Losing my milk supply at 2 months

[mom2allofthem]

Over the past few days my milk supply has dwindled to pretty much nothing. My baby is only two months old and I don't want to wean this early
I suffer from hypothyroidism and was actually hyperlactating from it going a little higher right after I had the baby but now I think it's gone low even though I'm still on the higher doses of meds as when I was pg.
I'm getting my blood drawn tomorrow morning but that might take up to two weeks to get back. Is there anything I can do to keep up my milk until then? I'm so afraid it is going to completely dry up since yesterday I was pumping and nothing was coming out of my left breast It really freaked me out! I've been power pumping and pumping after every feed but it only increases it a little bit and I still have to supplement with milk I froze.
Also, if worse come to worse and I run out of my frozen BM, is soy based okay to supplment with? I don't want to have to and hopefully I can get back on track. I'm upset because I want to keep BFing more than anything :

[dziejen]

I would strongly recommend you contact a La Leche League Leader today -- http://www.llleus.org/Groups.html -- if you are in the US or www.lalecheleague.org if you are not. You should be able to get a local Leader or call the toll free helpline.
Just a quick question -- how is your baby reacting? Does your baby act unsatisfied or is it just that you are pumping less? Sometimes the pump doesn't show how much a baby can get at a feeding -- they are efficient! Until you contact someone, it would be helpful if you nurse your baby as often as you can and keep baby close with lots of skin to skin contact. Also, you would need to ask your healthcare provider, but usually babies don't need soy formula unless they have a allergy or sensitivity to dairy. Best of luck!

[mom2allofthem]

Originally Posted by dziejen

I would strongly recommend you contact a La Leche League Leader today -- http://www.llleus.org/Groups.html -- if you are in the US or www.lalecheleague.org if you are not. You should be able to get a local Leader or call the toll free helpline.
Just a quick question -- how is your baby reacting? Does your baby act unsatisfied or is it just that you are pumping less? Sometimes the pump doesn't show how much a baby can get at a feeding -- they are efficient! Until you contact someone, it would be helpful if you nurse your baby as often as you can and keep baby close with lots of skin to skin contact. Also, you would need to ask your healthcare provider, but usually babies don't need soy formula unless they have a allergy or sensitivity to dairy. Best of luck!

He is not satisfied, which is how I figured out it was my supply. I've been having issues the past couple of weeks with my milk going up an down and then losing it as the day went on...I can feel my breast aren't refilling and I'm having no letdown, although I did feel it this morning when I began BFing him.
I've been having other symptoms of thyroid as in low temps, dry skin and severe fatigue in the evenings so I figure I need a med adjustment.

I just want to know if there's anything i can do until then.

BTW: Yes, I have had to cut out dairy and my other non BF'd kids needed to be on soy due to milk intolerance. This is a last resort.

[Twinklefae]

Is your baby still peeing and pooping? That's your best indication to supply. His mood, and how your breasts feel are not reliable indicators. Many people have supply level out at around the 2 month mark, so they may not feel as full, even though they are still making milk.

If your LO is not meeting pees and poos for the day, (kellymom.com has the numbers, I can't remember them right now) then you will likely need to supplement, at least until you get your thyroid problems sorted out. Soy based or milk based, whatever works best for your family.

Hang in there.

[mysticmomma]

Have you tried fenugreek or mothers milk special blend? both are at health food stores. I saw a noticable increase almost immediately.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by Twinklefae

Is your baby still peeing and pooping? That's your best indication to supply.

:


If baby is having 6 heavy wet diapers a day (24 hours), and gaining weight (5-7 oz a week) then you know s/he is getting enough milk.

Milk supply regulates at about 6 weeks and it is common for breasts to feel less full and women not to feel letdown any more. Also it may take several days to get more out of a pump because your body is making enough milk for baby's needs, and must 'ramp up' to provide for the pump too.

Baby could be fussy because of a growth spurt, or any other numerous baby reasons, but as you do have thyroid issues, paying close attention to pees and weight gain will be important.

I hope you get your thyroid numbers back soon!

[KoalaMommy]

Fenugreek is amazing, a non-crunchy friend gave me some when I was having troubles, increased supply within 24 hours.

That and eat a lot of oatmeal!

[mom2allofthem]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

Have you tried fenugreek or mothers milk special blend? both are at health food stores. I saw a noticable increase almost immediately.

Unfortunately, fenugreek is contradicted when you have hypothyroidism.

[mom2allofthem]

Originally Posted by KoalaMommy

Fenugreek is amazing, a non-crunchy friend gave me some when I was having troubles, increased supply within 24 hours.

That and eat a lot of oatmeal!

I am eating oatmeal for breakfast but now adding it to eat three times a day.

[mysticmomma]

It's not if your medicated.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by mom2allofthem

Unfortunately, fenugreek is contradicted when you have hypothyroidism.

Hi Mama,

Do you mind giving your source for this information? I have a whole list of contraindications for fenugreek (from diabetes to asthma to clotting disorders) but I haven't heard of hypothyroidism. I need to read up on it! Thanks.

And I hope the oatmeal gives your supply a boost.

[mom2allofthem]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

Hi Mama,

Do you mind giving your source for this information? I have a whole list of contraindications for fenugreek (from diabetes to asthma to clotting disorders) but I haven't heard of hypothyroidism. I need to read up on it! Thanks.

And I hope the oatmeal gives your supply a boost.

Here's some sites

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...aca3b0cedcce38

http://www.minti.com/parenting-advic...-of-Fenugreek/

http://www.pjps.pk/CD-PJPS-22-2-09/Paper-2.pdf

Also, thyroid hormones can be affected by fenugreek, so the herb should not be used by people who take thyroid medications or by those with thyroid disease. Further, pregnant women should not use fenugreek, as the herb has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions in animals.

http://vitamins.ultimatefatburner.co...ek-review.html

CAUTIONS: Fenugreek can alter thyroid hormone balance. Avoid if you are taking thyroid hormones.

http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/Fenugreek.html

[Shifter]

Something as simple as making sure you are very well hydrated can help, make sure you drink loads, especially when you are feeding - two tall glasses (essentially one for you and one for your LO!)

I hope it all gets sorted out and you can happily continue BFing (((hugs)))

[mom2allofthem]

I added up my milk stash and have about 150oz frozen so I won't have to supplement with formula after all if this happens again :