Weight loss, BFing, & PCOS

DarkLiquidDreams

I am attempting breastfeeding, but since my son (Tristan, born 05/17) had a NICU stay and they were monitoring his intake so he is used to the bottle. So for now, I am exclusively pumping, but am looking into a SNS. Because I have PCOS, I have a very small supply (just under 1/2 oz per 15 min pumping session every 3 hours) but I started Fenugreek the other day and next week I am going to start Goats Rue. I just want to make sure that if I have a side effect from either, I know which one it is. I am very worried about losing too fast and it effecting the already small supply I have. I've already lost just over 20 pounds since I have birth, though I know some of it was water weight as I lost the majority of it after my foot swelling went down. I'm a few pounds lighter than my pre pregnancy weight!
Because of my weight, a few sites I went on said to eat around 2,800 calories a day. I think thats excessive so I'm aiming for around 2,100. Any tips on making sure I don't lose too quickly?

Stroupester

Congratulations on working so hard to breastfeed! NICU babies need every ounce of momma's milk and pumping requires dedication and commitment. KellyMom.com is a wonderful breastfeeding resource. At this point, I wouldn't restrict calories too much- just be very mindful that they are nutrition packed calories. Although 2800 cals daily seems a little excessive. You really only need an extra 500-600 cals daily for breastfeeding. Keep your water intake high- that will also help improve your supply. Don't get discouraged, pumping is not a good indicator of how much milk you produce. Once you start being able to nurse, your body responds better to baby and the act of baby nursing creates a ballet of hormones that will aid in milk production.

coastiebride1120

I completely second what Steph said. This is not the time to really limit your calories until you can establish a milk supply. Pumping is never a good indicator for your supply I have a hard time pumping unless I am distracted and at ease; if I put to much stress on pumping I wont pump anything but .5 oz. kellysmom.com is a fantastic website and has a vast source of knowledge. If natural methods do not help your supply, try lacation cookies, lots of water, milk thissle i think is another one and oatmeal They have many Rx medication you can take that will help also.