huge decrease in supply while pumping.

[rcr]

DS is 10 MO. I have pumped for him since I went back to work about 4 times a day, getting about 3-4 oz each time I pump. Last month, I decreased the pumping sessions to three times a day. Now, I am lucky to get 1 or 2 ozs each time. It is really scaring me because this is often less than half of what I used to pump.

However, DS seems to be eating just fine and getting enough (I think?) at home. Is it possible that I am just getting less from the pump, but still producing enough milk for him when I get home from work? I am worried that I am starving him. Do you think I should do something to increase my supply, so that I have a bigger supply for him when I get home (although he really does not drink all of the EBM that I have now).

I would like to be able to stop pumping in a few months, since I have built up an enormous stash that will likely last 6 months (if he drinks it all), but I am afraid I will not have enough supply when I get home.

[Mommal]

Is it possible that I am just getting less from the pump, but still producing enough milk for him when I get home from work?

This does seem possible to me. Your body can be conditioned to make plenty of milk when it is required, and less when it is not. For example, moms of babies who are sleeping through the night still manage to produce enough milk during the day.

Since your son is 10 months old, and you have a huge milk backlog, I think you are safe continuing on with your current pumping schedule so long as your baby seems happy and healthy and is continuing to gain weight.

If he all of a sudden starts consuming more milk, and you think you may start to run low, that freezer stash will give you time to increase your supply. The best way to do that is by pumping more frequently. Oatmeal and fenugreek can also help.

Good job, mama!

[tanyalynn]

One thing to keep in mind is that many women have dips in supply when their hormones start fluctuating and they start menstruating (and maybe even beforehand, since those dips can happen for a while before cycles really come back). If that doesn't seem likely... if your LO seems fine when you nurse, then I think he's fine--he's pretty old and could/would communicate hunger and wanting more (presuming no health issues, I mean, but that doesn't sound like your situation). If you've got a lot in the freezer and are willing to start working down your stash, that sounds reasonable and it doesn't sound like a risk to your nursing relationship.

[mrsfatty]

Are you getting your period? Pregnant? Have you checked all the working parts of your pump to make sure they are in high working fashion? Have you replaced the membranes (if it's a PIS) recently? Does your tubing have any holes? Does your pump membrane (inside the pump) have tears or residue on it?

Call the manufacturer of the pump and talk with a repair representative and explain your concern and ask if the pump could be responsible.

Also, it can't hurt to do something to increase supply (oatmeal, water, supplements, massaging breasts during nursing/pumping sessions, increasing nursing/pumping sessions, etc.)

[mamadonna]

If each day he doesn't drink all the ebm you have now and you have a large stash, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I think you'll likely be fine during the next few months that you continue to pump, and it shouldn't affect your breastfeeding him while your with him, either. I stopped pumping all together when ds1 was 13 months but still nursed him until he was 4. And it could just be a hormone fluctuation, too. I find that the amount I pump can vary as much as 5 oz. total from day to day.

[New_Natural_Mom]

I found that when I thought my supply was dipping, it was actually a problem with my pump. I replaced the air hose and voila, mucho milk again. This was after a week of depleting my freezer stash & freaking out, but I would definitely check the pump!