Author Topic: The Cow is getting Dry  (Read 1364 times)

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Offline Hihowdy

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The Cow is getting Dry
« on: December 17, 2005, 04:59:28 am »
I don't really know what to do?????

I have been exclusively BFing for about 9 months now and always used EBM for when I was gone.  DD has never had problems with a bottle and even got Formula once by mistake in the nursery at church (a whole other story). 

She used to eat 6 minutes one side and was done. 4 times a day.  Eatting solids well (3 times a day) and sleeping great at night

Then she started 10 minutes on BOTH sides and my nipples were sore for a while. 

Lately she hasn't been eatting very well at her last feed (7pm) and gets on for a minute or two and fusses so I switch and a minute or two fusses again...I can squeeze milk out so I guess it is still in there??

Also she has been waking up in the morning with a DRY diaper...very rare for her.  My Ped says not to worry ("babies can be camels") I can try and supplement with Formula after BF to see if she drinks it. 

Well today at her 3 pm feed she threw a fit after BFing so I gave her 4 ounces of formula and she gobbled it up.  Out tonight so she got another  bottle of formula and drank a whole 8 oz.

I don't even feel that full???? 

Could I be drying up?  '

Has this happened to any of you?
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Offline teezee

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2005, 05:31:51 am »
the only thing that i can suggest to you is pump, pump, pump!!..
Tawnya
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June 11, 2005




Offline GraceKellysmom

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2005, 20:32:12 pm »
It could be that your supply has decreased slightly, or you could be about to get your period (in which case your supply is decreased), or you could be not getting enough water/calories.

You could try pumping in between feeds for a few days (say 2 times a day) and also make sure to get extra (90 oz at least) water plus eat right. I did this around this age with great success. After 4 days of pumping I was getting 6 oz per pumping and was able to give that to him too.

Around 10 months, some babies might drop down to 3 feeds. A snack with nursings is fine to do too, whatever works for your baby.

My only other thought is you could be (shhhhh) pregnant, but let's not go there yet!  :wink:
Stacy, Mama to
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annamum

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2005, 21:52:47 pm »
I agree that it might be supply issue. Regardless of what is the cause of that drinking a lot of water is essential. It is often underestimated how much our supply depends on good hydration and a diet. Stress, more work, pregnancy :wink:, return of menses can play a havoc on your supply.

Best bets to increase supply are to rest, drink, eat well, pump or feed more often if possible or take herbs to help you with your supply.

Offline Hihowdy

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2005, 03:07:43 am »
hmmm...Thanks for the input ladies.  I got my period back about 2 months ago so that could be it and I know I haven't been drinking enough water so I will try to do that for a while.  I pumped tonight at 7 and gave her formula.  I was completely dry.  Not even an ounce.  Poor girl, no wonder she was so fussy!  So keep pumping at 7 and then once I am pumping a good amount start BF again at that feeding???  Does that sound like a good plan? 

I guess I could be pregnant.  Haven't missed a period yet.  But I think I may take a test anyway b/c tomorrow is DH birthday and what a good surprise that would be!!!  I am right at starting my period time.  Hmm.  I'll let ya'll know  :D
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Offline Hihowdy

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2005, 19:21:15 pm »
Negative...Oh well.  It could still happen.  Thanks the help ladies
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Offline GraceKellysmom

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2005, 20:03:47 pm »
Yeah, the period is the likely suspect then. I would try to pump in between her first two feeds to increase your supply. Have you ever gotten a letdown when you pump? That is how you get volume.

If you want to pump at 7 and don't mind the formula for a few days, that is fine. Once your period comes you should have milk again at that time. Also, drinking and eating, as well as resting, will help your body focus on the goal.
Stacy, Mama to
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Offline emjohnson

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Great Advice
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2005, 02:20:07 am »
It has been a few months since I visited and I came on tonight extremely desparate.  I am too having issues with my breastmild supply.  I will follow the advice that you have already given.  What should I do in the mean time when I pump and don't have enough?  I have not really wanted to give my lo formula, but I guess if she needs it I should.  My only other dilema is I take my daughters to daycare where they give her EBM.  Should I try to go to the daycare center to nurse her instead or just continue pumping?  I was also wondering about the comment about a letdown.  I had a very sensitive letdown, I could feel it, now I don't feel it as much if at all.  Could this mean something?  Thanks for everyone's time and support.  You all are so great and helpful.
Erica


Offline Hihowdy

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2005, 02:32:50 am »
I guess it was right around the time I got my period back, I couldn't pump anymore.  I used to get like 3 ounces after a feed and 8 if she missed a feed.  Now, nothing!  We are leaving tomorrow for 10 days with two days in the car on both sides.  I can't see myself pumping as much as is necessary.  When I pump and there is nothing, how long should i let the pump "work?"  I am having to give formula since all my frozen milk is gone.  I have made it 9 months without it so I feel okay about my decision.  I am still able to feed her first thing in the morning.  BUt the last few days all of her other feeds have been affecetd.  Thanks again.
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annamum

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2005, 02:46:42 am »
Erica,

If you can nurse in a daycare do it. Nursing will be better for increasing your supply than pumping. If you want to work on increasing your supply you can offer your baby a breast more often than normal, baby sucking stimulates your nipple better than a pump, or just pump in addition to nursing.

You could also take herbs for increasing your supply, in addition to drinking a lot of water, resting and eating well. The ones that are known for ages for increasing supply are Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. If I remember well they shouldn't be taken if you are pregnant though. You can find them in health food store in form of capsules (more potent) or tea.

As far as letdown, it is not necessary that you don't have it if you don't feel it. I also sometimes don't feel it and then later I hear my dd gulping. If you hear your baby swallowing then don't worry about feeling your let-down.

Of course, if you don't have enough milk you need to feed your baby with something.

Hihowdy, I haven't had much experience with pumping but I would say to pump up to 10 minutes even if you have no results. From what I understand, you need to stimulate your breasts and pumping action will eventually make your body produce some milk. Be persistant!

Good luck ladies!

Offline GraceKellysmom

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The Cow is getting Dry
« Reply #10 on: December 19, 2005, 02:54:42 am »
To the OP, can you take your pump and pump while you drive and give her that? I did that with a trip we had - only 8 hrs - so we didn't have to stop to nurse.  :oops:  I just kept my ISIS in a chill bag and reused it, washed it when we got there. He was old enough I wasn't too worried about the cleanliness factor.

My guess is AF will arrive any day. If you have been stressed about your trip, that can affect supply too. You are busy packing and doing the extras, you forget to take care of you.

To the other poster, some moms get to a point when they don't feel a letdown, although if you are suddenly not feeling it, it could be supply related. Usually more frequent pumping/nursing can increase your supply, along with extra water and adequate calorie intake. Have you been dieting or exercising? Has AF returned yet?

I would first try making sure you have adequate meals/snacks, at least 3 32oz waters per day (limit pop as it dehydrates you), and pumping once (or twice if you can swing it) extra feeds. So if you nurse 3 times and pump twice, add an extra pumping (or two) or feeding. (If you CAN go to nurse, that eliminates the formula question at daycare) Make your body think it is a growth spurt. Do this for 4-7 days depending on results. This is what worked for me with my ds. If after a week you are still not getting the results, then we can talk supplements.
Stacy, Mama to
Grace Kelly 01/03, Maximilian Alexander 07/04, Faith Noelle 03/07, Henry Patrick 12/08
and my angel babies