Help! HUGE decrease in milk supply!

scklocek

I EP and over the last couple of weeks I have had a huge dip in my milk supply. I try to pump every 3 hours while at home but when I'm at work I can only pump twice (if I'm lucky). I have never pumped more than 4 ounces per side and that is after not pumping all night long. Just now I pumped for 20 minutes and only got a whopping 2 ounces! WTF??? Any suggestions? I'm beginning to think that I'm drying up!

nic5606

Drink lots of water. Compress/massage your breasts while pumping.

 Depending on your pump, maybe change the membranes out.

 Some people say eating oatmeal helps. Also, if you EP and want to continue to- maybe rent a hospital grade pump.

I rent the medela symphony and it works way better than my freestyle for frequent pumping.

Good luck!

CarlaAndJames

are you by any chance taking any allergy or sinus meds? I know that's supposed to cause problems. 

ak1234

You have to pump more.  If you are not pumping in the car on the way to and from work, add that.  Some people just aren't great pumpers, but have no problems actually bfing a baby, kwim?

Also, if you aren't taking some type of supplement (like fenugreek, etc) you should start.

P0upette

add an hour of power pumping as well...

Sazhrah

Drink mothers milk tea. i have a 42oz water bottle that i pu 3 tea bags in a drink throughout the day plus 2 more bottles of just water.

eat oatmeal and/or granola

lots of breast compression. as if your are trying to squeeze the milk out.

maybe pump longer to get a second or third letdown. i get one at about 25 minutes.

try not to worry too much. that will only affect you more.

all of these tips will take about two or three days for you to see a difference. check your suction on you pump too. what kind do you use?

scklocek

I have the Ameda Purely Yours pump. I haven't had any problems with it (at least I don't think so). I'm hesitant to use any supplements or anything as I already have a hard time remembering my prenatal vitamin!

I'm going to try the power hour tomorrow morning at my first pumping to see what happens and have set a lofty goal of 100 ounces of water! Wish me luck and thanks for the advice!

Sazhrah

scklocek:

I have the Ameda Purely Yours pump. I haven't had any problems with it (at least I don't think so). I'm hesitant to use any supplements or anything as I already have a hard time remembering my prenatal vitamin!

I'm going to try the power hour tomorrow morning at my first pumping to see what happens and have set a lofty goal of 100 ounces of water! Wish me luck and thanks for the advice!

I have that pump too. I find it works so much better when it is on single use rather than double. Maybe it would work for you too.

I hate taking supplements and pills too. That is why I make the tea and eat granola every morning.  Good luck!!

mari_gold

Have you gotten your period back yet? I get a supply drop the week before I get my period and then it rebounds.