Pumping.. had a good start BUT.....

sjra1028

My baby girl is in the NICU(born on 7/6). I've been pumping since the day she was born and my production has been great up until a day or so ago. I noticed I went from 50 ml to 25 or 30 ml total after pumping both breasts.
I talked to my hospital's lactation specialist. She recommended an herbal supplement called fenugreek. I can't take the prescription for production bc my ob says it would raise my bp, & I'm still getting over my pre-eclampsia.
I'll also be renting a hospital grade pump from them tomorrow. Supposedly all of this combined will double my production within a few days.
Anyone else had this problem? Or used fenugreek before?

ldmw

Be careful with fenugreek. LCs are quick to recommend it. While it works for some, other moms (like me) have the opposite reaction and see supply decrease. Fenugreek interacts with your thyroid so if you have any thyroid issues do not take it. You also have to take a lot for it to be effective. If you do not smell like maple syrup, you are bit taking a high enough dose. It can also make you and baby have upset stomachs.

Are you pumping 8-10 times a day? Pumping until empty each time (20-30 minutes at least) and then pumping an additional 5-10 minutes? I would recommend that you power pump 1-2x/day for a week. Pump until empty, rest 10 minutes, pump 10 minutes, rest 10, pump 10. Mimics cluster feeding.

sjra1028

Thank you!!!!! I'm very iffy on the supplement. I've been pumping 10 times a day literally with an alarm set every 2 hrs. My LS is having me pump at midnight and then 4 am that way I'm not pushing myself so hard. I'm also going to start pumping at the hospital bc I think seeing her might help too.
I haven't tried power pumping, but it sounds like it would really stimulate me! I think my production has gotten worse overnight, so I'll try anything!!!

ldmw

Rest and relaxation is key, which is basically impossible with a new baby! Your supply is still stabilizing so you will see variations. Definitely give power pumping a try. It's worked for me. What has also worked for me is acupuncture.

devinsmommy31115

I pumped while my daughter was in the nicu for 2 months. It is hard to keep production up with pumping, especially with a preemie. All you can do is your best. Remember, all you have to do is keep up with her demand now- which isn't much. When she gets home if you breastfeed exclusively, your supply should recover.