Having so much trouble....last ditch questions

[mpprincess]

I had trouble with supply with my first but I thought it was due to her extreme medical issues.

For some reason when my son hit around 3 months my supply tanked. I've tried it ALL....fenugreek, alfalfa, blessed thistle, shatavari, fennel, increased calories, water, oatmeal, pumping pumping pumping.

My biggest trouble is I work a 12hr shift sometimes 3 days in a row. I never go more than 3hrs without pumping. Usually every 2 but still get only about 10oz from 6am to 730pm. I can't pump any more frequently.

I got AF about a month ago. I went from just squeaking by to not making enough and haven't rebounded. DS now get 1/2 BM and !/2 formula bottles since I don't pump enough. This weekend I had to give him a bottle of formula. He just wasn't wetting enough and wasn't satisfied. He nursed all day for 2 days.

I've had reconstructive breast surgery due to a surgery as a child leaving my breasts misformed.

I don't get why, if I made enough the first 3 months, why I can't now?

If the Shativari didn't help will Domperidone not?

I don't know ANY decent lactation consultants in my area. Is there a website I can go to to find one? I'm in central Tx.

I'm suddenly also having problems with let down. My DS will wait a good 5min and he's started to get tired of it. Thus why I tried fennel. I'm only taking one capsul 3x's a day. No change. I read I could decrease supply if you take too much? Should I increase it? I'm afraid?

This is my last baby and I really want to do this unitll he is a year old. I'm so desperate for help.

I'm waiting for brewer's yeast and goat's rue. That's next, then dom.

[texmati]

I'm so so sorry you are having a hard time.

My son has been really distractable since about 4 months. Constantly popping off the boob, so that part of it might be normal. I've read that once they hit 6-7 months they will have the attention span to concentrate on just nursing.

I'm in texas, but up in Dallas. I don't know of any LC's there (but there *must* be, austin is so much more crunchy!), but I did really like the one that I had here. Please let me know if you want her number.


There is a forum called finding your tribe, perhaps you can post there for an LC rec?

[illumini]

I don't really have any advice. I'm going through something similar but not quite the same. I didn't see it mentioned but how old is your son? I usually try to think of how long I've been able to nurse my son with pride. Its hard work pumping and working and then nursing is a whole different ball game. I wish you luck on your journey.

[PatioGardener]

Have you checked the suction on your pump? I think there are pieces that need to be replaced every 3 months or so - that may be the trouble. A pumping Mama may have some more info (I hope!)

Also, domperidone may help to boost your supply even if shatavari hasn't.

Letdown is often hindered by stress - which sucks for now, but at least you know why it may be taking longer to letdown, etc, and once your supply bumps back up that issue should disappear.

Have you considered supplementing at the breast if needed while you and baby are together?

Have you considered donor milk if it is available?

Good luck - you are awesome to be pumping and working and nursing! I can't imagine - I am so thankful that I get a full year of maternity leave.

[Megan73]

I agree wholeheartedly with the PP.
I would try dom immediately - keep in mind when ordering the standard starting dose is 90 mg a day - and invest in a SNS or (better yet) a Lact-Aid so you can eliminate bottles when you and your LO are together.
Also, have you checked out bfar.org?
Hang in there, mama. You've done a great job so far!