Difficult works hours, infant who won't BF and decreased supply

[JulesNY]

Hello all,
I am a new member to this site but have come here for some answers in the past, thank you.
So here is my story/question: I returned to work when my daughter was 3mo and up to that point she was exclusively breastfed/ bottlefed with breastmilk. She is now 4 1/2 mos. My schedule consists of 12 and 24 hr shifts, I may work for 2-3 days in a row then have off 3-4 days. Sometimes I go 48 hrs without seeing my daughter. Because of that she rapidly began to refuse breastfeeding. After many different ways/attempts to get her to latch I have finally accepted that the only time she is willing is first thing in the morning. I am able to pump at work every 3 hrs and was able to get 18-20oz in 24hrs in the beginning but that has decreased to 7-8oz. When I am home I am only able to pump 2-3 times a day. I also have a two year old and can only pump when he is napping/sleeping.
So my ques is, given my circumstance and inability to stimulate milk supply, is it worth it to try dietary supplements if I cannot back that up with pumping or breast feeding frequently? If so what should I try?
I hope I didn't ramble and I hope it made sense!
TY in advance,
Julie

[whitnessforhim]

Sorry no one has responded yet and I'm late in responding. I would suggest trying a breastfeeding friendly bottle like the BreastFlow bottles by First Years. Also make sure you know how to bottlefeed a breastfed baby: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html Or try some alternative feeding methods: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html

It sounds like your daughter is getting use to the fast flow of the bottle and is exhibiting nipple preference. Babies are very smart. Why nurse at the breast where you have to work for the milk when you can sit on the bottle while the milk drips in your mouth without even moving your lips? I would do your best to change bottles to something more breastfeeding friendly and do your best to nurse your child as much as possible. Nursing is the MOST efficient way to maintain a supply. Pumping just is not the same. Are you able to co-sleep on the nights that you are off where you can nurse your baby while you both sleep. I work full-time and without co-sleeping I don't think I would have made it this far. DD is 2 yrs old and still nursing once to twice a night. Personally I don't think you need supplements I think you need to find ways to nurse your baby more and bottlefeed less and you'll find that your supply will shoot back up to where it should be.