Need Help Fast - Chesapeake,VA

First thing is to relax. If I got stressed out my milk supply seemed to dwindle. Sometimes having my sons sounds or smells while pumping helped me to relax and it would also help my milk come down. Just take a deep breathe.

There is a thing on the market...called Fenugreek and mother's milk tea. Both those helped me keep up my supply after a breast reduction 2.5 years ago!
If you're in VA BCH area, I'll be glad to give my left over bottles (unopened) to you! I know they'll expire before I have my next child! Contact me! ____@____.com

~B.

Hi R.! I breastfed my daughter for a little over 10 months and had the same experience you had when I went back to work full time. (She was 4 months old then.) Are you drinking enough fluids and getting enough to eat? I know everyone says you lose weight quicker if you breastfeed but I really didn't bc I was so hungry all the time, and when I cut back on what I was eating my milk supply would slow down. So I just quit worrying about it until I stopped breastfeeding entirely. Also, the type of pump you are using may be affecting your milk supply. Some of the cheaper ones are not as effective. When you pump, start off at a low setting and then work your way up. A lower setting may work better for you than having it turned up full blast. I ended up investing in a Medela Pump In Style which was about $300. Also keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with supplementing with a bottle of formula every once in a while. I ended up having to supplement once a day, which gradually increased to twice a day and so on. My daughter had no problems going from breast to bottle, and would drink breastmilk or formula from a bottle without any problems. I know some babies don't transition easily but some do--hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones!! Hope this is helpful! And one more thing--have fun on your trip!

I supplemented my breast milk with good start. The doctor recommended that to me. Also, before you go away, please make sure that your baby is used to the bottle and will eat it, otherwise your husband and baby will be miserable! My daughter never had a problem switching from breast to bottle, but after a week of just bottlefeeding, she may not like breastfeeding anymore, just so you know!

Try to pump in between feedings. Feed him every 4 hours or so and pump in between. That worked well for me. It's not about how long he nurses that creates the better supply - it's how often. I hope this helps!

Take him with you? If not, you're going to be spending the entire weekend tied to your pump. There's also the risk of losing your supply.

It takes a couple of days for your body to adjust to new demand. If you've recently started pumping for this trip, it's only natural that your body isn't producing enough for this new additional demand. Think back to those growth spurt days. How many days did it to bring up the supply to what he needed? It takes time for your body to adjust. It's not just going to automatically start making more milk.

You can try eating lots of oatmeal and pumping around the clock. Maybe have him on one breast and the pump on the other. That always helped me with letdown.

How far away are you going? Is it possible if you don't take baby for daddy to stop by at night for baby to nurse and to pick up the milk you've pumped?

First of all, I've been there, so you are not alone. You need to relax some (I know this is easier said than done) because stress can cause you to produce less milk. Is your son hungry, or are you just not able to pump? Some people just can't pump (especially if you just started). My daughter is 11 months old, and I work fulltime. SOMEHOW I've been able to continue breastfeeding her, but it always seems like I'm on the verge of not having enough milk. It took awhile for me to be able to pump enough for her. One thing you might consider is contacting your OB/GYN and asking them for a perscription of Reglan. It's cheap, and one of the side effects is increased milk production. It almost doubled my production. The problem with it is that in some people it causes some nasty side effects. Unfortunately, I was one of those people. It can cause depression. That being said, within 24 hours of taking the first dose of it, my supply was noticably higher. I took it for awhile but coudln't stand the side effects. Then I moved onto another drug called Motilium (or domperidone). It is not available in the US, but is recommended by the american academy of pediatrics over Reglan. It works, but not as well as the Reglan did. You have ot have a perscription for it, but you can order it from a compounding pharmacy or online from Canada. If I miss a dose, I can tell.

I saw a lactation consultant when my daughter was very young because she was not gaining weight. She suggested both of these drugs. She also told me to do exactly what you are doing. Feed the baby and then pump for 10 minutes (not longer or it will interfere with the next feeding). When she was older, the LC suggested "power pumping" after the baby went to bed. She said to watch an hour of TV and pump during every commercial break. Supposedly, that mimics a baby going through a growth spurt and your milk production will increase. Unfortunately, my baby is a night owl, so I only got to test this method once or twice.

I sometimes have to travel for work, and I've had to leave my baby twice for several days. I've managed to pump while I was away and keep my supply up enough to feed her. Relax and have fun.

Also, one more thing to consider....In a month, the doctor will have you start introducing solid foods anyway (if he hasn't already), so you will have to introduce something besides breastmilk soon anyway. So, it probably won't hurt him to have a little formula while you are away.

A.

I agree with everything the other lady says. His father can mix formula with the breast milk to make it go farther. I little formula will not hurt, but I would mix it so the taste is not so different.

I don't know if this is your first or not but I would recommend giving you baby some powder formula or 1% milk. I know evey child is different, but all of my kids were on formula and by the age of 4 months they were on regula milk. I know for a fact that the formula is just as good for them as your milk. It has all of the same ingredients plus more.

