breastmilk drying up?

Jessica - posted on 03/13/2010

Like others said its possible baby is going through a growth spurt and just needs to eat more. Also I agree, 4 hours is kind of long for an exclusively breastfed baby to go between feedings... 2-3 hours is far more common, at least during the day. It may seem like she isn't getting enough but that likely isn't the case; in fact the more you nurse her the more you'll make. As for pumping, that's never a good indication to how much your making because many women just don't let down well to a pump. I was never able to pump more than 3 ounces total at a time. But if you really are concerned about your supply, pumping in between feedings will help your body make more. Good luck!

Amy - posted on 03/13/2010

my son did that too. i just made sure i really ate like a horse and drank tons of water and i bounced back with my supply.also drank mother's milk tea for a bit. i would also say growth spurt. my son wouldn;t do formula either. i'm glad he wouldn't he's 11 months now and nursing well. i know the more i stressed, the less milk i got so i started to read books or listen to music and not look at my pump. lol.

Crystie - posted on 03/13/2010

thank you, everyone for the encouragement. He won't take formula, even in his cereal (which we just started a couple of weeks ago). That's the main reason I was pumping...for the cereal and the rare occation when I need to be away for more than a couple of hours. I was concerned because of his seeming frustration while eating (like he's not getting enough) more than the eating every 2 hours. This is my third baby and I didn't experience this with the other 2. I will definately look into the domperidoone.

Nicole - posted on 03/13/2010

Keep pumping, feed him the milk you have pupmed after you try him on the breast. His suckling will stimulate your milk better than the pump. Top up with formula only when really necessary. The more you stimulate your milk the faster you'll sort your supply out.
I have gonethrough this several times. It's your sons growth spurt, he requires more milk and is constantly hungry. One thing that really helped me is ( call the peadiatrician and get a prescription for domperidoone or...) fenugreek herbal capsules! They work like a bomb!!
And don't stress, we all go through this- I've gone through it 6 times! It's hard to go through, but your supply will sort itself out, it just seems like your drying up because he has upped his requirements.
Just a warning - the more you top up with formula the less you will be telling your breasts to supply, I would advise to go straight for the fenugreek- it gave me the best results vy far, I still use it now and then, it's also the healthiest option for baby

Chatty - posted on 03/12/2010

Sounds like (s)he is going thru a growth spurt......pretty common right around 4 months! Make sure you just keep feeding on demand, drink lots of water, eating healthy, and get as much rest as possible........it's gonna be tough! It's all about supply and demand! Just know that ur not alone, I went thru the exact same thing and it was sooo tough.......if you continue breastfeeding it won't be the last time either! While (s)he is cluster feeding don't worry about pumping and DEFINITELY DON'T STRESS OVER IT! You're doin the best job you can......good luck!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 03/12/2010

It's probably a growth spurt. Keep nursing on demand. Pumps are not efficient at getting out the milk. Some moms can't pump very much (or any) but that doesn't mean that baby is not getting anything. Babies are much better at getting the milk. As long as your baby has plenty of wet diaper then your supply is fine. Another thought: four hours is a long time for an exclusively breastfed baby to go between feedings. Breastmilk is digested in less than an hour so eating every 2 hours is pretty normal. My 10 month old eats every 2-3 hours while she's awake. I don't think you need to worry.

Melissa - posted on 03/12/2010

AH I went through this -I'm sorry b/c it was very frustrating. Baby might be in a growth spurt and feeding more often is annoying buy might be nessessary. Are you drinking enough water, getting enough calories (resist excersize)? You shouldn't dry up if your still nursing regularly. Resist supplementing with formula b/c that will trick the breasts and you will produce less. I also never had success with pumping between feedings. I know you probably want to get baby on some sort of scedule at this point but remember this constant feeding will only last a short time. Another helpful resource for me was Kellymom.org and La Leche League online communities. Other moms and La Leche leaders give advice like this forum but maybe with more info. Good luck and nurse like crazy! It does help! One other thought -I started feeding my second baby solids a little earlier b/c she seemed hungry. This is contriversial!