Milk supply worries.

TaylersMommy

So, I am now 6 days into pumping and currently pumping approx 600 ml per day for my 28 weeker Beckett. His nurse yesterday said to expect a drop in supply in the next week or so and I am pumping less than 500600 ml per day to ask to see the LC. Seeming as I am currently pumping only 600 I am now very worried. I thought that 600 ml per day was pretty good for his gestation! Does anyone have any advice? I have been eating drinking lots, taking blessed thistle recommended by my midwife and pumping an average of 9 times in 24 hours. I would like to avoid motilium/domperidone at this time so that I have it as back up for later when my supply dips at 5 months as it did with my daughter.

kck329

I think you are doing great--don't listen to that nurse. It takes a little while for your supply to get established, especially when you are exclusively pumping. I would ask to see an LC now anyway because they could give you some tips and/or ease your mind about your supply.

Other things that helped me--pumping in the NICU at DD's bedside instead of in the lactation rooms (ask for a screen if you are in a more public NICU), getting one good stretch of sleep at night, one longer session of pumping each day (power pumping) when I could fit it in, and tons of water between each session.

It sounds like you are doing everything right, don't let that nurse get to you!

TaylersMommy

My midwife brought the tea to the hospital, so I have been drinking it since day 2. Great suggestion about the power pumping. How long should a power pumping session be?

missgooseyface

Sounds like you are doing great! My 29 weeker is 8 weeks old now and I'm still only pumping about that much per day and the LC I'm working with isn't concerned (I am not pumping as often though because I put LO to breast 2-3 times a day) I wouldn't let the nurse get to you and definitely talk to the LC. I think every preemie mom who has decided to pump/BF has had that fear of a dip in supply at some point and maybe even more than once (I know I have). But the worst thing you can do is worry...relax and keep on keepin on.  As the other ladies suggested, add another session, get more rest if you are able and try a power pumping session (takes about a week to see an improvement with power pumping). Good luck and keep up the good work!