How long does it take to build up a supply? And, best time to start?

[germin8]

How long does it take to build up a supply... and keep it!???

Okay, I'm ready to do it all over again!

The first 6 weeks after DD was born, I pumped regularly (btw, I have a low milk supply). I believe at that time I had my (so far) best supply built up... but then I had to return to work part-time for 3 weeks and that affected my supply. So now, I am a SAHM and my DD is 2 months old... and I'm ready to start building my supply again.

I hadn't done it recently because it is just so much work and my DD took more time from me and I have no help to pump. So, when is a good time to start building up a supply... my DD is 2 months old, shall I wait until she's 3 months or 4 months? (I don't mind waiting...) I just need to know the best time to start so that I actually have time!!!! My DD consumes my life... (not a complaint... love it)... so I want to start when it's "easier".

[kriket]

You mean a freezer stash? I think you can start now if you are ready. I'm a little confused why you need a stash if you are a SAHM now. Are you going back to work?

I found when I was working, that toward the end of the week, my pumpings at work were less productive, and after a weekend nursing on demand, my supply was better. Some women pump fantastically, I am not one of those women. Maybe I was doing it wrong, but I really did try, for 12 months!
The ONLY way for me to pump enough for work was to pump at work, then pump the other side during evening and weekend feedings. If I was lucky, the weekend pumpings during feedings could be one meal for the freezer.

If you mean build a boob supply, that is a constant thing. You can't just boost it and expect it to stay, it's a use it or lose it thing. You just have to find a schedule that works for you! Breast feed regulary, that's my only advice. If I would have tried to pump so I could skip feedings, it would have ended my supply. Pumping around the clock only yeilded enough for the next days feedings while I was at work. There is no extra milk in my life Every drop is wrestled out of me!

[germin8]

Yes, I mean to build my own boob supply. I wish I had extra to freeze, but that's not possible with a low milk supply. I pumped around the clock before... and was able to have a much better supply than what I have now. I want to build that up again because the SNS with pumping twice a day is not adding to my supply at all. At about 6 weeks of pumping, I could wake up in the early morning and feel my breasts full. And, I could pump around 5PM (after 4 hrs work) and get 2 full ounces... I don't have any of that... so, I need to build up my supply now that I am getting encouraged. Questions are:

How long does it take to build up a (low) supply? And, when is a good time to start so I actually have time to do this?

I figure, once my supply is up I won't have to work so much on boosting it because my DD can just do that for me. Right?

[sharr610]

With DS it took about a month to truly build up my supply(I still had to keep taking herbs), but even then I only went from 50% to 75%. Some women can correct it in a week. I think it all depends.

I'm confused about the when part. Do you mean when in terms of babe's development might be easier(ie not as fussy/needy) or when your boobs might be more responsive? I've always heard the sooner the better. The longer you have a lower supply the harder it is to recover from. You want to catch and fix it as early as possible.

You kinda have to watch low supply issues closely, imo. Some women can build up and never look back, but with DS, I had to keep an eye on things and had to pump again from time to time.

. The biggest thing that affected my low supply was stress. So try(I know its so hard), to breathe and relax through it all. Be gentle on yourself. Low supply does not mean no supply and your little one is still getting the benefits of mamas milk.

[ShanaV]

A: Start now. There's no better time than the present. Your baby nursing will be the best thing for your supply.

Also, I'd try the tea called Mother's Milk. It boosted my supply in a matter of days. Found at stores like Whole Foods.

[germin8]

Thanks for the tips... and yes, I meant when was the best time to start in terms of baby's development. Wouldn't you know it, someone gave me Organic Mother's Milk. Maybe I will add that to my routine. I need a miracle.

[kriket]

In terms of babies development - birth is the best time or whenever you start to feel your supply is low. It's always a good time! Drink lots of water, and research herbs carefully. PM me if you want some fenugreek, it makes me smell like pancakes and DS is over a year.

Honestly, don't worry too much about supply. As long as you feed on demand you'll be OK There are always exceptions to this, but you should be ok!

You are totally right about DD keeping your supply up. There will be times where she *seems* hungry, or like she isn't getting enough to eat, this will only last a day or two and all the extra nursing will bring your supply up to where you need!