Please help, my milks decreasing

[Penny4Them]

Hi, I have NO idea why, but my milk production has decreased a ton. I usually can pump one bottle off one breast and get 4 oz but I'm only getting one. My Ds is 10 weeks and has always eaten on one side and usually goes about 8-10 mins every 2 hours. He's been gaining really well (5 lbs since birth) and seems to be growing fine, so I've never worried until now. I hadn't pumped in a couple weeks and went to pump today and got less than one oz.

I successfully nursed 2 other children for 1 year each, so I have lots of experience and this never happened while nursing them. If I'm not drinking enough, could this be the problem? I'm really concerned as he's waking up less hungry and I don't want to lose my supply.

Thanks so much for any help you can offer. I have started Mother's tea, but I'm not sure if that's proven to help.

Penny

[Dahlea]

What you pump is NOT an indication of supply. Could your baby be going through a growth spurt? If diaper output is ok and he doesn't seem hungry, I'd say you're ok, just not a good producer for the pump.

[Super~Single~Mama]

I agree with the above. Also, check your pump - whenever that happens to me it means that my pump's membranes need to be changed out.

also keep in mind that at some point your milk supply will regulate and you will be producing enough for your baby, but not much extra.

Don't panic!!

[wombatclay]

It could be that since you stopped pumping for a while your "demand" dropped and as a result your "supply" did too... if you start regular pumping again your body should start producing more pretty soon.

And while it's early... could your cycles be coming back? I had a big supply drop each month right before my moon time. Otherwise, make sure you're hydrated and eating well, maybe add some oatmeal or herbal nursing support tea (like fenugreek), and just keep an eye on your little one's output and weight?

[Penny4Them]

Thanks so much for all these great tips. I think it may have been the pump valves, plus the growth spurt b/c he's now eating much more. I guess if I want extra milk I need to try to pump the same time and EVERY day.

Weird thing happened though: I drank some Mother's Milk Tea and then about an hour later fed my baby and when I propped him to burp he projectile spat up. He's not sick or anything, but he's never done that before. Could it be the tea? Very strange.

[kriket]

[QUOTE=thyra;14293271]I agree with the above. Also, check your pump - whenever that happens to me it means that my pump's membranes need to be changed out.QUOTE]

i have been having a rough time pumping too and i know i should change them but it hasn't hit me! i've been freaking out too!