https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:04:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1412340 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:16:15 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1412340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: how do you feel about coconut oil? If you don't mind a mild coconut flavor it's something you can add very easily to a cup of coffee or a smoothie. The only other thought I had was full fat dairy, as long as your LO doesn't have issues with the proteins?<br /> As an aside, it sounds like there's a little nipple confusion/preference going on with his latch. we had the best luck with brestflow bottles but I'm sure others could give more input on that matter if that's something you want to tackle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411982 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:36:03 +0000 daniellemybelle 1411982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: It's not FDA approved but you can get it at a compounding pharmacy or order it online. The general consensus is that it's safe if you don't have a heart condition but there's plenty of info online if you want to research! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411857 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:46:28 +0000 Sweet T 1411857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: I've read that domperidone isn't approved for use in the US. I'll have to try and contact my doctor about it. I might be able to get reglan but I'm really not sure what their stance is on giving it for milk production. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411829 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:39:10 +0000 daniellemybelle 1411829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: So many hugs &lt;3 I have done that exact routine. Pumping to increase supply usually takes at least 3 days but even a few times a day could help. Could you do a power pump after the boys go to bed?</p> <p>Would you be open to trying domperidone? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411721 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:06:57 +0000 Sweet T 1411721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: I've found it at two places near me. GNC only carries it in a 1lb container. I don't need a pound of it anyway but I really don't want to buy that much when we'll be moving back to Hawaii next month. The other place that carries it has it for $22 and I refuse to pay that. As for the avocado, I like it in sushi but that is absolutely it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411710 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:03:35 +0000 Sweet T 1411710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wanted to add a little update too...</p> <p>DS was previously averaging around 10 minutes per breast while nursing. Since introducing the formula, I've had to fight him to get him to nurse and he barely even lasts five minutes. That's with unlatching and crying in between. I've tried switching breasts a few times during his feedings but it doesn't help. His latch started to change a little (too shallow) the week or so before we started formula. Now, his latch is not so great and my nipples are so sore. </p> <p>I pumped after almost every feed yesterday. I didn't see any improvement. I know I need to give it more than a day but I just don't know if that will be possible. It was nearly impossible to nurse, bottle feed, pump, and take care of both boys by myself. I just don't think pumping so much is realistic for me.</p> <p>Truthfully, I don't love breastfeeding. I don't feel like it's creating a bond between us. I wish I didn't feel guilt over it at all because we'd probably all be happier without the stress of BFing. I just don't want to give up, especially for selfish reasons. I've never loved it. Having a good supply just made it easier to push through. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I'll probably try to push through the rest of the week before I make any decisions. W has a weight check appt this Friday and next. I at least want to make it to this one and discuss out options if I can.</p> <p>(Sorry for any typos! Autocorrect is killing me!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411678 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:54:10 +0000 avivoca 1411678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: It took me awhile to be able to eat it. I eat it on salad and in tacos. I still can't eat it by itself, and I do cover it in salt, pepper, and cheese to make it taste good.</p> <p>ETA: The only place I can find brewer's yeast is at Whole Foods and at the Liquor store. But I made lactation cookies without it and they worked just fine this past time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411654 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:47:41 +0000 Sweet T 1411654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Baby Boy Mom: I wish I liked avocado! It would be such an easy thing to add to my diet, but I'm just not a fan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411648 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:46:23 +0000 Sweet T 1411648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Confetti: thank you :)</p> <p>@tysonja: it's tough! Ds1 was formula fed starting at 3 weeks old. I don't have any issues with formula. I hate that I even care because ultimately I know it doesn't matter. </p> <p>@beaker: I agree. I hate feeling like I'm doing the "wrong" thing. The logical side of me knows it doesn't matter. My oldest was formula fed. I have zero issues with formula. I don't know why I feel guilty at all. </p> <p>@daniellemybelle: thanks. I pumped after almost every feed yesterday and didn't see much of a change. It really was hard try to juggle it all and I really don't know how long I'll be able to do it. :/</p> <p>@birdofafeather: thank you :) it really means a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411610 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:37:34 +0000 Sweet T 1411610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: we are only using slow flow nipples. I hadn't heard about paced feedings before this thread. I'll be sure to read the link you posted. He has gotten bottles before now and has never shown a preference. It seems like the drop in supply is the only explanation for that.