6 months old and sudden supply drop

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 03/26/2010

Allison pretty much said it: pumping 10 oz means you have too much milk. Women with oversupply take much longer for their supply to regulate (this usually occurs around 9 months). I could usually pump 5-6 oz from one breast. My supply didn't really regulate until my daughter was about 9 1/2 months. Your supply is probably just regulating. It also sounds like she's going through a growth spurt. Those are known to cause fussy babies. If you're nursing on demand then your body should catch up pretty quickly. Also, I feel like let downs are a state of mind in a way. So try to relax :)

Andrea - posted on 03/26/2010

Here are my 2 thoughts: Could it be a growth spurt? And that would maybe make me see the drop in pumped milk because she is requiring more and removed more this morning before I left for work? I realize she's right at that age but thought if that were true I'd be pumping more while away, not less."

Your body needs to see/feel the demand before it makes more to meet the needs of the growth spurt. So if she ate more than normal, than at first you will have less out of the pump- but then the more you put her on the breast, the more your body will produce, over the course of 48-72 hours. Keep going! You are fine :)

Celeste - posted on 03/26/2010

I agree with the others, it really doesn't sound like you have a supply drop. It's pretty typical for pumping output to decrease over time. From what you are describing, it sounds like a growth spurt, which 6 months is a prime time for one. As long as she's getting plenty of diapers, you're fine! Just keep on nursing on demand!

Heather - posted on 03/26/2010

Definately growth spurt time. Just nurse her on demand. She may also be teething.

As far as the pumping goes, most women do not keep up with high pumping volumes for long periods of time. You may want to check the membranes on your pump to be sure they do not need to be cleaned or replaced. You may also want to consider taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle for a boost in supply.

Keep in mind the on true way to tell if you have a supply problem is a drop in diapers.

Allison - posted on 03/26/2010

First off, normal pumping output is 1-2 oz per breast. You definitely do not have low supply ;-)

Yes, it could be a growth spurt. If you let her nurse as much as she wants when you're home, your supply will ramp up to match her need.

I wouldn't worry too much, as long as she is still nursing.

Kyla - posted on 03/26/2010

I've been going through the same thing. I think it is the 6 mo growth spurt. Also, did you start feeding solids? I introduced cereal and peas at 5 mo and now he will eat other fruits and veggies too. Also I was sick and took mucinex for a few days and it totally dried me out. So I checked with Ped Dr. and she said it was ok if I started taking feenugreek seed pills to help with supply and OMG it helped! The day before I started taking the pills I was down to .5 oz if I pumped in the AM...A few days later I was up to 5 oz a breast! I've been increasing my feedings and pumping to help build my supply too. Your baby could be teething too. I think mine is all the time now=) Good luck!