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My milk is suddenly decreasing

Carey - posted on 08/30/2009 ( 8 moms have responded )

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I have been breastfeeding my new baby for 2 1/2 months now and also pumping extra milk to freeze and make bottles for when we leave the house. I was up to pumping about 6 oz. after a feeding and 11 oz. if I fed him a bottle and didn't nurse first. Over the last two days, I have not been able to pump more than 2 oz. after nursing or not. I need to get my milk to come back, any suggestions? Has this happened to anyone else and if so, do you know why? I am at a loss for an explanation.

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8 Comments

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Leena - posted on 09/13/2012

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Eat dates. They work wonders...

Minnie - posted on 08/31/2009

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When your mature milk comes in after you have your body you produce quite the supply because your body has no idea how big your baby is or how many babies you'll have. But after a few weeks, your supply regulates, and you'll begin producing only what is being removed, like Catherine says. Two ounces in one session is great.

Anna - posted on 08/31/2009

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Drink lots of water and cut down on tea & coffee - that helps me make more.

Jennifer - posted on 08/31/2009

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I used milk thistle to help and it really worked but you need to take it consistently in order for it to make a difference. I didnt really notice a difference after drinking mothers milk tea, but ive heard that it works for some. There is also fenugreek that my lactation nurse recommended.

Katie - posted on 08/31/2009

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Drink, drink, drink! Make sure you are drinking enough water and still getting enough protien. My son is almost 5months and I had that happen to me as well. You can also get mothers milk tea to drink.

Amber - posted on 08/31/2009

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Catherine gave excellent advice on supply and demand along with the idea to check your flange on your pump.

Since you are pumping after feeding it would make more since that it could be your pump suction. If you are demanding that you want more milk after a nursing then your body should up your supply in a few days. Also consider that your little guy is hitting the 8-10 week mark and a growth spurt could be happening so he might be draining your breast more.

Also are you returning to work soon, is this the reason for your pumping? Remember the baby drains the breast more sufficiently than the pump AND the more empty the breast the more demand to refill. At first I saved to create a freezer stash and now I've leveled out. Since whenever you don't feed from the breast you must pump to keep supply I leveled out and now only pump if we miss a feeding.

Hope this helps give some insight... also like Cathrine said, check out kellymom.com

Beth - posted on 08/30/2009

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I agree with Catherine. But also - make sure you are staying hydrated. That will help too. A warm shower right before or massaging your breasts while you are pumping will also help increase output.

Catherine - posted on 08/30/2009

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Your supply is probably switching to supply and demand rather than being hormone driven. 2 oz is actually a very normal and healthy output for pumping. Also, it might be an issue with your pump. Sometimes changing out the little flap at the bottom (I have no idea what the actual name is) makes a world of difference, although it sounds like your supply has simply leveled out.



http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumpi... This link can give you more information.

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