Nursing moms, supply dip - WWYD?

WildcatMom82

For the last two weeks I've been staying within 50 cals of my daily goal - 1550 net cals. The last weekend I worked I actually pumped an oz more than usual so I assumed all was well. Today I pumped an oz less than my average, same when I tried to pump a quick bottle on Sunday. Do you think I should try less intense workouts or eating more for a few days? I know dips can be caused by a lot of different factors, but weight loss/calorie deficit is the only thing I can think of that has changed drastically. I'm still drinking plenty of water and I'm not around that TOM (I have a huge drop then). I mean 1 oz isn't that big a deal, but I'm trying to prevent it from snowballing.

brittni127

Do you like oatmeal? I would maybe try oatmeals for breakfast (which help with supply) or may some mother's teas to help increase the supply. I so far haven't noticed a drop in my calories and I stick to 1500 net calories *crosses fingers that the supply stays up* I think what I would do personally before adding more calories is try to use methods that are known for giving you a greater supply which might just bring you back to your norm.

jtgill

Are you pretty consistent with how long you go in between pumping? I found if I went longer consistently I pumped less.....

WildcatMom82

Are you pretty consistent with how long you go in between pumping? I found if I went longer consistently I pumped less.....

I pump pretty consistently at work: 4:30, 7:30, and 9:45....I usually get 5-6 oz, 4, and 3 1/2 without variation.....tonight it was 4 1/2, 3, and 3 1/2. It's especially annoying because she took more oz than usual while I was gone, I hate when my stash gets dipped into.

I do have oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but now that I think about it I've only had one packet the past few mornings, half of my usual. I think I'm out of the tea, but I did pick up some More Milk Plus for the week of my period. I'll try upping my oatmeal again and maybe try a little of the tincture. That stuff is expensive, but I guess it's worth it if it's what will keep us going!

Thanks for talking me down a bit. The whole reason I've waited this long to do the weight loss thing is because I had supply issues and have heard horror stories about people losing weight and their supply at the same time. A bit paranoid!

jtgill

I have been pumping strictly for 6 months now and yes my supply has gone down some, but I can still pump enough...try pumping more often or adding an extra pump session in there...Just make sure you are eating the cals you are pumping/nursing, that should keep your supply up

Snowbird25ca

I know that they usually allow extra calories for nursing moms - I think the official number is 500? I'm not sure what your goal rate of loss is, but maybe decrease it by 1/2 pound per week. That will give you a bit more calories and hopefully your supply will bump back up.

I found with my kids that it got harder to pump as they got older, but I was lucky enough to be at home with them and not have to pump regularly. Is baby nursing as much in the hours that you're home? Maybe try putting baby to breast an extra time when you're home to see if that helps?

Could just be that she had a bit more when she nursed this morning too - if she's starting a growth spurt that's possible.

Best of luck to you.

NewMomma1982

I suffered from a low supply from the get go. So I've had dr's, nurses and lactation specialists tell me EVERY thing under the sun to try to increase your supply. Here's the grocery list: oatmeal, ovaltine, mother's milk tea, brewers yeast tablets, kefir, non-alcoholic beer, more milk plus and "power" pumping (aka nurse then pump every 2 hrs for a week....that nearly killed me!) Hope something helps. But I also know that basic calories in/out is important as well as TONS of water!!! BEST OF LUCK! Keep us posted!

JJeMitchell

Oatmeal! Whenever I'd notice a drop in supply, I eat it up and the next day I have LOTS of milk again :-D

Drink lots of water!

Mother's Milk tea gives me a headache...I almost never have that...

Also, one thing I noticed (I am currently 35 lbs. under pre-pregnancy weight and have been nursing for 9 months): if you restrict calories too much [even a "healthy" amount of restriction] supply drops. For me, I have to have about 1,800 calories to avoid dropping. When I was eating 1,500- I would worry about not having enough for my son.

After having a really good week and not going over calories at all...I noticed a major drop in supply. Then on my birthday I had 2 pieces of cake and my favorite meal. I definitely went over my calories and didn't even log them lol. The next morning, I was totally engorged again. It was at that moment that i realized i had to cut back a little on the dieting in order to make the most nutritious milk for my son. I haven't really been losing as rapidly as I had in the past, but the whole low supply issue has been non-existent.

WildcatMom82

After having a really good week and not going over calories at all...I noticed a major drop in supply. Then on my birthday I had 2 pieces of cake and my favorite meal. I definitely went over my calories and didn't even log them lol. The next morning, I was totally engorged again. It was at that moment that i realized i had to cut back a little on the dieting in order to make the most nutritious milk for my son. I haven't really been losing as rapidly as I had in the past, but the whole low supply issue has been non-existent.

Yeah, I'm thinking I may change my MFP settings and try more calories. Currently I have it set to lose 1 lb a week and I make my goal exactly - that's eating exercise and nursing cals burned - and the last 2 weeks I've lost 2 lbs, not 1. I've been using the "Breastfeeding infant 6-12 months" which gives you an extra 300 calories, but my daughter still nurses quite a bit. I'm thinking 500 may be a better amount. I also burn calories fast when working out. I have a HRM and 5-6 days a week I've been burning 400-600 calories. Like today I burned 600 plus the 300 nursing cals added to my net goal I'll end up eating 2400 calories today! Which you wouldn't think would be too little, but my net will only be 1550, so maybe that's the number I need to increase.

Thank you for the grocery suggestions! We're going tonight, so I'll make a list.

lesliemk

How old is your baby? I didn't even really attempt to get into vigorous workouts until my daughter was 6+ months old and my milk supply was well established. As far as cutting calories... 1550 net is pretty drastic if you are still nursing full-time. I net about 1900 calories per day (the average full-time nursing mama not trying to lose weight should be eating around 2200-2400cals per day), so 1900 net seems to be working great for me along with lifting and circuit training. I'm losing 1-2lbs per week.

First I'd probably up your calorie intake. Eat oatmeal, make sure you're getting in lots of protein and heart healthy fats (the fat in your milk is what feeds baby's brain, so this is no time to go low-fat), and if you feel hungry then my all means, eat! I have a few friends that have used Mother's Milk Tea and Fenugreek with some success. Stress can also effect supply as well as AF returning. Good luck!!!!!!