Pumping and supplimenting... long

evansal3

I went back to work last week - my daughter is almost 5 months old.  I will now be gone from her for 12 hours, 4 days a week for work.

I pumped 4 times at work to produce 9 ounces total. She has eaten 15 ounces total each day.  My 'stash' is only 30 ounces, so obviously something needs to change because it is basically gone. 

Here are my options and things I am doing to help... any pros/cons or other options you can think of? Even send some good vibes I will be able to continue to nurse at a reduced rate from here on out...  My goal is to breastfeed until 18 months and I really want to feel like this is still attainable at least for most of her nutrition. 

I eat oatmeal, drink water, drink mothers milk tea, and just began fenugreek two days ago.

On the three days I am not at work I let her nurse all the time.

I try pumping after each night feeding too, but only get 1/2 ounce or less and quite frankly after a long day I need the sleep, not 30 more minutes of pumping and cleaning parts.

How do I know 9 ounces is all I have to give? It's so hard to 'ok' formula when I hoped she would have all breastmilk or only a few ounces of formula if we needed to suppliment, 6 seems like a lot to me out of her total intake for the day.  

Sorry so long and scattered. Breastfeeding went so well for us for the most part and going back to work throws this horrible wrench into it (

LauraOTR

I wish I had advice for you, but I'm having the same issue. I returned to work 2 weeks ago, and my LO is also almost 5 months. BFing was a huge challenge for us in the beginning and I'm so annoyed that returning to work is impacting my ability to EBF. I've been taking Fenugreek for a week, and am guzzling water like it's my job. Between trips to the bathroom and pumping, I'm surprised I can even DO my job! This week, I have come up 1oz short each day, where last week, I was coming up 2-3oz short. So, it might be making a small difference. And I totally feel you on not wanting to pump at night. I don't want to either, I'm exhausted enough already, and already sick of washing bottles and pump parts. I'll do it if I have to, I guess. Pumping after his feedings in the morning (or whenever) doesn't work either, b/c I get less than 1/2 oz when I do that.

So...just wanted to let you know you're not alone! Here is an article on this same issue, if you haven't seen it already https://kellymom.com/momblog/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/pumping_decrease/

evansal3

Thanks ladies, the support means a lot. Returning to work and dealing with different aspects of breastfeeding has made me feel pretty strongly about 1. how benificial it is for mom and baby yet 2. how hard this country  and culture (US) make it to be sucessful at breastfeeding.  Maybe one day I'll become an activist )

I have even thought about taking domperidone, but I think instead of putting a drug into me and DD I will look into supplimentation (even though its AAP approved). Lets hope fenugreek helps and I can give my milk!

I do have a good pump - medela freestyle - it's new and everything fits so I don't think changing that would change my production.  I think I have come to terms with the fact I am not an overproducer as it is.  I wish I was one of the moms who has 200 plus ounces in the freezer besides enough for DD.

It does make the workday go faster when it feels like every other minute I am getting up to pee or pump!

Serena52308

I just read this post and feel exactly the same way about how hard this country makes it for BFing mamas!! My relatives in Canada were shocked that I was only getting 3 months...they get a year off!!  Imagine having a full year of maternity leave...amazing.

I'm going back to work tomorrow and battling supply issues.  Going to start on oatmeal and fenugreek tomorrow and just pump, pump, pump.  Wrestling with the same hang-ups about supplementing.

darmca

evansal3:

Thanks ladies, the support means a lot. Returning to work and dealing with different aspects of breastfeeding has made me feel pretty strongly about 1. how benificial it is for mom and baby yet 2. how hard this country  and culture (US) make it to be sucessful at breastfeeding.  Maybe one day I'll become an activist )

I have even thought about taking domperidone, but I think instead of putting a drug into me and DD I will look into supplimentation (even though its AAP approved). Lets hope fenugreek helps and I can give my milk!

I do have a good pump - medela freestyle - it's new and everything fits so I don't think changing that would change my production.  I think I have come to terms with the fact I am not an overproducer as it is.  I wish I was one of the moms who has 200 plus ounces in the freezer besides enough for DD.

It does make the workday go faster when it feels like every other minute I am getting up to pee or pump!

Just so you know, I take domperidone (very recommended here in Canada, can get it at any pharmacy) and it's the same drug they will give some babies for reflux. The small amount that would be in the milk is nothing compared to what they would get directly for reflux, but worst case scenario would just calm their stomach a little. Even with the domperidone though I still have to supplement 5oz of formula a day.

evansal3

Thanks for the information on domperidone.  I always get easily freaked out by side effects and warnings.  I read about the FDA warning in 2004 about possible heart attacks / heart issues from the drug.  Sometimes I think I would be much better off without webmd or googling for medical information.

I am going to keep on with fenugreek for the next 10 days or so... if I don't see an increase I am going to look into the drug. 

Thanks again for the supporting words - and to those who responded who also have supply issues keep on keeping on, we are all doing the best for our LOs. 

mesmom2011

I started my LO on solids a little early to keep from supplementing.  It has helped her get through the day, and she just nurses more when we're together.