Is this a supply issue?

SWBs Wifey · October 2009

DS doesn't nurse for long at one time, and usually only on one side. I used to be able to easily tell which side I'd nursed from last bcause the other side was more firm... but now- they aren't getting as firm. Is that normal or am I making less milk? He's also wanting to nurse more often (could be a growth spurt) and longer... and seeming frustrated when he finally pulls off... wanting more, but pulling off again quickly. Last night he nursed 5 times between 10:30 and 2:30... and he got a 1.25 ounce bottle at 10:30 (I was thinking that if he got a full ounce to start, he might not want as much in the next few hours... I was wrong, apparently). Also, when I pumped before his 10:30 feeding (it was at 8, after his last feeding before party time), I only pumped 1 ounce... TOTAL... from both breasts. I was just in shock!

Does that sound like a supply issue... ALREADY? I had oatmeal for breakfast this morning (I've heard that helps... figured it certainly can't hurt) and I know I can pump to help with supply, I just don't know when/how is the best way to do that!

papagena · October 2009

I don't think it is necessarily a supply issue. Your milk does taper off a bit in the beginning when it regulates to match closer to baby's needs. He may be gearing up for a growth spurt, and signaling you that he needs more with the more frequent nursing. Your body should figure that out and be able to keep up. As for the pumping, your supply is generally the largest in the morning, so that may be a better time to do some pumping. I could see how in the evening, after he's been nursing a ton all night, that you wouldn't get as much. I wouldn't worry too much yet - make sure you're getting plenty of protein, fluids and the oatmeal is good! If you keep thinking there are issues, try contacting an LC - they may be better able to give you some insight.

andrealynn0707 · October 2009

To me, it just sounds like your supply is regulating. I would drink some extra water and keep up with the oatmeal.

I know when I stopped feeling engorged, I started to panic a little bit, but as long as he seems satisfied, regulation is a good thing, I promise.

cooksr · October 2009

ditto the pp's - it just sounds like your body is regulating. my ds was a very quick/efficient eater - like 5-10 minutes and he was good - it freaked me out at first thinking my supply would never be enough, but basically it just meant that my body regulated to what he needed/wanted and i was always able to produce enough for him. and ditto the pumping in the morning if you want to build supply/stash. i always got more at that time of day.

Lotte134 · October 2009

andrealynn0707:
To me, it just sounds like your supply is regulating. I would drink some extra water and keep up with the oatmeal.
I know when I stopped feeling engorged, I started to panic a little bit, but as long as he seems satisfied, regulation is a good thing, I promise.

This exactly. DS used to do some major cluster feeding every evening - basically he didn't leave my breast from 5-10pm or so. I worred quite a bit until I read up on cluster feeding on kellymom.com and realized it was very normal.

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