Drying up too soon! Help!

[peglegmeg19]

I have a 10 month old who will be 1 December 12. I work 2 days a week as a nurse and have been able to have him absolutely formula free all this time. Yesterday when I worked I wanted to cry because I've noticed that my milk is drying up suddenly this past week when I pump. My baby seems satisfied when he eats, but after pumping 3 times yesterday all I was able to get out was 8 ounces. Each time I get less and less. I've used the same Medela Pump in Style all along. I was using Fenugreek, but realized too late that it was a blend with Thyme (for respiratory health) which can have a damaging effect. How can I get my milk back and avoid having to give my baby formula?! Help!

[debbie_page]

Can you nurse him like carzy when you are with him? Getting him to eat every possible time you can? If you can do this for 48 hours, you should see a nice increase in your suppy unless you have started on a hormonal birth control. You can try MotherLove.com's products for increasing milk. I think they are the best.

Debbie
www.thenewbornbaby.com

[The_Market]

Are you sure your pump is working as well as it has? Sometimes there is a leaky hose or something that causes a person to suddenly pump less.

[peglegmeg19]

Thanks. I'm nursing him like crazy today, I have to go back to work tomorrow, but I'll see if I can get the supplies for a hospital grade pump, or see if I can get a replacement kit for my pump. I know 10 months is great, but I just hate the idea of giving up and giving him formula (shudder).

[The_Market]

Also, at 10 months you may be fine to go w/o formula, even if you can't pump much (or any). Check out what Jack Newman says to Cannadian mothers who return to work at 6 months.

What to Feed the Baby when the Mother is Working outside the Home (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/17feed_baby_working_moms.html)

Also, here is his take on Dom.
Domperidone (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/19a-domperidone1.html)

[debbie_page]

Good for you! It's certainly worth "fighting" for more milk! A hospital grade pump may work better for you as they are designed to increase milk supply. You can "power pump" for 5 minutes every chance you get or pump for 10 minutes, wait 15 min and pump for 10 more.

Debbie
www.thenewbornbaby.com