realistically.. how likely is it that my supply will come back?

Soon2bStaff · December 2014

I'm truly blessed to have been able to EBF my LO for 7 months. I understand that... but I'm not emotionally ready to let go. I know it sounds silly but I'm extremely sad to think I might have to stop breastfeeding.

I'm not sure if this is to blame but on November 23rd, I realized I got a cold. Since then, I have been "sucking it up" just taking Tylenol, cough drops, and one or two night time cold medicines. After a week, I went to the doctor and they put me on antibiotics since I also have an ear infection. (Could it be the antibiotics?) Since I was sick, took off work all of those days (didn't pump like I should have) and barely made it through Thanksgiving without TPing someone, my supply has suffered big time. I'm only pumping maybe 14oz and LO eats 20-25oz throughout my work day. In November, I also noticed that LO was waking in the middle of the night to feed and that my morning pump has been a lot lower.

To any of you that have had supply issues in the past, did it ever come back? Anything special you did? Starting today I'm pumping as much as I can (BF LO in the morning, pump what's left, pump 3 times between 9a-5p, and then feed before bedtime, pump what's left), drinking the nasty tea, and might try to pick up some fenugreek tonight. Or, maybe just some words of encouragement to know that it might just be THAT time!

Jessimax · December 2014

People can completely stop bfing for weeks and restart. Might need some supplementing in the mean time but no reason you can't regain your supply if that is what you want.

smushi · December 2014

I had to start antibiotics and my supply has really suffered. I'm going to quit the meds and hope that helps.

katieb7413 · December 2014

Have you heard of power pumping? It's an hour of pumping every day at the same time. It works wonders I hear. I almost started power pumping this week then today I was a milk machine. I haven't had my period yet so I think that may be it, maybe you too??

So back to Power Pumping-Some people get supply back in a couple days some a little longer. 20 min pump, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10. Also...since you were home with LO, do you think your supply regulated to what LO eats? Maybe LO doesn't 'need' 20-25 oz while gone? I had my nanny cut back from 16-12 oz and he was just as happy. Still eating 4 times just 3 oz instead of 4.

PS It doesn't sound silly to be sad when BF comes to an end. I get sad everytime my kid grows out of diaper sizes, now that's SILLY!! Good Luck!

*sparky* · December 2014

I think it is possible to get your supply back but it is certainly not easy. Also I stressed and stressed over not producing enough for LO on my work days and ended up supplementing wih formula. It is just a couple of oz a day, I am no longer stressing about it, and she is fine nursing on my days off. So like someone else said, it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I use Similac for Supplementation and my LO has not had any trouble drinking it mixed with BM.

Teresa1896 · December 2014

I agree with PP that it sounds like your supply regulated to more of what your LO needs. 20-25 oz is a lot for a normal work day of 9-10 hours. Maybe try having your care provider give smaller bottles for a bit, or stretching a bit longer between bottles. Many bf babies can go 3-4 hours between bottles at this point, especy with solids thrown into the mix.

spano41 · December 2014

I was going to suggest power pumping too. Also make sure you are staying super hydrated. My supply always dips a little bit when I'm sick or not getting sleep (I EP so I know how much I'm making). You can also try eating oatmeal for breakfast and having a hoppy beer or two to boost supply. It's definitely possible to build your supply back up.

vettymama · December 2014

I just came off a course of antibiotics and having a cokd on and off for about a month. My supply suffered so I'm drinking mothrrs milk tea, eating oatmeal with flaxseed and brewers yeast, and drink tons of water. And putting LO to breast as often as possible. Good luck and there is nothing wrong with feeling sad. And if it is time, you did an awesome job!

cjpell0 · December 2014

I also power pump when my supply drops a bit. I haven't seen a huge uptick in volume but I at least can make up another 1/2 ounce or so which is usually how much I'm short. I'll also add to the 20+ounces seems like a ton to drink while you're away. DS has 13.5oz while I'm gone between 7:30-5:30 (nurse at 7am and pm). I've never been able to get 14oz in a single work day so that's still awesome!

I think the suggestion of smaller bottles spaced throughout the day might help your situation a lot.

nhermie · December 2014

Holy cow! Sounds like you are doing everything and anything to make it happen! We just did our first half formula bottle last night because my frozen stash is dwindling and I'm only pumping 5oz per day. This is kind of my fault because I've gotten so lax with pumping and am ready to be done with it!.....but not ready to be done with nursing. You can do it either way! From the other posters sounds like you can get that supply back, otherwise, here's your pat on the back saying good job, and it's ok to supplement, you're doing great!

Dixon813 · December 2014

Congrats on 7 months!! That's awesome!

Everyone has given good advice, I just wanted to congratulate your accomplishment this far!

speechie517 · December 2014

I just wanted to chime in and agree with the previous advice. My LC suggested 3000 mg of Fenugreek and 3000 mg of Blessed Thistle daily. She also indicated that it can take up to two weeks to make a big enough difference to notice.

Soon2bStaff · December 2014

Thanks so much everyone! 7 months is such a good amount of time and I need to stop being so hard on myself! I never heard of power pumping but will try that tonight or this weekend!

I have that mindset of all or nothing so that's something I'm working through and will revisit once I go through more and more of my freezer stash. I'm sure after my first half and half bottle I'll understand it's not so bad!

Also, I called Walgreens last night to ask if I can take fenugreek with my antibiotic. I tried fenugreek when I first went back to work but then stopped due to my supply evening out. The Pharmacist gave me this long explanation of the side effects of fenugreek on the baby. I'll spare the details but he was talking negatively about it. I asked him if I could see the information he was looking at and he said it's specifically for Walgreens Pharmacists blahblah... I researched it on Kellymom and it had somewhat similar side effects so not sure what I'm going to do there!

Sidenote: I noticed I have been having cramps lately (haven't had a period yet though) and I'm losing weight (not trying to just not having time to eat right.. which is another issue on supply - ehh). I'm sure all of those could also effect supply. (Just in case anyone else is in the same boat with me wondering why their supply is dropping?!?)

vlagroupie · December 2014

Agree with PP on fenugreek also mothers milk tea. Motherlove also has a good supplement for more milk and make sure you down lots of water. Also you could try renting a hospital grade pump.
I had supply issues after taking the mini pill, even though Gyno said it was ok, could be the small percentage that it affects. My LO didn't want to cooperate at the breast so it didn't work out for me, but I think the more you nurse LO the more likely it is to come back. Good luck!

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