Supply Diminishing

Jillsie11

Well, it's happening again...at almost 10 months postpartum, I'm losing my supply. Happened with my oldest daughter, and I had to wean her at 10 1/2 months...but I really wanted to make it a year this time around:(

I'm assuming it's due to how often she eats...she has only been breastfeeding 4 times a day for the past 5 months or so. She'll eat a lot (6-7 oz) at each feeding, and has also been eating solids since about 6 months.

I still seem to have enough for the first 2-3 feedings...it's the last 1-2 feedings that I have trouble with. I've been pumping this past week after the morning feeding, but don't know if it will really help at this point?

I called a lactation consultant and they weren't really a huge help. There's no specific "reason" why my supply should be diminishing. I asked if I should try drinking mother's milk (which I have been), but she said there's really no proof it helps.

SOOOOooo, I'm asking you all- does anyone out there have experience with this? Where your body stops producing even though your heart wants to keep going?? Like, I know it's not the end of the world- 10 months is a good run. Just makes me sad, and feel somewhat like a failure:( I was bawling about it the other night. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Mewlingstork

I wanted to post my reply here as well, hope you don't mind.

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

I definitely think pumping would help. Your body is set up on supply and demand, so increase demand. Mother's Milk tea can be effective, but you have to ingest incredible amounts. You might be better to try fenugreek pills or something like that. Oats, brewer's yeast, flax seed, almonds, Gatorade, all things that mothers have said helped their supply.

But truthfully, why do you think your supply is going down? As time goes by, your body adjusts to the amount needed, so your breasts might not feel 'full' anymore, you might not even feel a let down. And pumping is completely different than your baby, so your baby will always get more than you can pump out; they're just more efficient. If your baby is having enough wet diapers and isn't losing weight, then your supply is ok. Even if your supply is going down, there's always an option of donor milk before formula. Try to find a mother with milk that was pumped when their child was the same age as your baby. Human milk 4 human babies, and others are on Facebook and the Internet to connect mothers.

Hope any of that was helpful; 10 months is a great run! More love, less guilt!

Jillsie11

Thanks, Mewlingstork!

I'll post this here so others know as well:

I forgot to say why I think it's decreasing: the last 1-2 feedings of the day, Jovie will eat a bit, then cry, eat a bit, then cry. Like it's just not coming out as fast as it used to. The other night, I gave her a bottle for her last feed so I could pump/know what we're working with...and only got 2 ounces. So I'm pretty sure it's lessening.

edisonswifey

When you pumped after your morning feed, was it at least two hours after? Also hows your water intake? I usually notice a drastic increase of milk when I increase my water. Do you have a facebook? Like the page breast is best. I guarantee you would get a whole bunch of answers. Best of luck to you.

Jillsie11

When you pumped after your morning feed, was it at least two hours after? Also hows your water intake? I usually notice a drastic increase of milk when I increase my water. Do you have a facebook? Like the page breast is best. I guarantee you would get a whole bunch of answers. Best of luck to you.

No, when I pumped after my morning feed it was immediately after, because I didn't want to pump too close to my noon feed. Also, my sister who's had supply issues suggested to do it right after- it's more for further stimulation of the nipples than to produce milk.

I do drink a lot of water- at least 8 glasses every day and I limit my caffeine. I'll look into the page "Breast is Best"- thanks!!!

Pepper2185

Any chance she's teething? Some babies struggle with breastfeeding if their gums hurt.

I was going to say the same thing as Mewlingstork - about breasts not feeling that full, especially later in the day. If the diapers are wet and baby is growing, that's a sign that she's getting enough. I can never pump as much as Max can eat. I've tried. Especially if I try to pump later in the day. It's Mission Impossible.

Hope you can resolve it, I know it must be frustrating! :flowerforyou:

walleyclan1

Maybe take a few days of mommy/ baby vacation where you just spend tons of time together nursing for as long as she will every 2 hours or so and see if that pumps up your supply?

Jillsie11

Thanks for all who have replied- definitely got some useful tips! Gonna keep up with the Mother's Milk Tea, and also purchased Fenugreek today to take. I also heard that oats/oatmeal help boost supply, so will try that as well:)

As for teething- it's possible!! She's been somewhat cranky lately, and my husband is convinced that's it.

Had a victory yesterday. Because of work, and a committment last night, my mom ended up watching my girls from noon on. So, I pumped for all the regular feedings and got pretty close to what she normally eats each time. Maybe what I'm doing is working!!! Also made a conscious effort to not stress about it so much, which is so hard obviously. Just want what's best for her!

So thanks again for the advice. Hopefully, we're on a increasing trend now!!

luvemykids

I am now nursing my second baby who is nine months today. Do you nurse at least once in the middle of the night? Or get up and at least pump? That will help with your supply because research has shown the level of prolactin (the hormone responsible for making milk) is higher during times of highest milk production and that the highest prolactin levels occur in the middle of the night. Really hope you can continue at least a year; congrats on making it this far!!