u/Frequent-Grocery6639

I Recently had my first baby and we had a rough start with a long hospital stay.
Unfortunately the help that I thought would be there from my own family isn’t and so we’ve had to rely on my partners family. His sister has been great - coming over to watch the baby so we can get some rest as we really needed it because we were so exhausted from our 8 week stay in Nicu, she has often stayed overnight to help with the baby which I really appreciate.
I am doing my best to only have her over when the we are desperate as I have a feeling it’s not a good idea to accept too much ongoing help from her even though she offers it freely. In an ideal world, I wouldn’t have accepted all the help she’s give so far but as I say my family really let me down at such a crucial time. However, I just get a vibe that all her help will be unreasonably thrown back in my face one day. I will of course help her in future as I truly am grateful but my spider senses say I should repay what I can now.
One thing I thought of was to buy her dinner every now and again when she’s over. I am on maternity leave so limited in money and time but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas of little things I can do to not feel quite so indebted to her.

I am currently combo feeding my 4 month old about 60% breast (directly and expressed) and 40% formula.
We’ve had a really rough breastfeeding journey which I won’t go into but it’s really taken its toll on me. I also don’t have the help I thought I would have from family so I’m just needing a break from pumping and struggling to breastfeed him everyday.
What is the minimum amount of feeds/ pumping I can get away with in a day and still maintain a supply. It doesn’t have to be a full supply so for instance if I am able to breastfeed him once during the day and then pump once through the night is that enough to keep that level of supply going?
I am not really ready to end breastfeeding altogether if I can help it but I equally don’t have the mental strength to continue with 6-8 pumps/feeds each day with the way things are.
I will consider seeing a lactation specialist as a separate issue but for now I really just want to know what the bare minimum I can get away with is

Ftm and just started the hunt for a nanny. My 4 month old has his first cold and it’s been hell to say the least as I caught it as well. It got me wondering what would be the norm if he got another cold or cough when we’ve found a nanny. What do people do/expect?
This would be the time where I really need the help and I’m unsure if the nanny would want to decline to care for him while sick which I kind of understand but also leaves me in a terrible situation as I don’t have family nearby to help!

My baby is 6m and I have been breastfeeding from birth. About three months ago, I switched to combo feeding and he currently has about 60% breast and 40% formula in a bottle. I am now comfortable with other family members taking him a few hours here and there but I’m wondering if I need to carry on with the 8 to 12 pumps/feeding a day as I was told in hospital when I was trying to establish my milk supply. I’d really like to rest as much as possible when I have some free time but I’m still pumping to meet the target and was wondering if this is really necessary at this stage. Or if it’s okay to pump just when my breasts feel full and leave it otherwise?