To Pump or Not to Pump?

After inquiring about the importance of breast milk to Shannon's health at this moment in time, the immunologist at Sick Kid's basically said that it would make as much difference to her as it would to a normally healthy child. In other words, he wasn't concerned about the impact to her well-being. Shannon has t-cell impairment, but all that means is that her t-cells aren't matured enough before being sent off into her bloodstream to fight infections. It's a condition that she will grow out of eventually (it could take up to a decade!), but it's not like her entire immune system is compromised until that time. According to this immunologist, she has plenty of t-cells in her blood, but they're not sure how they work, which is why we had the appointment in Toronto today.

Now all I have to figure out is if I want to keep pumping (something I find to be a tremendous pain in the ass) or not (which would be a hell of a lot easier with the number of appointments she has). It's a decision that only I can make...convenience versus antibodies. But it does help to know that it would affect her the same as it would a healthy baby who was being switched to formula for whatever reason.

It still doesn't make the decision any easier...

UPDATE: I've decided to stop pumping. It seems shallow to take convenience over what's best for Shannon, but pumping and the amount of breast milk I do get is something I agonize over. And quite frankly, if I can eliminate at least one of the variables that depresses me, it will be better for me in the long run and I can be a better mother to my little girl.