Unfortunately, milk supply can dry up, it is not very common, but some women are just not able to breastfeed because there is not a good supply of milk. The Supply vs demand is true, if you are feeding him and pumping you should be overflowing and would be actually starting to supply more than he could eat, but for some reason your body and shut down. It could come back, but then it may not and you might have to resort to formula. I would check with the laleche league in your area and see if they have some advise you could probably get someone on the phone immediately with them and they might be able to offer some more educated advise. As to taking the trip, you should go. yes we are suppose to care for our children, but for someone to say that you needed to stay so that you could try to breastfeed him would be ridiculous, if it is not coming out when you pump it will not when he is eating and you will have to supplement anyway. Enjoy your mini vacation, just buy some formula so dad can feed the little man. Have fun.

Get some formula to supplement it

Okay, don't panic! How much you pump has NOTHING AT ALL to do with your milk supply! Trust me! Even if you pumped 10 oz yesterday, and nothing today, still, nothing to do with milk supply. It is impossible for your milk supply to just dry up overnight. I promise!
Okay, first, if you are going away for the weekend and you have 8 4oz bags, you may just have enough. So, don't fret. Babies need less expressed breast milk than they do formula. A little goes a long way. If it isn't enough, and you are okay with formula, his dad may need to supplement a little with that. If you aren't comfortable with that, then either stay home or take the baby with you. But be aware that if you do go and leave the baby, formula may have to be introduced, and if you are already having trouble with milk supply, that could possibly add more problems.
Now, how long is he staying at the breast? If he's actually staying on the breast, even for five minutes, then he's getting milk, so no worry, you still have milk!
I can't say enough, you have not run out of milk! You may be pumping less, but you have not run out. It actually takes a few months for your breasts to completely dry out.
have you started anything new? New medication in the last couple of days? Anything like that? Because that can cause a DECREASE in milk supply, so look at what you've done differently in the last few days.
Please do not think you have to supplement with formula, though! Your doctor may tell you to, but if you are having a problem with milk supply, the worst thing you can do is nurse less, and formula feed! Nursing more will make more milk!
You may find it would be more beneficial to stay home this weekend. I'm sure you've been looking forward to this weekend for awhile, but it depends on how important it is for you to be able to continue breastfeeding. If you're able to take him, take him with you! But it's important that you breastfeed/pump as much as you can to build your supply back up, if it truly has decreased.
I'm a breastfeeding counselor at the health department, I personally breastfed for 2 years, so please feel free to contact me, I'd love to help any way I can! I have a TON of rescources that you may find helpful!

Don't worry, the chances of your supply just going away are slim to none. I had the same thing happen when pumping and nothing was coming out, but it may be that you need to pump for about 10 minutes or so before let down will occur. He could be going through a growth spurt and eating more. Also if you're feeding him and pumping you're increasing the demand and it may take a few days for the supply to catch up to that. If you're really worried you can always call la leche league and they can help you and answer any questions you have, or help you solve any problems as well, but as stated in other replies, make sure you pump every few hours while you're away, to keep up the supply. www.lalecheleague.org is the website, and that can lead you to answers on their site or how to contact the organization in or your area. Have a great weekend and good luck!!

When I had problems with supply, I called the lactation consultant at the hospital. Also I took an over the counter herb called FENUGREEK that I got at GNC. I know this is causing you a lot of stress, which it always did me as well. This can also decrease supply. I would say nurse as much as you can until the weekend and supplement with formula if there is not enough. You are doing an AWESOME job nursing any amount. Sometimes when you start to calm down, things will fall into place. But, if you have to give him some formula, it's OK. Hang in there, it will work out!
P.

As much as I hate to say it you may have to use a little bit of formula to get him through the weekend. I went through a very similar situation and weaned my daughter at 8 months though I did not want to do so that early. It seemed like no matter how often I pumped or nursed the milk just stopped coming. I even tried pumping every 20-30 minutes for a few days like my doctor recommended but all that accomplished was a wasted day, and only a few ounces of milk. Finally I decided it was a lost cause and I had done for her all I could do. But she did fine on the formula, we gave her Enfamil Lipil. It made her stools kinda hard for the first few days but it regulated itself after those first few times. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

You have gotten tons of responses, but I just wanted to add mine to it since I didn't see what worked for me listed. I went through that after my son was born - he wasn't gaining enough weight, so the doctor and lactation consultant recommended that I breastfeed for 10 minutes and then pump. I did use fenugreek, which worked great, but it takes a few days. However, "Mothers Milk Plus" is the best (but hard to find). Fenugreek is definitely good enough, though. Now this isn't scientific, but I found that when I was running a little low on milk for him if I drank some soy milk, it really increased fast. This might not be in time to help you, but I hope it does. (Or just maybe something to help you in the future, or other moms). I'm guessing it was because soy milk is so high in plant estrogen. Well, I hope this helps someone! Blessings

I'm new on here so I hope that you don't mind me jumping in. I breast fed both of mine. I had to be in the hospital when my daughter was 4 months old. I had to stop pumping for a week.. Dr's orders. I was unable to feed her due to medication they put me on. She used frozen and mix until it was safe to feed her again. Drink, Drink, Drink, I had a hard time but the milk came back after about a week of working on it. My dr told me it would come back..It really depends on your diet. Good luck and hang in there.

