10.5 months, low BM supply- should I be supplementing?

lauren&matt · July 2012

I asked the pedi at 9 months and she said to keep BFing but I'm really starting to question if that is the right decision.

DD is 10.5 months old. She is a peanut, 3rd percentile; weighs just 15.5 lbs. She has always gained, just slowly. She is a FABULOUS eater and gets quite a bit of solid food.

I read the article on kelly mom about suspected low BM supply and it didn't really help. I work 2 days a week and pump on those days. I have never been a big producer. I work 8:00-2:00. I would nurse dd before I left and pump at noon. I usually get just 3 oz but am now barely getting 2. She only takes 1 bottle while I'm at work, 4 oz. It doesn't seem like much but she's always been fine with it and my supply can't produce any more. In fact, my freezer supply is gone and dd got formula for the first time last weekend... no issues at all. She chugged it.

She is a very happy baby and has plenty of wet diapers... but I really suspect my supply is very low. esp in the evenings. Case in point- dh and I went out last Sat night and left dd with her first bottle of formula. She drank barely 3 oz and conked out... and slept just fine. We got home about midnight and I pumped... I got less than 1 oz!!!! I know that baby is more efficient than the pump, but less than 1 oz??? Both sides??? That seems crazy.

SO- I'm wondering if I should start supplementing... at least at night. Everything on kelly mom says NO... it's fine... but she nurses just 2-3 minutes and I just can't imagine she's getting enough milk. She doesn't really drink a measurable amountt of water... but there are plenty of wet diapers.

I'm so confused!!! And tips or advice? lol, I'm not even a FTM and nursed dd#1 until 15 months. But she was a VERY picky eater... and it was just a different situation/child.

Thanks so much!!

MsCrispy · July 2012

I'm actually pretty similar. My DD is small and I don't get enough while I pump at work. I have enough in my freezer stash that I will make it to a year and I also pump one extra time before bed.

Your supply starts to decrease as the baby replaces milk with food, so this is normal. I used to leave 12-14 oz during the day (I'm gone longer than you). Now I'm down to 9-10.

Pumping is not as effective as a baby, so your LO may be getting more. As long as she is happy and has plenty of wet diapers, then I wouldn't worry. Since you only work 2x per week, just add a pumping session on one of your days off if possible so you can give her more in the bottles.

sjuncfan · July 2012

I'm not an expert but I would say if she's got plenty of wet diapers and isn't complaining that she needs more milk, I wouldn't worry about supplementing. different story if she's acting unsatisfied or hungry, which it doesn't sound like she is.

lucylea · July 2012

I'm with the others that unless she starts acting differently, her wet diapers decrease, or you see a halt in weight gain you are fine. I will say, DS eats roughly 3 minutes per side and takes in 3-4 ounces depending on time of day. DD never got that fast so it took me by surprise when DS did, but we've done lots of weighed feedings and its never an issues.

CurbsideProphet · July 2012

I would not supplement. I suppose you could do a weighed feeding if you are curious about how much she is getting. However if she seems content with the amount of milk you are giving her and she acting normal I would not add formula to the mix.

katie4253 · July 2012

I don't think you need to supplement. Have you thought of talking with an LC and doing a weighted feed? It might make you feel better.

Does she have plenty of wet/dirty diapers? If so, I don't think it's a big deal at all.

aliciaroset · July 2012

if she has enough wet diapers I'm inclined to think everything is fine.

The pump is just not an accurate gauge of how much your DD gets. For the record, mine is never on the breast for more than 2-3 minutes at a time and I'm blessed with awesome supply.

Have you changed the membranes on your pump?

I wouldn't supplement. All you're pointing to for thinking you need to is the amount you're pumping and that isn't a good indication. Your story about her taking the formula still doesn't say anything about your supply. It's totally natural to be worried (and we do produce less at night) but it sounds like you guys are doing just fine! It's normal for her to be eating less and less BM as the time passes, too.

homediva · July 2012

I am always paranoid about my supply too! The PP have made great points. I would not supplement with formula, but have you considered introducing cow or goat milk? Maybe a few oz in a sippy cup with dinner would make you feel more confident that LO is getting all the nutrition she needs!

katie4253 · July 2012

homediva:
I am always paranoid about my supply too! The PP have made great points. I would not supplement with formula, but have you considered introducing cow or goat milk? Maybe a few oz in a sippy cup with dinner would make you feel more confident that LO is getting all the nutrition she needs!

I would use WCM before formula too.

lauren&matt · July 2012

katie4253:
homediva:
I am always paranoid about my supply too! The PP have made great points. I would not supplement with formula, but have you considered introducing cow or goat milk? Maybe a few oz in a sippy cup with dinner would make you feel more confident that LO is getting all the nutrition she needs!
I would use WCM before formula too.

Just out of curiosity, why? (you are not the only person that said this.) I'm just curious

Thanks for your input ladies!!! I keep wanting to trust my gut but my gut keeps changing its mind!!!!!!! We're going to keep on "keeping on" and I will only supplement w/ formula when I'm going to be gone and don't have any BM. Which is tonight and tomorrow morning, ironically enough. (my parents are keeping the girls over night, wooohoo!)

katie4253 · July 2012

lauren&matt:
katie4253:
homediva:
I am always paranoid about my supply too! The PP have made great points. I would not supplement with formula, but have you considered introducing cow or goat milk? Maybe a few oz in a sippy cup with dinner would make you feel more confident that LO is getting all the nutrition she needs!
I would use WCM before formula too.
Just out of curiosity, why? (you are not the only person that said this.) I'm just curious
Thanks for your input ladies!!! I keep wanting to trust my gut but my gut keeps changing its mind!!!!!!! We're going to keep on "keeping on" and I will only supplement w/ formula when I'm going to be gone and don't have any BM. Which is tonight and tomorrow morning, ironically enough. (my parents are keeping the girls over night, wooohoo!)

Just becasue she is so close to transition anyway and there is no sense in making her make 2 transitions. Formula isn't bad, there is just no reason to mess with her gut twice.

Want a personalized experience?

10.5 months, low BM supply- should I be supplementing?

Re: 10.5 months, low BM supply- should I be supplementing?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards