Milk Supply

[Jaime]

Tyler started Daycare this week and I've noticed the last two days it's been difficult to pump decent sized feedings. Now, I've been primarily pumping and bottle feeding him during the day for the previous two weeks to get ready for him going to daycare so I don't think it's just because I'm pumping during the day. He still nurses during in the morning and at night when he gets home. Are there legitimate ways to increase or keep up my milk supply?

[Gina]

Jaime--I sound like a broken record because I am always recommending this woman for breastfeeding advice but that's because she's SO GOOD!! There is an awesome Lactation Consultant at Memorial Hospital named Lynn Johnson. The number is 327-1792. Just ask the operator to connect you to the Lactation Consultant. She's a bit hard to reach--you'll probably have better luck trying in the early morning (before noon definitely). I'm sure she can help you. She is SOOOO nice. Hope this helps!

[Mom eConnect]

When I was nursing I drank a beer a day (dr. recommended it), took fenugreek tabs and drank mother's milk tea. You can get the latter 2 at Lassen's or any other natural store. I felt like all those helped. Don't give up. I'm sure it's hard. It's the whole demand and supply issue. It will only supply if there is a consistent demand. Good luck!

[Shelly]

I feel for you. It is all about supply and demand. The more the baby is at your breast the more milk you will have in almost all cases. This situation also happened to me when I went back to work. And it's amazing that babies prefer mom, and will actually wait until you get home to nurse every two hours. However, I know this is not always functional. So it was advised to me to make sure I pumped every four hours. Don't go longer than that or you will start to have a decreased supply of milk. Also, drink Mother's Milk Tea found at Lassens and lots of liquids. To stay more hydrated try topping off your water with a little juice. This is what my Dr. recommended. I will recommend to try and nurse as long as you can. It does seem challenging at times but worth it. When my guy turned 7mo I thought I was loosing my milk.
Then he got an ear infection and wanted to nurse for comfort all the time. All of my milk and then some came back. I was going to wean him, and I am glad I didn't. It really helped to get through the sick times and keep us more bonded since I went back to work part time. Also, it was better for me to stop pumping as much. I basically fed my guy when I got home more frequently, and then reduced pumping to only 2 times a day. I think our bodies can't be tricked sometimes to think the pump is a baby. The sucking sensation is completely different from a baby. P.S. We all have been given advice, and give lots of advice, remember to do what works the best for you and your baby.
Best wishes,
Shelly

[Jacquie Williams]

Thank you so much I am having the same issue! I was just about to panic when I remembered this website. It is comforting to know that this is a common issue.

[Rhiannon]

I found Fenugreek to help me tons! with my supply issues. Also pumping for up to 10-15 minutes each side after the flow stops. It's a lot of work in the beginning, but in a few weeks (2 tops) your supply should really be up.
PS I had to take a ton of the Fenugreek. (Way more than what the bottle said to take, but my doctor okayed it).