What else can I try?

[ExuberantDaffodil]

I have an almost 10m old baby. I've struggled with low supply from the beginning, but have pressed through anyway. At her 9m well baby visit, she weighed 15lbs 2oz, and had gained less than a pound in 3 months. She dropped from the 25% to 5%. For the most part, she is bright and happy, though frequently acts hungry and dissatisfied at the breast. She is on self-feeding table foods a few times a day. Per her pediatrician's concern, we've started adding in about 12oz of formula spread throughout the day, which she downs like a hostage in the desert.

here's what I've done/am doing:
*offer nursing at least once every hour. Lots of in-bed snuggling, free access to the breast
*Homeopathic ignatia amara
*Herbpharm lactation tincture
*Alfalfa caps, alfalfa tincture
*Fennugreek caps
*Oatmeal, on occasion
*Drinking lots of water
*Co-sleeping/ all night access to breasts
*Nursing before and after baby-led solids

Is there anything else that I haven't thought of? I'm not going to give up on nursing, but I do have some concerns with the supplementing and that she will wean early, so I'm continuing the battle to nurse.

I only have a hand pump which isn't overly helpful, and I don't have access to a hospital grade pump right now.

[Megan73]

Have you considered domperidone? There's a great FAQ on Dr. Jack Newman's site and U.S. mom's can buy it online from outside the country.
I'd also supplement at the breast with a Lact-Aid. Supplementing with bottles – especially given the way she's reacting to them – presents a real danger of flow preference which can lead to early weaning, which appropriate supplementation at the breast will. It's also important to give small amounts of supplement at a time so baby's appetite for the breast isn't dampened, along with mom's supply.
HTH

[JessicaS]

I am so sorry, I am sure this is all really very difficult.


Are you near a children's hospital? If the Ped can give you a referral to the nutritionist at a children's hospital they could probably get you a pump. They should have IBCLCs on staff, if you have had supply issues all this time then that might be a huge help to you.

My ds had growth issues due to his heart condition and the nutritionist was really very kind. I would just ask for the referral, they really can do a lot more for you than a ped.

[boobs4milk]

my oldest was 15lbs 14 oz at one year. i agree with trying the dom and giving her high-fat, good for you foods like avacados. i tried the fenugreek and it didn't work until i paired it with blessed thistle. over time, i became 'used' to it so i then added fennel. good luck!