New to induced lactation... supply questions

[osker]

Hi there,
I just started pumping to induce lactation for my daughter (due mid-Aug) about two weeks ago. I started seeing milk by about four days into pumping, and was producing 2oz a day earlier this week. Unfortunately, on Thursday we had to spend the evening in labor&delivery due to my wife being dehydrated and an elevated fetal heart rate. The baby and mama are fine, but I wasn't able to pump for about 8 hours instead of 3 like I had been doing. Since then my milk has gone steadily downward. Friday I pumped just less than 2oz, yesterday 1 1/2 oz, and today I've barely seen any production at all. I'm taking domperidone, 40mg 3x day and drinking tons of water and mother's milk tea.
Is this sort of fluctuation normal this early in the process? Are there other things I could add? I'm pumping every three hours for 20 minutes with a hospital grade pump.
Thanks!

[PatioGardener]

Congrats! I would think your supply will increas as you continue to pump and your stress from the dehydration episode decreases (stress can impede let down.) Are you pumping around the clock? Could you pump for less time in the evenings but more often, to simulate cluster feeding? That may help.

A great site for induced lactation info is www.asklenore.info - there are forums and Lenore is also a great resource.

All the best with the prep!

[KSDoulaMama]

That has been the case with my DW... if she feeds and/or pumps more often, she'll start getting more milk per pumping. If she goes longer between, she'll start getting less per pumping. You could also try taking fenugreek and/or blessed thistle or eat some steel-cut oatmeal.