</p> <p>I am a SAHM. We've been nursing every two hours during the day since he was around 6 weeks old, every 2-3 at night. Due to some crappy circumstances, I've been single parenting and will be for another month. I have a toddler too, so the nursing vacation is not an option. He doesn't have a tongue tie or lip tie to my knowledge. He's 5 months old now and we've been nursing successfully since we dropped regular bottle feeds (around 6 weeks old). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410303 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:35:21 +0000 birdofafeather 1410303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: hm, i didn't realize that, but i'm pretty sure my BFF got a prescription for it in the fall from her doc.... weird.</p> <p>just wanted to pop in and say, you have so much on your plate and i don't blame you for not having the time to pump on top of nursing LO and taking care of a toddler! you're doing a great job, so do what you need to feel like you gave it your all, but at the end of the day, take care of yourself and your LO however that works best for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410292 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:26:01 +0000 daniellemybelle 1410292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs! I know how tough supply issues are. I agree with pumping after feeding, even if only 2-3 times a day. Google paced bottle feeding - that &amp; doing breast compressions while nursing helped with our bottle preference a little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410067 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:59:26 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1410067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: I know what you mean about feeling like you're supposed to. DS2 is now on Elecare because it's easier to digest and I am having a hard time giving up on pumping because I felt like it was the only natural thing we had going for us. But @Mrs Green Grass: is right (she always is! :) ) in the end it's up to little man and what he needs. I'm still working to wean off the pump but I'm down to 3x a day and at least I have more time to spend with my boys. I think pro-BFing culture doesn't acknowledge the health issues preemies and other babies run into where formula can be the 100% best choice option.</p> <p>Hugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409891 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:41:16 +0000 tysonja 1409891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: oh man, I have a 20 month old and a 4 month old too, so I 110% understand about not being able to pump afterward--- it's basically impossible:)! I think you are doing a great job already! You don't need to have any regrets!:) thank god formula was invented--- both my boys are made up of at least 70% formula! Haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409888 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:32:29 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1409888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just remember that no matter what happens, as long as you are feeding your baby, however that happens, you are a great mom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409869 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:06:52 +0000 Kemma 1409869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/feeding-tools/bottle-feeding/" rel="nofollow">http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/feeding-tools/bottle-feeding/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409866 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:12 +0000 Kemma 1409866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: so it sounds like you have two issues, bottle preference and the drop in supply.</p> <p>Are you using a slow flow nipple and the paced feeding method? Kellymom has some great resources for bottle feeding in conjunction with nursing, I'll try and find the links for you!</p> <p>With regards to the drop in supply, how many times a day were you nursing prior to the pedi appointment? Are you working and pumping? I think LLL recommends at least 6-8 sessions in a 24 hour period and if you can fit a night feed in between 12 and 5am that could really help your supply. Lots of skin to skin and taking a nursing vacation can also help and I second all the suggestions above!</p> <p>The other thought I had was towards lip or tongue tie, has your LO been checked for either?</p> <p>Hang in there, Mama - you're doing a fabulous job!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409846 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:30:53 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1409846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs! BF issues are so stressful. I agree with everyone else, lots of water and lots of healthy fats- I was basically eating a whole avocado daily for a while. And pumping after nursing helped us as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409843 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:25:51 +0000 Sweet T 1409843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@singingbee: thank you &lt;3</p> <p>@Mrs Green Grass: I don't usually feel full anymore. I have had a few feedings since starting the fenugreek, blessed thistle, etc. where I felt a little full but nothing consistent. I don't really love BFing but I wanted to do what was "best." DS one was formula fed from the time he was 3 weeks old. I have no issues with formula. I just wanted to be able to do what I was "supposed" to, I guess. I have a small stash of frozen milk for him but it won't last very long. I don't want to quit but I just hate that he hasn't gained. The formula just feels safe because I can guarantee he's getting the calories he needs.</p> <p>@avivoca: I haven't tried the cookies yet. Brewers yeast has been a pain to find! Another sweet bee is sending me some, so I'll be trying them soon! :) I usually drink between 80-100oz of water a day. My diet isn't the best, but I don't think that's the issue. I've also cut back on working out (I went almost a month without doing much of anything) so I don't think that's the issue either.</p> <p>@tysonja: thank you :) I have a toddler too and the thought of going back to pumping after each feed is stressful. I just have my hands full.