change of plans?!?!

i have been pumping a lot to increase and maintain my supply but i actually think that it is doing more harm than good for me.  i have been pumping three times a day (morning, afternoon and bedtime) but i am feeling that i would be better off to replace those pump sessions with nursing instead.  see, i pump and it is taking me longer to replenish my milk and if the opportunity arises that ryder wants to nurse he gets frustrated that i don't have as much milk or my "let down" takes longer and he is immediately disinterested (with good reason).

sooooo...i have decided that i am going to take a pumping break or maybe give it up for good (TBD) and replace it with breastfeeding.  he is getting bigger and older so i know it is not realistic for me to maintain my full supply, but if i can nurse for snacks and comfort i would be happy!  i tried this out over the weekend and it went really well.  i am hoping this is the happy medium for us both, while i can't be his sole nourishment anymore i want to give him the benefits of breast milk as long as possible.  also with him breastfeeding his saliva communicates with my body to tell me what nutrients,vitamins and antibodies he needs and also signals my body to produce for him, which is lacking when i pump.

my new plan of attack is off to a good start and i have my la leche league meeting next week where i hope i can get some support and reassurance.