I am bfing and pumping 1 to 2 times a day to supplement as necessary. Usually, I am getting 2.5 to 3.5 oz total, but the last day and a half, I am barely getting an oz. to an oz. and a half. Any ideas as to why the drop? I would appreciate any ideas to bring it back up! TIA.
ETA: Little Man is up to 9 lbs, 3 oz from 7 lbs, 1 oz at birth as of last Wednesday's weight check at his ped's office.
Re: Lower pumping output
I was able to pump more in a shorter period of time [from one breast, anyway] than with the electric pump! Turns out, I'd been inadvertently pussyfooting with the electric pump and not turning it up high enough because of tender nipples. I have spent the time since then alternating between BFing, hand pumping, and electric pumping, and my supply has returned to normal.
Good luck!
I am using an electric pump and do not have a manual one. I have the setting pretty high and did not have issues before. If the water and oatmeal don't help, I will ask a lactation coach if she recommends trying a manual pump.
I also agree with this. I get so much more milk when I drink more water.
There is a growth spurt around three weeks so it's possible your baby is eating more and you aren't yet producing enough to keep up with pumping. If that's the case and you keep feeding on demand and pumping as per usual you should be back to normal in a few days.
Also, this is a bit early, but I noticed with my other two that around 3 months I was no longer really able to pump anything. I would pump 2x a day to keep a freezer stash, but around 3 months my supply evened out and even though the boys were always happy and full there was just nothing else left for pumping.
It took me awhile to realize I needed to turn that sucker (literally) WAY up. I actually started getting a stream rather that just a dribble. I may have to try your technique with the hand pump though, because I still don't feel like my production is where is should be at almost a month PP.
EDD 07/29/2017
On those days, yes. I pumped this morning after guzzling water yesterday and got 3 oz. total yay but after his lunchtime feeding, barely got over 1 oz. Maybe I should try timing my pumping sessions differently if I can.