Low Milk Supply

[sunnmoon76]

My little girl is going to be 7 months old soon. I am working full time and pumping. She is getting stored milk in bottles during the day. She has also started solids (Stage 2) three times a day and sometimes a snack of Yobaby.

I nurse her twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) and pump two or three times a day at work and right before bed in the evening.

I’ve been noticing that over two weeks now I am not getting as much as I used to when I pump at work.

Is there anything I can do about this?

Why is this happening?

Should my supply be decreasing the older she gets?

Should I try Fenugreek?

[sklewis5]

I am having the same problem. My baby is almost 9 months and seemed to be heading towards weaning herself, which I'm not ready for! A discussion with her teachers at daycare cut back on the afternoon snack (she hadn't been interested in nursing when we got home), which has helped her interest a bit. I'm attributing the decreased production to a couple things, 1) the pump is getting older and wearing out/less efficient and 2) the baby's rabid interest in solid food is a sign to gear down. I'm still keeping with it but I started having to dip into the frozen reserves to provide enough for her bottles during the day. It's a little frustrating! In my opinion, I wouldn't try any supplements. Maybe try replacement pump parts or hand expression at the end of pumping.

[sunnmoon76]

I've actually never had to hand express so I'm not sure how to do it.

What I also don't understand is everything I read says the baby still needs 20 ounces of milk a day. How is she supposed to get that if I'm not producing enough?

I'm so confused :O(

[BecomingMothers]

Hi,

The other suggestions contributed by mothers are all good.

I would suggest the introduction of a galactogue, such as Fenugreek (see if you can find More Milk Plus by Motherlove). If you are able to pump 3 times during your work day, that may help with production. Do remember to pump several times on the days you have off. I know it may seem a burden, but it is noted that moms who are working full-time often have reduced production towards the end of their work week. "Weekend" pumping can give your production a boost.

As always, do follow your baby's lead as she may be increasing her caloric intake with the solid food and starting to lessen the amount of calories she is taking in breastmilk. With that said, breastmilk remains the primary source of nutrition for the first year.

One mom mentioned using hand expression at the end of your pumping session. That is a great idea as hand expression can help remove the remainder of the milk that is in your breast. Dr. Jane Morton's online DVD about hand expression (http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html) is a good resource to view. The other suggestion by another mother to double check that your breastpump is working as per the company's specifications is also a good suggestion since you are primarily relying on your mechanical pump (during work hours) to stimulate milk production.

Take Care,

Stephanie Moore, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Owner/Lactation Consultant
Becoming Mothers
Boulder, CO
www.becomingmothers.com

[sklewis5]

The baby is much more efficient than the pump, so the amount of milk she's getting with her morning and evening feedings is probably many times more in volume than what you get with your 3 pumping sessions. She's probably getting around her 20 oz with no problem. Try the hand expression (beware of bad aim!)- it's very interesting how much still remains after using the pump and can be captured that way. I replaced pump valve covers (white flappy things) and that seemed to help a bit too. In the end, as my pediatrician keeps telling me, formula is not evil, and any breast milk is better than none! :)

[sunnmoon76]

Thank you both so much for your help! I will be replacing the "white flappy things"!

[sunnmoon76]

Oh and trying the hand expression.

[BecomingMothers]

I agree with the post above. If you are really concerned about how much your baby is getting at the breast, see if you can find a BabyWeigh scale in your community (pediatrician's office or a nursing boutique). Weigh the baby before you nurse and then again after you nurse. Remember to keep everything the same (diaper, clothes, etc.). You'll be able to do the math and figure out how many ounces she has transferred from the breast. (1 oz=28cc if you weigh in grams)

Stephanie Moore, RN, BSN, IBCLC

[sklewis5]

Thank you for the help too sunnmoon76! I feel better knowing it's not just me! Good luck.

[BecomingMothers]

I'll be back to answer your questions in a few weeks. Stephanie Moore, RN, BSN, IBCLC