HELP.....Panicking breastfeeding momma!
My twins are 13w1d. My period returned today. Over the last several days, I have noticed a DRAMATIC loss in breastmilk supply. I have had supply issues all along (with all of my babies). I nurse, pump, and supplement. After this pregnancy, I have produced 15-18 ounces daily (this is with pumping both breasts every 3 hours). It is awful considering I wanted to EBF.
Thank you ladies for the ideas. I will certainly try the brown rice and the barley. It is so frustrating- all I wanted was to EBF- it is the only disappointment I have faced from both pregnancies- and like you said Beth, I saw a breast specialist who told me that some women (usually larger breasted women) just have fewer milk ducts, and there is just nothing that can be done. I was so excited after the twins were born because I was able to pump so much more than I did with my first. I just hope and pray that my supply goes back to what it was (or even improves) after my period ends.
I have two Medela pumps and actually rented the hospital pump for 11 weeks, my LC recommended the Spectra2 pump. It was much less expensive than my medelas, and works as well as the hospital pump, only faster.
I am so jealous of all big milk producers. Just wish I was one of them. I wish I was complaining of being engorged.
Mine dropped a little when my period came back at about 6m pp. It did go almost back to normal after my period goes away. I've struggled with supply the whole time too, I was never able to freeze any so now he gets what I have pumped the day before while I was at work. I only manage to get around 8 oz's in a day! I pump 3 -4 times while I'm at work for 15min each time. I asked my dr about all the stud you've tried and she said you'll either have it or not, there isn't much you can do to change it, besides staying hydrated and eat good.
Brown rice! You can make a brown rice drink, too.
Oh @2014baby. I'm so sorry you are going through this - so stressful.
I know how you feel...I've seen a drop in my supply this week, too. Im scared my left breast is drying up.
I'm having trouble keeping up with Aiden and the 3 days a week that he's in daycare. Daycare is constantly pressuring me for more milk and I always feel stressed about it.
In my case, I think I cut too many calories during the day (unintentional - just super busy). I ran out today and got a bunch of snacks and tons of brown rice. Oatmeal is no longer working for me.
On a totally separate note, is your pump working ok? Maybe a pressure issue?
Beth- I know you are right- but it has been a hard pill to swallow. Feels like my body has let me down, by letting my babies down.
I will hope and pray for both of us MMiz that our supplies return to normal. I am still really struggling - but today was day 4, so AF is practically over, I hope I see my milk supply starting to increase by tomorrow.