Pause in pumping and production went down ?

PerrisWheel

My son is 4 months and he is exclusively breast fed . I also pump and have bottles handy in case I need to go out somewhere.
I stopped pumping for about 3 weeks though and now I'm trying to get back to pumping AND nursing.

One day my breasts were full and normal and the next day my breast seem so EMPTY. I thought my production had gone done.

So my question is: is my milk production actually going down because I stopped pumping ? Can I start pumping again to kick it back into gear ? How long will it take to start producing more ? Any other tips would be great .

PerrisWheel

Bump

etayislove

Let me see if I understand, you had good supply before nursing and pumping when needed, you left on a month long trip where you were pumping exclusively, and now that you are back you feel like your supply isn't where it was.

First, your pump isn't as efficient as your body, nor does your pumping send hormonal signals to your body through nursing, so yes, absolutely your supply has probably tanked a little bit.

However, if your baby is still gaining weight, having 8-10 wet diapers and a few dirty ones, seems satisfied after nursing then you are still producing 'enough'.

If you are interested in trying to build up your supply again then you need to first nurse him and then pump as often as you are able after the nursing session. Breastmilk is a supply and demand process, the more you ask your breast to make by nursing and pumping, the more they will oblige. It will take time and effort on your part, but it can be done.

PerrisWheel

I left on a month long trip and was still nursing AND pumping . But when I came back I was only able to nurse for about 3 weeks . @etayislove