Let down issues--pumping

NicoleWI

I thought I would have no trouble making it at least to six months, but if things keep going as they have this week I'm in trouble. For about a week, I'm having a lot of trouble getting decent let-down when pumping. Most pumps it takes a long time to start getting anything and I only get a little bit, especially on the right side. Maybe an ounce if I work at for a long time. I did have one decent pump yesterday morning but otherwise it's been rough. This is stressing me out b/c I can't keep up and I don't have a big frozen stash.

 Why is this happening? What can I do? Here's my routine:

pump one side, feed one side in the morning, then pump 3x/day at work and BF again in the evenings. DD is waking up twice to eat during the night. She always seems satisfied when I can just BF her so I don't think I have any big supply issues. IT is hard for me to keep up with what she needs by pumping. I'm really close each day and usually get just enough to get through the week by having a little extra from the weekend and those morning pumps. I also try evening pumps some days depending on when she last ate, but I hardly get anything at all most nights before bed. 

madhatter2003

have you tried all the little things like looking at pictures, smelling their clothing, etc while pumping? Even pumping while nursing a couple of times (you may need DH to help you there) can 'trick' your body into responding to the pump better.

SpecialWife

Right around your DC's age my DD went through a growth spurt and my pumping suddenly went down the drain. I think I made it worse because I was upset and stressed over it and could not letdown anymore. I've recently relaxed and started taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle 3 pills each, 3 times a day. It's helping and I just started two nights ago.

Sally J

There is a supply dip and a growth spurt at 6 months of age...but your body will rebound and you should be fine if you haven't had any supply issues.  Some things to do:

Drink lots of water and up your calorie intake just a bit

Eat oatmeal once a day

Take a known supplement like Fenugreek

Take a true break to pump and look at pictures of your DC

Change the white membranes in your pump every 2-4 months to keep your pump efficient

Add a dedicated evening pump, even if you don't get anything at first.  After several days your body will know to make milk at that time and you will get a few ounces.

Relax, relax, relax.  No need to stress, you are making what your DD needs in a day (even if it's barely).  She will be starting solids soon and might eat less BM in a day.  She might start nursing more in the evening if you only give her what you pump in a day (reverse cycling).

14years

I had a huge supply dip at that time, too.  I used More Milk Plus, started compressions and changed out my parts.  Have you tried that?

I know it's hard, but try not to stress out about it -- this seems to be a really common thing to happen between 5 and 6 months.  My supply came back pretty well after doing the above things.

Good luck!

NicoleWI

I'm super late getting back to this, but thank you for the tips! It's good to know that a lot of people have a dip at this time. I'm adding more oatmeal to my diet pronto...and maybe some fenugreek.