How Long Did you Give Low Supply remedies?

rexgirl06 · March 2014

I know there are a lot of low supply posts on here. But I've been battling legitimate low supply for over 2 weeks now. I've tried watching my water and the basics etc. My supply took an extra few days to come in, and I was keeping up at first being able to pump an ounce on each side which worked for my son, until he started needing 3 ounces. He is now up to 4 ounces which takes me nearly all day of pumping every 2-4 hours to reach.

I've been on Fenugreek/Blessed Thistle since Monday. Was doing 3F/2BT 3 times a day. Have yet to see any change in my milk supply.

Last night I started trying to pump every 2-3 hours. I'm at home alone all day with a very fussy baby so for most feedings today I tried to let him eat and then pump once he went down for a nap.

I've got Mothers Milk Plus in the mail,and am ready to go buy that barley drink (Probin?) After battling this for 2 weeks now, I don't know how much longer to bother battling this. I would love to exclusively breast feed, but my body just doesn't seem to agree.

If you've tried any of the above, how soon did you see results? I'm a little jealous of people who take 2 measly Fenugreek and wake up the next morning engorged again.

Thanks in advance for any responses. Definitely feeling drained and ready to give up, but I'm still stubborn and can't bring myself to cut bait.

MrsBigTime · March 2014

I maybe got 3 or 4 more ounces a day with herbs and tea. My body just didn't respond well to pumping and I stressed about it for sure.

I was also jealous of the moms who would see an increase in supply by drinking a Gatorade, more water or eating oatmeal. Come to think of it, I did see an increase if I ate lactation cookies, but I had to eat quite a bit and they got old.

After scrimping by for a while, I started Domperidone and had great results. About 6 or 8+ more ounces a day. I know it's not for everyone, but it was a great choice for me and I credit being able to avoid formula to it.

rexgirl06 · March 2014

I was hoping to EBF but I've done pumping as well because he was no where near satisfied with nursing. So that's how I know amounts. It's a long story why we ever introduced formula to begin with but essentially I could not physically or mentally handle the demand he was putting on me. (we later realized part of his problem was acid reflux and he was eating for comfort)
He is 6 weeks old today. When he takes a bottle he will drink between 3-4 ounces. Pumping every 2-4 hours I'm getting 1 ounce total. There's no way he is magically getting 3 ounces more.
I've looked up help and gotten ends of the same advice that doesn't help. Just wanting to hear from others how long these attemptive remedies took to work (if at all)

BlueEyedDreamer · March 2014

I'm in a similar situation. I've had low supply problems since my milk "came in." Honestly, I definitely have days when I feel like giving up the battle. Constant pumping, herbs, water, oatmeal, etc. have worked a little bit, but I still have to supplement with formula to meet LO's needs. I can totally relate - it's exhausting work trying to get your supply up while taking care of baby and worrying about meeting his needs.

Are you working with a LC? I have a great LC who helps keep me sane and who helps me tweak my feeding plan as we progress. I also do weighted feedings, and he does seem to get a good bit more than I can pump - baby really is more efficient.

I've reached a point, though (largely due to recurrent massive blocked ducts in addition to all the rest of the drama), where I have hit a wall. I want to BF so badly, but all this hard work to increase my supply has been a huge stress on me, my baby, and DH. I can still only pump 1-2 oz total per session. After consulting with my OB, I've ordered some domperidone to try. If that doesn't work, I may back off from all the work I'm doing to increase my low supply and just BF and supplement.

In the end, you have to do what feels right to you and what works for your family. Best of luck!

Myaflowers · March 2014

I agree that the baby can be much more efficient than the pump, so it may be worth it to do a weighed feeding. They should be able to do that at your pediatrician's office, or a LC can do it for you. I also struggled with supply and with pumping enough. Domperidone ended up being the only thing that increased my supply. It allowed me to pump just enough and a little extra to freeze (maybe 1 to 2 oz extra per day and not every single day). Good luck with whatever you decide!

If you decide to try domperidone, you can find info on Dr. Jack Newman's website. Most women on here order it from in house pharmacy.biz. I had no side effects other than increased appetite.

rexgirl06 · March 2014

Thanks. I actually had my 6 week appointment today and got a prescription for reglan. Hopefully it helps. Not looking to be able to pump mass amounts, but an extra ounce here and there as you said @Myaflowers would be great.

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