BFing Question *Update*

MamaAllison

Sorry in advance if this gets rambly...


So LO is doing fine, like 80% for both height and weight, so you wouldn't think there would be cause for concern but I'm a bit worried about supply. She often cries a bit after she is done eating, like she wants more. But then she seems satisfied until the next feeding (usually I feed every two-three hours). Night is the worst, last night she was crying at the breast for 20 minutes, sucking and acting like she wasn't getting anything. I finally broke down and gave her a bottle from my frozen stash. She sucked down 5 oz hungrily.

My pumping output has also been unpredictable. Sometimes I'll get my full 4/5 oz pump in the am, sometimes I'll only get 1 ounce.

The last thing is her diapers - while she has at least 6 a day they are more "the blue line is there" not the, "oh this feels full and squishy" type.

My pedi doesn't have a lactation consultant per se. Should I take her in for a weight check to gauge since the last visit? Call a real LC and do a weighted feeding? Any tips for increasing specifically evening supply??

Going shopping with my mom today - I'll check back when I can. TIA.

Update: So I called the pedi, who referred me to an LC who apparently doesn't return calls after not hearing back from the LC I called Pedi again to see if I could just bring her in for a weight check. They let me come in and she gained 7 ounces in 2.5 weeks so all is well. The nurse suggested letting her go more like 3-4 hours in between feelings as opposed to 2-3, she thinks I'm force-feeding her I guess! I could have done without the judgmental looks I got but I'm glad I took her in as I feel better

Thanks for the encouragement yesterday!

versed

It definitely couldn't hurt to see an LC and do a weighted feed.

Have you looked into a lip/tongue tie? My LOs both had them but were in the 80-90th percentiles. However, they both had to work really hard to get the milk.

https://www.mommypotamus.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-diagnosing-tonguelip-ties/

karich

This seems to be happening to me, too.
I talked with an LC yesterday at work who went through a laundry list of reasons why my supply could be dropping. (Including...are you pregnant? I was like "bite your tongue!!!")
None really seemed to apply to me, but I'll share them with you.
Could you be getting your period? Have you started solids? Could you have your pump's suction tested? Have you cut calories in your own diet? Are you drinking enough? Stress?

She is gaining, peeing, and pooping, so I wouldn't panic yet. Maybe just try some tricks to increase your supply?

Soap1

I feel like we're experiencing the same thing.  I don't pump much so I don't really have any reason to suspect a supply issue other than, like you said, LO seems to be working hard and getting frustrated.  He also started waking up MOTN to nurse, which hasn't happened in a couple of months! 

I am hoping it's just a growth spurt.  In the meantime, try lots of water and hang in there!  Agree with @karich about all those factors that could affect supply.  And good grief, if I were pregnant I'd Lose. It.

boogerbearoriginal

How long has this been going on?  It sounds like it could be a growth spurt, and she's asking to nurse more because of that. Could also be start of period - that tends to result in a temporary supply dip. Maybe she's showing some bottle preference if she's getting frustrated working hard from you?

So long as she's still gaining, having appropriate wet/poopy diapers I wouldn't get too worried at this point.  Especially if it's only been a short time.

boogerbearoriginal

One other thought, have you tried burping her when she gets like that?  My LO acts like she's starving when she needs to burp.

Lhageme85

No fantastic advice but more commiseration. My afternoon/evening supply definitely seems to be taking a hit. My work pumps have always been lower in the afternoon than the am, but until the last 2 weeks LO had been satisfied in the evening. Now she feeds way longer, gets more frustrated, and wakes up for an extra feed.

I'm trying the typical oatmeal and more water, started power pumping after bedtime last night, and we will see what happens.

Are you/have you recently been sick? That also has caused a supply dip for me in the past. 

Hugs mama, I would definitely do a weighted feed for peace of mind but it looks like there are a few of us in the same situation.

MamaAllison

Thank you all so much! Just knowing people are in the same boat helps. I felt like second kid, second time breastfeeding everything would be smooth sailing but there are always those doubts!

@versed she was checked out for tongue tie at 6 weeks when I was having some pain nursing, so I don't think it is that.

@karich pregnant again OMG I would die. I have a Mirena so not likely. I'm trying to drink as much water as possible, but it is one of those things I feel like I could always do better. I called Medela and they walked me through making sure my pump was working properly. No additional stress and I eat all. The. Food.

@Soap1 I was thinking growth spurt but the behavior is pushing three weeks, on and off, and I feel like that is too long for that reason.

I think I'll try to call my pedi and do a weighted feed like a few of you mentioned. They will probably side eye me but I really don't care!

Thanks ladies!

annie0714

This was me too a few weeks ago, but when i finally weighed LO, he was losing weight. I did weighed feedings with an LC just to confirm how much he was getting. I started domperidone, and it took two weeks, but my supply is back to normal. Maybe even better. I just share because if it is supply, it can probably still be corrected. Also, I wish I would have just weighed him and saw an LC sooner. I just assumed it was a growth spurt ( I waited two weeks). I ended up depleting my freezer supply before my supply rebounded,

TessyMessy

I'm glad you got some reassurance from the weight check at the pedi. Hopefully you can see an LC for a weighted feed too! LO was going through a growth spurt when I got my first pp period. So he was extra hungry and I was like empty. It was a terrible feeling but it was only temporary. Keep nursing and it will only help your supply!