period of growth. That always boggled my mind with my baby. One week she couldn't get enough, the next she seemed almost indifferent to food.

As my pediatrician says, as long as he's thriving, there is no reason for concern. Children tend to know what their bodies need.