Minimally pump response all of a sudden?

CNYBride05 · April 2014

Almost 9 mos pp, never had major pumping issues before, but in the past week or so, I've been getting very little, compared to before, while pumping. Like definitely not enough to cover the bottles they are getting at DC. All pump parts are in good working order and clean. Any ideas/suggestions?

VickyTGAW · April 2014

I exclusively pumped for my first son for 16 months and presently I pump for my second son while he's in daycare. A couple of things to try, not sure if they will be stabs in the dark or not.

1) This isn't what I would want to hear, but probably the best thing to do is try to squeeze in another pumping session. But it may be temporary! It usually only takes my body only 3-4 days to adjust to the new demand and start producing more milk and I can go back to the original schedule. If you want the most bang for your buck (and again, it wouldn't be what I would want to hear), a middle of the night pump is usually the most effective at signaling the body to make more milk. "... prolactin levels rise naturally at night and nighttime sessions result in higher prolactin surges". (Reference: LowMilkSupply.org)

2) You can try the usual fenugreek, Mother's Milk Tea recommendations.

3) I would also recommend deep breathing to promote relaxation. I tend to produce more when I'm not stressed out or worried.

4) You can use it as an excuse to take in the ultimate Mom luxury-- a looooong hot shower right before pumping. It helps you relax and it helps the heat helps the milk expression.

5) I have found breast massage during pumping to be effective. (Reference: Getting More Milk While Pumping from Le Leche League)

6) This one is a complete stab in the dark. With my first son, around this time, for some reason, I had to change sizes with the breast shields. Don't know why. But something to consider.

7) Another stab in the dark. Did you recently resume strenuous exercise? If so, one thing I noted when I exclusively pumped-- if I pumped and then immediately went out for a hard workout, my supply would drop. BUUUUUUT.... if I pumped, waited an hour, and then worked out, I would still produce my normal amount. My hypothesis is because empty breasts fill faster, my body has time to start producing milk before it's like "Uh oh... we're exercising? Let's pull back on milk and sweat instead." A completely untested hypotheses, mind you. Just my thought. : )

8) And another thing you may not want to hear. One time when my supply dropped strangely without a cause.... I got a fever the next day. My hypotheses there is my body was trying to fight off an infection. So it could be something like that and everything will get back to normal soon.

I hope some of these help! I've done a lot of fretting about milk production in the past three years and it turns out-- it always works out and my worries where frivolous. Hopefully it'll be the same for you! : )

BabyBrooks5516 · April 2014

Same issue here at about 8 months, I had to go down a flange size. Since the baby is eating solids now I guess your boobs are not in the mode where they are the babies only form of food.

VickyTGAW · April 2014

Interesting... so the flange size change may not be some kind of odd-ball thing. Have a great day!

CEOwife · April 2014

I had to change flange sizes at 4.5/5m and saw my output increase.

Bizzy80 · April 2014

Have you had a period yet? I had the same thing happen to me at 8 months and my period returned the next week. I also had to start taking Fenugreek to keep pumping the same amount.

CNYBride05 · April 2014

Thank you all!! Hopefully this is not the beginning of my period! I'll try changing flange sizes (if I can find my other flanges!).

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