milk supply

[hilmom]

okay, for all you veteran bf'ers - is it strange that my milk supply is great in the evenings, all night long, and in the mornings (by "great" i mean dripping off his little chin) but then during the day it seems so much less abundant? and he acts as if he's not getting enough at times too... if i ever need to supplement with ebm or formula it's during the day, like btwn 11am and 6 or so... any thoughts on what might be causing the apparent reduction? i also feel like i experience less spontaneous letdowns during the day. any help???

[Amy_G_]

You may be busier during the day, and a bit even, um, impatient. I mean there's so much going on during the day with laundry, dishes, housecleaning. Usually your prolactin levels will create a higher supply in the morning than in the evening, but your prolactin levels may just be higher all night long. who knows?

I wouldn't supplement during the day, I would nurse more often. if you have sufficient supply at night, you have plenty during the day too, but it may not let down as fast for some reason and he gets impatient. If you consistently give supplements during the day, you'll get to the point that you have to give supplements during the day unless you are pumping often during the time he has formula or ebm at the bottle.

[dodoe80]

It is common to have a bigger supply in the early morning and evening hours. My supply is lower between 11-6 too but still abundent enough to feed my DS. I wouldn't worry about it unless baby was not gaining enough, low diapper count, etc.

I also agree with Amy.

[hilmom]

thanks! in general i think he's getting enough and he's been gaining weight, diapers are okay too though he does have the occasional "green" diaper that i've heard other mom's talk about - maybe due to not enough hind milk. i just tend to worry b/c he wasn't getting enough early on and now that he is i get scared if my supply seems low and/low my letdown is slow. i try to only breastfeed during the day when i'm home since i can - it's when we have plans that i rely on those bottles when necessary. maybe i need to stay home more and just be mom..... thanks again :)