Decrease in Supply

[gailward]

I have a 2 week old and am only pumping becuase of the trouble we have had with latching. However, yesterday i was able to pump almost 4-6 ounces at a time and today I am only pumping 2 -2.5 ounces at a time.
Can you offer me some assitance?

[Nurseliz]

My first encouragement would be to work with a lactation consultant or peer support person and get the baby back on the breast.
Maintaining milk supply is much more difficult with a pump than with a baby suckling.
A baby is a MUCH better stimulator and emptier than any pump on the market.
That being said here are a few tips to increase your supply while pumping:
1. While exclusively pumping, it is strongly encouraged to use a hospital grade breast pump. These are available by rental. At VERY MINIMUM a good double electric pump: Ameda, Medela or Lansinoh brands ONLY. All others are inadequate.
2. Pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. A pumping session should last 20-30 minutes on each breast, even if nothing is coming out. DEMAND= supply. Need more milk? Demand more by stimulating and emptying.
3. Consider using a galactogogue such as mothers milk tea, fenugreek and/or blessed thistle. http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html
4. The basics: limit caffeine, drink lots of water, eat a well balanced diet, take your prenatals and get as much rest as possible.
But again, I encourage you to keep working on latch. Low milk supply is a common problem with exclusive pumpers. In my opinion pumping is much more work than getting the baby on the breast? And in my professional experience, I have never not been able to get a baby suckling that is able to suck a bottle. Yes, some have been difficult but if mom is willing to work at it, baby will figure it out.
You can do it!
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com