Go to GNC and get Mother's Milk. It will restore your milk supply in only a day. I could not feed my first 2 babies because I did not make milk but with my 3rd I found this and I could easily feed 2 babies. Good Luck

First of all are you giving him solids yet? If not try giving him a little rice cereal mixed with juice for one of his feedings and pump, also make sure that you are getting enough fluids yourself and do not give up. while you are away make sure that you pump at least once every 4 hours or so. Your milk has most likely not dried up. Since my little one is sleeping mostly thru the night I usually pump after he goes to bed at night. You could also check your pump there may be a part not working properly, I had something similar happen to me recently and when I replaced my pump and increased my fluid intake (and relaxed) everything worked itself out. Hope this helps! Oh and by the way do not give him cows milk, formula is fine but babies do not need regular,2percent or 1percent cows milk.

Don't panic. Is your son acting like he is hungry (ie cranky, crying all the time)? How do you know when you feed him he isn't getting anything? It may seem like he gets nothing, but he probably is. Pumping and breast feeding are two different things. I would pump and get nothing, but then try to feed my son and I could hear him eating. Do you have any formula? If you are that concerned you can just buy a small can of formula, so that you can still get away for the weekend. I would take my pump with me, so my body still thinks it needs to feed a child. Otherwise you might end up drying up.

I used a herb called fenugreek to increase my milk supply when I was nursing. My frined used it as well. It worked for both of us. It's an old wives remedy and it won't hurt the baby. You can get it at any health food store. GNC maybe even Walmart. Take the capsules. You'll get tired of the tea after a while.

DRINK LOTS OF FLUID too.

I feel your pain, I had the same problem and it scared me. We thought my 4 week old was allergic to milk so i had to feed soy for a like 4 days and i went on a full soy diet, i went from pumping 6 oz at a time to 2 oz, i almost lost my milk, i went back to breastfeeding after the 4th day and I also took Fenugreek, it is an herb to help stimulate the production of breast milk, and it is totally safe (recommended by both the Ped and OB-GYN). My recommandation is to feed every two or three hours until you leave, to help restimulate your milk, only pump after each feeding for like 5 - 10 minutes, if you baby is used to eating less then he shouldnt drain you at each 2 hr feeding so you will get some milk with each pump (slow processs, but your milk should come back) and i think you should try manually or pump expressing while on your trip so you dont dry up again, Hang in there is sucks but it gets better, I finally got my milk back ( since i feed every 2 hours for like 2 or 3 day after my 4 day hiatus)
Good Luck

I hope this helps....when I was nursing and my supply went low..I would drink and drink alot! Water is a great help. Also you can got to some grocery stores and they have "Mothers milk" tea. It really helps with your supply. It is usually in the organic section. just follow the directions on the box..on how much tea to drink. Best wishes!

Hi,
I know how anxious you are. I have breast fed both of my girls. The first for 1 year and the second, well lets just say she was a ninny baby...
One of your problems with your milk supply now could be you are so anxious and stressing about leaving.Just in case your milk supply is now diminishing for good my suggestion is to go ahead and start Christian on a supplement bottle. This will take some of the stress off of you and he will be fed and happy with daddy. Dad can rotate the milk with the supplement and your breast milk. If your milk continues on your trip, just take your pump and all will be well. If your milk supply is now over do not fret and be upset, you have given Christian a wonderful, healthy start in this world.
Good luck!
D.

I am a mother of 5 and breastfed them all. I have read through the other responses and agree with some. It doesn't hurt to try the herbal remedies. (My at-home mid-wife birth was my healthiest baby and focused on nutrition as well). My main concern that I didn't see addressed in the other responses is that you drink plenty of fluids. You have to replace your milk as it's being used. Water is best. Drink lots and lots of water. (It will also help lose the weight). Continue to feed frequently and express the milk. I was told to drink a full glass of water during breastfeeding or right after. I drank more than that and had plenty of milk. You may have to supplement w/ a little bit of formula while away, but continue to express the milk during your trip so you won't lose your milk production.

call your lactation consultant at your hospital or look up a breastfeeding hotline to call. your milk shouldnt be gone if you have been constantly feeding and pumping. but whenever i am away from my baby for a weekend or so i send breastmilk but i also send formula as well. just for a back up. also you can get this tea call mommy's milk and i think its at most health food stores like where you would buy fenugreek, and it stimulates and promotes milk production.

Keep pumping all weekend. They told me the more you pump the more supply will come. You just can't give up. That worked for a little while with me. While your away use a formula like Carnation good start for feedings inbetween the frozen breast milk.
Hope it works out.

Don't worry. The same thing happen to me. When my daughter was 5 months. When you go away this weekend be sure to pump at least every 3 hours for 10 minutes on each side. Eating Oatmeal and carrots is supposed to help with your milk supply. Even if your baby is not acting hungry pump every 3 hours and you can rebuild your supply. You can get it back as long as you don't stop breastfeeding/Pumping.