breastfeeding toddler and milk supply

[marscapone]

I am breastfeeding my 16 month old morning and night. I went back to work bout 2 months ago and he's refused any other milk during the day (tried cows milk, goats milk, diff types of formula, tried cups and bottles). I'm not too worried about it as he's still having breastmilk morning and night. My question is about my milk supply. It seems fine for twice daily feeds. But my son sometimes asks for milk during the day - at the weekend, or even on weekday on the day(s) I finish a bit earlier and see him before he has dinner. I have been refusing as I'm worried I won't have enough for the evening feed. I've been offering him food and water instead. But I'm wondering what would happen to my milk supply if I did feed him sometimes in the day when he asked for it? I know that in the early months it's all supply and demand, but is it the same now?

I feel a bit bad refusing as he's always been fed on demand and after spending so long teaching him sign language for milk I now ignore him when he asks

Thanks for any advice

[Fuschia]

Feeding him in the day won't reduce the milk in the evening

By now your body produces it just when it's demanded

[GinaG3]

As said above your body gives in to babies (or toddlers) demands.

I'm feeding at 22 months. DD is on breast anything from 10-15+ times a day. I'd imagine 5-6 of these are feeds, and the other times are comfort. Whenever she wants milk its there, even if she doesn't want it. Sometimes she may even want to feed only 2 times a day then maybe 7 times the next day. Our erratic pattern doesn't cause any problems with milk supply. In the newborn stages I didn't have that a over generous milk supply yet we are still going strong, the body will cater to your child.

[Saffron]

Yes, totally agree with Fuschia and GG3 :-) If he's asking to nurse, he may be asking for comfort as much as milk. (and bravo on the sign language!) xx