My baby is almost 10 months and I've noticed that my pumping supply is significantly decreasing. I used to pump 12+ ounces over 3 pump sessions during the work day. Now I'm pretty much getting 8 ounces and maybe a tad more over 3 pump sessions. Did anyone have any luck trying to increase their pumping output? I think I have sufficient milk to nurse my baby whenever I'm with her, its just the pumping that seems to be off.
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Mine also decreased 4-5 oz/day around that time. The only thing that helped was adding another pumping session before I went to sleep.
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I had to add another session and then rented a hospital grade pump for a month. Once I got to 11 months, I started bridging the gap with bottles by mixing in WCM. I stopped pumping right after her birthday.
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Hey! DS is only 8 months-n-change so I'm behind you, but have you changed the fittings and valves for your pump lately? (Free set with insurance.) And have you tried pumping one side at a time to see if your pump is having suction issues? My pump was replaced by the manufacturer after testing this. Anyway I did these things around 6-7 months when I noticed a drop (pretty similar volumes!) and those adjustments helped the most. I also tweaked my diet a bit with fresh juices and a bigger breakfast. I tried 1/3 a dose of fenugreek for a week or so but I don't know if it helped at all.
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@skinnycow: I figured I will need to add an evening pump session.
@avivoca: what is wcw? I'm hoping I will have enough frozen milk.
@Amorini: wow! You tried a lot. I'm going to test those out. My diet is so poor.
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@agold: Whole Cows Milk.
I definitely don't have any frozen milk. Maybe 20 oz.
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@agold: Yeah, I really don't like pumping but want to do it until 1 year. I won't have enough frozen to stop earlier.
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I never have a great supply so with DD2 I've been taking supplements and it's been helping... I am not endorsing this shop or anything but if you're interested you can wall me.
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@agold: I also could not maintain my supply pumping. Nothing I did helped. I think it's the nature of the beast. What pump do you have? I had the Medela PIS and it was so-so. Every woman I know who pumped had decreased supply
EXCEPT my friend who has the Spectra 2. Could you get that one maybe?
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My supply has gone down as well this week. I also started my period yesterday, which can affect supply. Maybe yours could be coming? I think F is drinking less at daycare and at home, too, though. Even if I did still send 15 oz. a day, he wouldn't finish it because he's just not as interested. He loves food and eats a lot, though. I think it's normal for supply to go down at this age. If you SAH and exclusively breastfed vs. pumping, I think it would be the same, you just wouldn't know it because you're not measuring.
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Yep, my supply with my first decreased around 9-10mo. I pumped 16 and down to 12-13oz. I did use some freezer stash but once she got to 10.5-11mo she decreased what she was taking from 15oz down to 12 oz anyway.
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My supply went down with my first at around 8 months. I squeaked by until the end using a combo of renting a hospital grade pump, adding an extra pump session in the evening when I needed and/or power pumping, and I used up my freezer stash during the final month. I also drank a ton of lacatation tea, ate lactation cookies and oatmeal and lots of healthy fats, and tried to stay super hydrated all the time. It was tough but we made it.
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@pachamama: Hey, I have a Spectra 2!!!! 8 months and aside from a dip now and again, I'm going strong...
ETA: well, much too soon to celebrate obvs but I do like the hopeful anecdote about the Spectra 2!
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@MrsSCB: My baby isn't nursing very long anymore, either. Maybe 8 minutes max. How many ounces of food does your LO eat at a time?
@pachamama: I'm so cheap in some regards. I probably won't buy a second pump. Bummer I didn't have that one to try.
@avivoca: Thanks! I will consider doing that!!
@catlady: Thanks. I'm going to try to start doing more like you did. But ugh. Adding a pump session at home.. Maybe I'll start that next week!
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@agold: I don't blame you about not wanting to buy another pump! Will insurance cover another one? Mine covers a new one every 24 months I believe. I think ACA mandated it. @Amorini: good to know, I definitely want the Spectra 2 for next time! And it's quieter! I'm a teacher so I definitely have to pump in socially precarious situations...
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You could try a power pumping/power nursing weekend to try to up your supply. Make sure you are really hydrated going into it. I think Kelly
Mom has good info on it
But yeah def replace your membranes if you haven't already -
Agree on replacing membranes if you haven't done that lately. I was shocked at the difference it made the first time I changed mine! I also found that pumping after first morning nursing helped my supply, too. I always had the most milk in the mornings, and DS would never totally drain me. Good luck!
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@Littlebit7: Thank you! I will look into "power pumping".
@HeartAbandoned: How soon after the first morning nursing would you pump?
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@agold: I would pump immediately following nursing. I'd pass the baby off to DH and pump for 5-10 minutes. I would usually get at least a few ounces, and I feel like it helped me kick-start my pumping for the day, plus helped keep my supply up on weekends.
EXCEPT my friend who has the Spectra 2. Could you get that one maybe?
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