My LO is driving me bananas (bfing)

Solelle

I am seriously on the verge of pulling my hair out.  I'm having supply issues since I started working last week.  Every day I pumped I dropped 2 oz from the day prior.  I nursed her on demand all Friday and yesterday, but the problem is that she wants to nurse every 2 hours and my breasts haven't had a chance to fill up enough for her to stay satisfied so it's like an endless circle.  Last night she was up every 2 hours, which is completely out of the norm (she would sleep 4-5 hours when I was on maternity leave). 

I don't know what to do.  I'm really tempted to start supplementing her regularly, but I know this will lead down the path of weaning.  I've been taking fenugreek, but i read that you need to take 3500 mg a day! to make it worthwhile?? I also added a pumping session after nursing yesterday and got one ounce.  I'll try again today, but ugh. 

I don't know what to do and I'm exhausted.  I think this venting is helping me a little.  Thanks for reading.   

Kari Merks

Don't supplement!  Let your LO nurse as frequently as she wants.  The more she nurses the more your boobs are being stimulated to produce more milk.  It'll take a couple of days, but all of that nursing will increase your supply.  Also, the pump isn't as efficient as a nursing baby, so you shouldn't measure your supply by what you are able to pump.  If you need to, try taking Fenugreek.  I took 2 capsules 3 x day and it really helped boost my supply.  GL!

ncbelle

Maybe she's hit the 3 month growth spurt and that's why she wants to nurse more often at night.  My kiddo has been quite the chow hound the past few days (day and night!).  I'd make sure I was drinking tons and tons of water and eating plenty (esp. protein).  I would just keep letting her nurse as often as she wants; your supply should respond - and the growth spurt will end.  Hang in there!

Solelle

I've been trying to up my water/food intake, but I don't know if it's working.  I forgot to mention she is SUPER distractable too.  LIke she will nurse for like 3 minutes and then stop smile, look at things, and maybe take the other boob for another 2-3 minutes.  I can't imagine that 7 minutes total for both boobs is a long enough stretch??

She will nurse a little longer at night, but I think that's because she's starving by that point.  

BananaPancake

She's a young baby. Nursing is how she connects and bonds with you. She's probably missing you and just wants to be close to you when she can be. I'd supplement during the daywhere you need to and let her nurse when she wants to. She's probably still very confused and trying to figure all of this out.

whitehead15

I agree with the pps. ?She's trying to up your supply for her needs. ?Let nature take it's course ?Hang in there....it's worth it!