Exclusive pumping and supply issues

[grace annes mommy]

Well, here I am.  I figured I'd get to this point eventually.  I've been exclusively pumping for almost 8 months now.  Frozen back-up supply is basically gone and I've started in the last 2 days adding a bottle of formula.  Problem is, I've been trying to up my supply and it's just getting worse...  I've been eating oatmeal, drinking Mother's Milk tea, added a pumping session (very hard to do...  It's such a chore).  What else can I do?

[ENMS]

Have you tried fenugreek and blessed thistle capsules? You take them until you smell like maple syrup, it is supposed to help greatly!

[becj86]

You're doing amazingly to have EP this long!! Is J able to latch? I guess you have probably tried nipple shields to mimic bottle a bit? Can you do some skin to skin before pumping to get the mummy-hormones going?

[grace annes mommy]

No, I still can't get her interested in latching though I do still try now and again, with nipple shield and without.  She'll play around, take a few sucks but that's about it.  We haven't done skin to skin in ages - that's a good idea.

The tea I'm drinking has fenugreek, but probably not enough since I don't think I smell like maple syrup lol.  I'll have to get to the shop and see what I can find.

[michaeljacknnugg]

No advice but I am in awe. I hate pumping!! You have done so, so well.

I will be introducing a bit of formula in a cup in a couple of months, if that makes you feel any differently?

[*Ali*]

You could ask the Dr for meds like domperidone maybe?

[ENMS]

My LC told me the teas don't have enough of the herbs to make a big difference so I'd definitely try them.

Otherwise I agree with Ali about Domperidone it has done wonders for meb