Anything else to do about undersupply?

ldbryan · November 2014

I feel like I have tried everything. I am hypothyroid, but had my TSH tested two weeks ago at 6 week PP appointment and my levels are normal. I take 3 fenugreek 4x day, 3 blessed thistle 4x day, and 20mg domperidone 4x day. I pump every three hours, and the most I ever get is a little over 2 ounces from both sides. I pump instead of BF bc DS has a heart condition that makes him more tired than typical babies, so nursing wears him out quickly. Is there anything else I can do?! I was really hoping the domperidone would do the trick, but it's only increased my supply by maybe 1/2 oz each pump. Baby is 8 weeks today.

ldbryan · November 2014

I'm using a hospital pump. I've tried every two hours, but I have a two and three year old also.

skfg · November 2014

Congrats on your baby. I have been where you are in terms of supply and it gets frustrating. You are doing a great thing, make sure to acknowledge that.

PP had great suggestions. As far as supplements, I found GoLacta really helped my supply. You can get it on Amazon. I was on Dom as well. The person that prescribed it for me was fairly aggressive and had me majorly increase the dose for a few days. Maybe check w/person that prescribed them and see if that is something they suggest given your health history.

I also found traditional medicinals more milk tea helped. I sometimes made a pot and heated as needed. I had 2-3 big mugs a day. As far as water, try electrolyte water such as smart water, trader joes and whole foods have store brands as well. Dark beer helps as does oatmeal. Flax seed is also good. Homemade lactation cookies were an easy go to. I liked this recipe - more savory than sweet. https://www.mamanatural.com/lactation-cookie-recipe/

I found skin to skin especially before pumping was beneficial as was using a heating pad to warm things up (I did not do these two things at the same time). Keep up the great work!

Kburchie · November 2014

My baby is nearly 6 months and we've struggled from the beginning, and tried everything you've tried. Finally I accepted that she's going to get some formula bottles every day, and we've been doing that since about three months. Just wanted to give an alternative voice and remind you BF isn't all or nothing. For me, the tiny increase in supply that I had when pumping constantly, downing supplements etc wasn't worth the emotion toll of feeling like I was fighting a battle constantly. Goodluck!

lauranicole91 · November 2014

I had low supply issues early on as well. I tried all the food and vitamins and herbs out there, but the only thing that really helped me was power pumping. Pump for 10mins, rest for 10mins, repeat for an hour. I did that twice a day. It didn't give much output within the those two pumping sessions itself, but it definitely helped tell my body to make more milk overall.

CNYBride05 · November 2014

How long have you been on Dom? It can take a bit to fully kick in. Have you had your prolactin level checked? If it's low, it could indicate retained placenta, which has a huge impact on supply (and can lead to infection). Stay well hydrated, eat oatmeal, drink dark beer (Guiness), and get rest (ha, that's always my fav advice to a new mom....). I hope everything begins to come together soon!! You are doing a great job mama!

ldbryan · November 2014

skfg said:
I was on Dom as well. The person that prescribed it for me was fairly aggressive and had me majorly increase the dose for a few days.

What dosage were you taking?

ldbryan · November 2014

Kburchie said:
My baby is nearly 6 months and we've struggled from the beginning, and tried everything you've tried. Finally I accepted that she's going to get some formula bottles every day, and we've been doing that since about three months. Just wanted to give an alternative voice and remind you BF isn't all or nothing. For me, the tiny increase in supply that I had when pumping constantly, downing supplements etc wasn't worth the emotion toll of feeling like I was fighting a battle constantly. Goodluck!

Thank you for this. This is my third baby. I gave up BF altogether with my first two by the time they were about six weeks old because I thought all or nothing was it. I'm ok with giving formula. I'm more just confused about why I have supply issues.

ldbryan · November 2014

CNYBride05 said:
How long have you been on Dom? It can take a bit to fully kick in. Have you had your prolactin level checked? If it's low, it could indicate retained placenta, which has a huge impact on supply (and can lead to infection). Stay well hydrated, eat oatmeal, drink dark beer (Guiness), and get rest (ha, that's always my fav advice to a new mom....). I hope everything begins to come together soon!! You are doing a great job mama!

I had a c section, so I know they got all the placenta. This crossed my mind too a few weeks ago and then realized it wasn't a possibility. Ha!

skfg · November 2014

My regular dose of Dom was the same as yours. I eventually reduced my dose as I felt "off" mentally. I did not notice a huge hit to my supply. I will also add that I have had to supplement with formula the entire time.

lowen83 · November 2014

I too am having supply issues. LO is 4 1/2 months old and these last few weeks I've began pumping less and less and noticed he gets fussy on the breast later in the day as my supply dwindles. I used to have be an over producer but nowt it seems as though I may not be producing enough. He is EBF and I've been pumping three times at work since I've returnd to work as of mid September. He typically has three 5 oz bottles while I'm at work but I've not been pumping enough for the next day. I take 2 fenugreek three times a day. I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning and drink around 120 oz of water a day. I typically eat lactation cookies for a afternoon snack. I nurse on demand when I am with LO. I just don't know what else to do. I began having supply issues with DS 1 three years ago around the same time frame of 4-6 months old. I'm feeling down about all it too.

singingirl96 · November 2014

Hi. I'm a heart momma too. My supply is dipping too, so I feel your pain. Don't have anything to add, just thought I'd say you're not alone. Hope you're able to boost it back up.

ldbryan · November 2014

singingirl96 said:
Hi. I'm a heart momma too. My supply is dipping too, so I feel your pain. Don't have anything to add, just thought I'd say you're not alone. Hope you're able to boost it back up.

Thanks for the reply!

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