</p> <p>I think I will try to start pumping after most feeds to see if it helps. I want to make sure I try everything possible before I give up. I don't want to give myself a reason to beat myself up later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409821 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:10:35 +0000 Sweet T 1409821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: we did do a weighed feeding. He ate an ounce and a half. Last time I pumped (one day last week) I pumped 2oz total. Today is the first day on formula. I gave it to him with slow flow nipples which is what he uses when he gets expressed milk. Is domperidone the one that's not approved in the US? I haven't looked into it much. I might be able to get a prescription for reglan from my doctor. I'll have to call Monday.</p> <p>@Adira: I used to pump after every feed. When he came home, he was getting mostly bottles but we eventually got to the point where we would nurse, top off with a bottle, and then I would pump. We stopped bottles and pumping once he was nursing well and that went fine for a while. Sometime in the last month, there's been a drop. He still eats every 2 hours at 21 weeks actual age, 14 weeks adjusted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409813 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:01:27 +0000 tysonja 1409813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i know pumping after feeding is a lot of work, but as the pp said, i would pump after nursing too, to up your supply. demanding more milk from your breasts is the best way produce more! :)</p> <p>also, then you could use the pumped milk to supplement from a bottle, which is awesome! :)</p> <p>however, if your baby needs more milk, i wouldn't feel bad about giving him formula etc -- he will hopefully sleep better too, which will let you be more rested (again contributing to a better supply!). i have a chronic low supply and supplement with formula at each feed. it's a bit of a pain, but LO is still happy to both nurse and bottle feed. on super hungry days he is impatient for the bottle though, and i try to pump afterward to mimic the demand :).</p> <p>you are doing a great job taking care of your sweet baby!! :) you are an awesome mom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409811 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:59:45 +0000 avivoca 1409811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. Do Lactation cookies help at all? I also make myself eat a lot of good fats throughout the day (I eat a lot of eggs and avocado) on top of drinking at least 80 oz of water. I hope you can get it back up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409810 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:58:59 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 1409810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you feel full ever? Are you sure it's not a latch or other issue? I would see a different lc just to see.</p> <p>BUT...in the end, the most important thing is that LO is getting the nutrition needed. My LO was a 25-weeker and I did provide BM for a long time, but he needed thickened feedings so I added formula early on and mixed with milk. I went through a lot of my own heartache about it and not bfing, but in the end I realized that it wasn't the best thing for my LO and I worked hard to be okay with that. We still struggle with weight gain, but have made huge progress.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409809 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:58:50 +0000 singingbee 1409809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice, but lots of hugs and :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409804 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:55:33 +0000 Adira 1409804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know your LC said not to pump after nursing, but honestly, I found that really helped me keep my supply up and when I'm not doing it, I notice my supply drops. I pump after every feeding still at 11 months! Also, how often is your LO feeding? Could you try offering more often to see if he'll eat more? That might help increase your supply as well. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409797 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:47:26 +0000 birdofafeather 1409797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did the LC do a weighed feeding? Have you pumped recently to see how much you're producing? I would definitely be concerned about weight gain with a preemie, so I get that you're stressed! Are you doing paced feedings with the formula so he doesn't get a ton quickly?</p> <p>Have you thought about domperidone? I know ladies that have had good success with it! Hugs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409789 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:37:40 +0000 Sweet T 1409789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Thank you. :) I've been drinking tons of water and eating when I'm hungry. I think part of it may be stress related, but it could be something else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409779 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:25:23 +0000 Corduroy 1409779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No real advice but I'm sending hugs. How stressful. Totally anectdotal BFing advice but I find eating a lot helps my supply as much or more than staying really hydrated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409765 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 22:08:30 +0000 Sweet T 1409765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just don't know what to do. W is a preemie and spent almost 3 weeks in the NICU. I pumped a ton around the clock and had more than enough milk for him for a while. Recently, he hasn't been sleeping very well. I took him to his 4 month well-baby checkup last Friday and he had only gained 10 ounces since his 2 month checkup. The pediatrician told me to start taking fenugreek and blessed thistle on top of the mothers milk tea I've already been drinking. I started off taking 3/day of each but have been taking 6/day for the last few days. I also started feeding him on both sides for each feeding instead of just one side and I've been eating oatmeal.</p> <p>I took him back to the pediatrician yesterday for a weight check. He gained .2 ounces. Not even an ounce. I was sure he had gained. Now, I have to give him an ounce of Neosure after each feeding. He's been tolerating it well but he doesn't want to nurse now. He just wants the bottle because he doesn't have to work for it. We've seen a LC several times. We even went yesterday after the appt with the pediatrician. I asked if I should pump after each feed and she said no, just nurse on demand. Honestly, I don't think pumping is even going to help. I don't know what happened, but I feel like my supply took a hit and I just didn't know until it was too late. </p>