I think my production is really low...

[katie80]

DS is 13mo, I was hoping to nurse closer to 15-18mo, but it really feels like I've hardly got any milk left.  The last time I pumped for a missed BT feed, I got only a few oz.  I didn't think much of it, because I rarely pump, but now more often than not, I wonder if that's all I'm producing. My breasts never feel full, G often seems uninterested unless it's BT or the MOTN, and it also takes a loooong time to let down sometimes.

We were on vacation a few weeks ago which started with G being ill with a fever.  I nursed him a few times a night.  I ended up getting sick later in the week, and just felt rotten for several days (ear infection, sore throat, etc).  I didn't take any decongestants or anything.  G also started cutting his molars at the end of the vacation, so upon returning home, I've cut out the other NFs, but still have the 4-6 am one.  I'm also feeding him two other times a day (around lunch and BT).

I don't even know what my question is, I guess.  I'm assuming it would take a lot of work to get a decent supply back and tbh, unless I catch him while he's sleepy, he's not too interested in daytime feeds (would much rather play with his big sister). But, I guess I'm a bit sad and frustrated that it seems to be ending this way, not really on his or my terms but because my body just gave up. Should I just keep offering the feeds we currently have until he doesn't want to do it?

[clazzat]

I found that x wasn't hugely interested at about that age, when I was doing 3 feeds, and we were having loads of problems with him eating his tea as well so I cut out the 2pm feed and everything settled down - he is still pretty enthusiastic about morning and evening feeds now (and no issues with eating his main meals). Perhaps g is just not hungry enough for 3 feeds and would do better with 2?

[*Ali*]

Katie, maybe if you have been sick your body just needs time to catch up? Also pumping is even less of an indicator of supply the older they get. I'm betting G is getting much more than you can pump. Most of the milk is produced when he is feeding now and the pump probably just doesn't stimulate your body to produce it on demand like G does.

If you want to keep feeding then I would keep offering. If he starts refusing then you could maybe stop offering at that feed and stick with the others if it goes on for a week or so.

Hugs. It's always hard to feel like you are coming to the end especially when it feels out of your control.

[C&B&E]

I was thinking about posting the same thing today Katie!  But then I realised I probably can just buy a tub of fenugreek capsules and hopefully it will be sorted out within a week or so.  I used to take them when E was younger to increase supply and they help massively - just thought I'd mention it in case you've not tried them  x

[oneplusone]

I've been sick twice when DS was under a year and nursing a lot. Both times my supply dropped a lot as well. Mostly I think b/c I had a fever.  It took me about a week of extra feeds, pumping, eating oatmeal 2 times a day, blessed thistle and fenugreek capsules, to get back to wear it should be. Also by this age you probably won't produce as much as previously. I'd still keep offering as much as possible. Any BM is better than none. Although I'm assuming he's good on solids and water etc... Good luck!

[shivi]

My supply really dipped to what they actually needed once I dropped to 2 feeds. I would also drop to maybe am and pm and see if that increase the interest...it did for my two, at least till closer to the 15 mth mark anyhow.

Its so hard when its time - whether its called by us, our LOs or our bodies.

Another Q - have you had AF back yet? If not, it could be on its merry way causing issues as well. I got it at 13 mths both times, that's why I ask.

I was wary to use fenugreek etc at this stage of the game as I had had so much issues with OS and blocked ducts with E especially and I did "seem" to have enough for her at each feed as long as the feed was in the dark and sleepy, relaxed for both of us.

S xxx

[anna*]

Haven't read all the replies but from 12-13 months to 24 months with Stan I basically only did first thing in the morning and bedtime BFs. I used Fenugreek though, without it he was too impatient to wait for that slow let-down, and it did give me confidence that there was milk there.

[katie80]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all your input! I've taken More Milk Plus (a mix of fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, and nettle) at times with both kids, but wasn't sure if at this point with less feeds it would still work? It's also a bit spendy, so if it didn't help I'd be a little disappointed. 

As for number of feeds, I think I'll keep the three for two more weeks, as he does take that lunch time one pretty well most days. Then, Claire is off to preschool, so we'll be out and about more at that time, so it'll be easier to drop and not notice.

Another Q - have you had AF back yet? If not, it could be on its merry way causing issues as well. I got it at 13 mths both times, that's why I ask.

You lucky girl, Shivi!!! I got it back at 8 weeks (yes, 8 ) with C and was super excited not get it back til 5 mo with G. I did end up getting it last Fri, though not sure there's still a dip each time after having it back for so long?

I'm also a bit stressed these days as we're moving and have bought a house, but not yet sold ours (totally not in our 'norm' in terms of risk ). And these molars are the pits for G and I'm not getting a ton of sleep. So, we have a few factors going against us, but we'll keep at it as long as we can. 

Thanks again!

[Fiver]

Yes, there does tend to be a dip each time AF arrives, no matter how long you've been feeding, unfortunately (or that's what I find, anyway)

And it does sound like you have a lot of things working against you right now.  Stress is not good or dodgy teeth.  Fingers crossed it passes soon

[tkm]

Hello I don't have experience with extended BF, but have three little ones and esp with last one noticed that at certain times (afternoon primarily), with all kids home, I had almost no milk. Lots of liquids, incl. non-alcoholic beer, helps, but I eventually resigned myself to the fact that that particular feed was a lost cause. Outside factors are extremely important and sounds like you've done a great job with bf!

[becj86]

I still have a noticeable dip just before AF and I got it at 4 months PP to the day
I do also have a bit of a reduction in supply with all the stress here too.

Hugs xx

[katie80]

Thanks, ladies.  We're keeping on... but he's sick again. . I must not be washing their hands often enough because it's summer or something. . We've never had such a string of bugs in one season.  He's got diarrhea and a hacking cough and runny nose.  I thought the stools were first from the teeth cutting, but now I see it must be a virus.  So, I've fed one more time at night the last couple nights.  Really want to be done with the NFs, but don't have the heart to cut them out while ill/teething.

[shivi]

When e got her first tummy bug I was so "happy" to stay at home and feed her 8-10 times in 24 hrs in two or three days (at 13 ish months) as this was ALL she wanted to eat. It helped my supply, helped her get better faster, and get more addicted to the boob as 18mths was my goal (and we just about got there with some 17-18 mth dream feeding LOL). Go with it for now....and huge hugs on all that stress xxx

As for AF - yes I am one lucky lady. Since E turned 13 mths I have only had one as I am once again one of the luckies who does not get AF or anything with Mirena. BUT, I paid my dues - regular painful heavy 26 day cycles like clockwork since I was 9.5 yrs old. Dreading taking out Mirena LOL!

S x

[Erin M]

I must not be washing their hands often enough because it's summer or something.

Nope, I think it's just life with 2.  Many more opportunities to get germs, and then they share them with each other (how kind)!  So, unless you want to live in a bubble, it's just the way things are.  I'm dreading this winter!

[lidiayy]

Katie,
I agree with most of the pp as I feel the same way:
- When close to AF, supply drops;
- pumping doesn't show the amount that G is taking. I "dream pump" every night and I only get 2 oz/time. I am sure DD2 takes more than 2 Oz.
- when sick, they do take less milk from us.
HTH