Low Production

[theu.s.lees]

Hello! I feel so discouraged lately when BF my 3 mo DD. I never had milk issues with my son, and I didn't in the beginning but suddenly it seems as if DD isn't getting enough milk. I do think that she's going through a GS but its been a week and she's still fussing at the boob. She wasn't STTN anymore, and we ended up having to give her a bottle of EBM in order to help her get to sleep. The night we first did that she went back to sleeping well. I had been sick and am recovering but should my milk still be low? What can I do to increase? I'm afraid that I'm going to have to supplement with formula and I really don't want to. Thank you for any suggestions/help!

[PaulsMom]

Hugs.  It sucks when you question your supply.  Are you fully recovered?  being sick may decrease supply especially if you are dehydrated.  When S woke during the night, did you bf her first before offering the EBM?  Was she fussing and looking for more?  I would think that if you are offering your breast, she should stimulate supply.  Pumping right after feeding will also stimulate more production. 

Before going to formula, I would try the herbs to increase supply.  I haven't taken them but I'm sure others can offer advice.  With my DS I was on domperidone but I know that you can't get it in the US. 

[eva026]

fenugreek worked well for me and really fast too, within 24h of taking it.

[theu.s.lees]

I'm technically not fully recovered as I still have  a stuffy nose, but for the most part I'm better. When she wakes, I've only been giving her only the breast and she seems to be okay with that. It is mostly before BT that she's needing the EBM, though sometimes in the evening too. I have been trying to hydrate better so I will continue with that. I've also been working to make sure I eat too (hard to remember/find time with how busy M is!). If things don't improve in a day or two, I will try the fenugreek!

One more question, can running/working out cause a drop? Again, I didn't have a supply issue with M, but I have been running/working out, but not overdoing it (2.5-3 miles 2-3 times per week and a couple of classes as well).

Thank you!

[Fiver]

There is some theory that excess exercise can cause a dip in supply, but at the same time others say it doesn't make a difference.  Would you be able to step back the exercise a little and see if there's an impact?

When you're feeding, are you offering both breasts or just one?  If you're giving one, it may be that she needs to have both closer to the end of the day.  I found just this with my DD.  Your supply is naturally a little lower in the evening than the morning anyway, so you could try giving both sides and see what happens.  If you're already offering both, you could try going back to the first side after she's finished on the second.  All these things will send a signal to your body that more milk is required.

You're doing the right things trying to eat and drink well.  Rest is also important, so if you're feeling tired, try to take it a bit easier (especially with having been unwell).  And trust your body.  You can do this!

[PaulsMom]

In the evenings when my dd is "tanking up" I sometimes have to alternate between breasts before she is satisfied.  It makes me feel like I'm empty but she still gets the milk out! 

Wrt excercise, I haven't had any issues with the classes or riding I've done so far.  I'm not going really hard right now as its off season. But I really try to ensure I eat and especially drink afterwards to make up for any caloric or water loss. 

[besjoux]

When I was sick I made the mistake of not doubling my fluids. I really needed a LOT more. I would try an increase first in fluids. I also was provided a new supplement to help boost my supply and was told by my LC's that it works better than fenugreek and blessed thistle and you don't have to take as many pills. It is called Lactation blend by vitanica. I was also told to take 1 pills 3x's per day, not the recommended 2 pills per day on the bottle. Lastly, I did end up ordering some domperidone (enough to take 9 a day) online overseas. It was a Godsend for me with DS2 and is working well with DD. I had no side effects like I had with the Reglan.

[theu.s.lees]

Thanks for the tips, Besj! I've been working on drinking a lot more fluids. I did start taking the "Lactation Support" Supplement. I think that it has helped, though I do feel a faint headache all of the time. I have also been feeding on both sides for sure and returned to pumping once during her long nap, just to help with backup as well. The past two nights I haven't had to give her a bottle, which is so nice. I still had to switch into my smaller nursing bra, which I didn't get until M was about 9 months old. S doesn't eat as much, so hopefully that is okay. I will have to look into that other pill you recommended!

[PaulsMom]

Theu, unfortunately you can't get domperidone in the US.  It is available in Canada.  I took it when I was bf DS.  It does work well and I had no side effects.  You can get more info on it on Jack Newman's website.
http://nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14:domperidone-getting-started-&catid=5:information&Itemid=17