pumping and supply is dropping

[mergirl]

I don't know what to do! I am pumping and dumping in preparation for the time (hopefully in the next few weeks) when I can lower my dose of scary medicine and nurse my son again. I've been pumping and dumping for 4 weeks now and the supply keeps going down. Two weeks ago I could top 4 oz a day and now I can barely get 2 oz in A DAY!

I'm pumping 6 times a day. I can't seem to get in any more sessions. I can't pump in the middle of the night because I am up at night with health issues, bottle feeding....etc.

I'm trying so hard to keep some supply up. Herbs are not an option at this time. What can I do to keep from drying up completely????????

[pbjmama]

If you are pumping and not nursing consider a hospital grade pump and meeting with an IBCLC to make sure you are using the correct flanges.

[~LadyBug~]

What kind of pump are you using? How long are you pumping? You say you can't pump in the middle of night due to bottle feeding and health issues? Is it your health issues hon? I just am wondering why you can't pump at night? Can you try oatmeal (not instant but old fashioned) twice a day, that worked great for me. I was on a nursing strike for four weeks with my LO at one point and I had to pump for an extended period and I noticed my supply dipping and oatmeal helped me. Drinking fluids helped a lot too. Keep us posted.

[emilysmama]

Hang in there!

Of course it would be better if you could squeeze in even one more pumping session, but 6 pumping sessions is impressive!

I wonder if the drop off in supply is at least partly due to the medication and/or stress of your medical situation. I know that when I took the time release nasal decongestion, it killed my supply, but I got my supply back once I was well. Of course your medication is nothing like the OTC cold medicine that I took, but still, medications are funny things. Maybe once you can stop the medication, your supply will come back?

I assume you are using a double electric? If not, then I would suggest that you do so. In fact, I think the pp's suggestion of a hospital grade pump is a great idea.

Don't lose hope. It must be discouraging, but try very hard to keep up the pumping, and hopefully your supply will come back once you can get baby back on breastmilk.

[mergirl]

I think part of the reason my supply is dropping is because I am still rapidly losing weight and not getting enough calories. There isn't a whole lot I can do about this situation at this time.

My supply keeps getting lower and lower........

I'm going to be calling a lactation consultant tomorrow.

I don't know how much longer I can get milk out.....................

But I am still pumping and pumping and hoping to go back. Please send me some good milk vibes!