What's wrong with my boobs? Feeling defeated.

[Maternalove]

I'm not sure what to do. I need some help I only have 7 oz left in my freezer and DS screamed at the breast like all day. So here's the deal. I work part time and besides a bout of thrush at the beginning everything has been fine. I had a hunch DS wasn't gaining any weight which was confirmed at his 6th month visit. 1 oz in 2 months :-/ I just feel like around 4 4.5 months my supply just falls off. It did the same thing with DD but I thought it was because I was working full time and she was sleeping through the night.

DS still wakes 3 times a night to feed. I nurse on demand. I nurse before I feed him solids at dinner. I let him cluster feeds from 5-8am. I eat oatmeal EVERY morning. Water intake could be better but not horrible. I rented a hospital pump but that didn't really do anything. I tried the mothers milk tea. I don't really know what else to do but when I'm at work I'm pumping 2-3 oz and he eats 4 oz. When I pump at home I get nothing, not even an ounce. I think we may have to start supplementing which breaks my heart. 

Today was really hard, he just didn't seem satisfied at all. He would latch suck then pull off and scream. When I would try to hand express nothing comes out. 

What do I do, someone please help! This is just so weird b/c in the beginning I have an over supply and now it's the oppsite. I wonder if this is from my cycle (which I got back at 6pp with both kids).

[crimsonandclover]

Are you getting enough fat in your diet?  Sometimes it's harder for the body to make milk if it's fat reserves are low - the lactation consultant at the hospital I gave birth says her first advice when supply drops off is to increase the amount of saturated fat in one's diet.  Coconut oil is especially good, at least two tablespoons a day.  You can google it and do a little research.

Also, sometimes pumping the same breast AFTER the baby has fed will yield more milk, albeit a few days later.
 

[Maternalove]

Originally Posted by crimsonandclover 

Are you getting enough fat in your diet?  Sometimes it's harder for the body to make milk if it's fat reserves are low - the lactation consultant at the hospital I gave birth says her first advice when supply drops off is to increase the amount of saturated fat in one's diet.  Coconut oil is especially good, at least two tablespoons a day.  You can google it and do a little research.

Also, sometimes pumping the same breast AFTER the baby has fed will yield more milk, albeit a few days later.
 

LOL, I'm SURE I get enough fat. I have a chocolate problem, not to mention I have plenty of reserves. I was pumping after with the rental pump. I really really really hate pumping. My older child in involved in a lot of stuff so it's hard for me to pump when I'm not at work. I wish there was a magic pill or something. 

[crimsonandclover]

There IS a magic pill, you should ask around on this forum.  I have had clients (I'm a doula) take it with varying responses.  Domperidone.  I don't know too much about it but I'm sure some of the mamas around here could fill you in.

And I hear you on the pump.  Pumping can suck.  For lack of a better word...
 

[crimsonandclover]

Also, one more thing. A lactation consultant could probably inform you more on any medication that increases milk supply, and also check if everything is alright (pump parts working, good latch, etc.) as you nurse/pump.  I cannot stress this enough.

[skycheattraffic]

I second seeing a good lactation consultant. Mine helped me transition from EPing to EBFing in a few weeks. She was very knowledgeable and supportive. My supply needed a boost and she put me on domperidone. It didn't give me any trouble in terms of side effects and really helped me produce more while pumping.
The other thought is that maybe baby screaming while nursing is unrelated to your supply. An ear infection or teething can make nursing painful for some babies. I'd definitely go to an LC since she can look baby over, maybe suggest going to the dr if she suspects an infection, check on the latch, show you how to do breast compressions to help keep milk flowing, etc. good luck!