Since my LO was born, I've had an oversupply which I've probably taken for granted.
For the sake of my sanity, I am very dependent on the bottles of expressed breast milk. I take them out in public as I'm not comfortable breastfeeding there and DH handles the first night shift with a bottle as well. It's also great to have the flexibility to have my mom take care of him.
I had family member suddenly pass away and had to leave town to attend her funeral on Monday. It was a long drive and not ideal for a small baby so I left LO behind and brought my pump. I didn't pump on the drive up (7-8 hours) or the drive back home and just did mega pumping sessions 3-4 times each day. I returned Tuesday evening. I knew it wasn't ideal but it was the best I could do under the circumstances.
I anticipated a drop in production but figured that, with my oversupply, I could handle it. Plus I intended to nurse nonstop once I got home to get back on track.
As of yesterday I noticed a big dip in supply (I used to pump 12 oz in my morning pump and this went down to 4 oz yesterday). I vowed to get on track today. However, this morning I couldn't even pump 1 oz. I have now gone from worrying that my oversupply had depleted significantly to actually worrying that my milk is completely dried up.
Has anyone had this happen before with previous babies? Is it possible to get it back? I'm going to power pump and nurse LO nonstop but my nipples are already feeling a bit raw. I'm so worried there will be no coming back from this.
Re: Milk supply drying up?
I am not comfortable breastfeeding in public either, even with a cover... So I always BF in restrooms or changing rooms. It's not always pleasant but definitely helps to jot have to pump and prepare bottles... And there's always somewhere private everywhere you go - I just avoid places that would have gross bathrooms
That's a relief to hear @kbrands7. I can tell LO is frustrated from not getting the amount he's used to with the suction he's used to and that's a bit heartbreaking.
On on a positive note, though, I just hauled out my old single pump just to test if maybe my double pump needs some valve replacement. The single pump has gotten 3 oz so far from one side (this is the overachiever side) so, while I can tell production is still way down, I'm a bit calmer now that I can see SOMETHING coming out.
Im going to heed your advice kbrands7 and eat more the next few days, drink more water and power pump at least once a day. Power pumping established my supply so I am hoping I can get it back. It's very heartening to hear you were able to.
DS: Born 5-17-16
So Sorry for your loss!
Mama to Three Girls:
Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor
and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!