Hellobee Boards

@Bookish: Yep, I'd a combo of whatever of the above, thawed milk, nurse anyway as scheduled. I also added in a pump session or two at work, even if I wasn't getting anything, just promoting the lactation i think is what brought me back up.

I pumped on the breast my lo wasn't nursing on, and it really helped create more "demand" I bought some of the yogi nursing mother support tea, but didn't drink it regularly (def not as much as they say to on the box)

I'm still on my increase journey. I take domperidone, drink the tea, lots of water (but still not enough, I'm sure), try to eat oatmeal regularly, and I'm increasing my pump sessions.

It's a lot of work and it may just be me and my screwed up boobs, but I'm not getting a ton of results. In 3 weeks my guess is my output went up about 0.5oz per breast, if that.

Good luck to you!

Hmm... the only other thing I can think of suggesting is pumping after you nurse as well (especially on the weekends). When I nurse Xander in the morning, I then go pump before going to work. Then I pump in the evening after nursing him too in order to get the amount I need. At first you probably won't get much, but just by adding in more pumping sessions, you're telling your body to start producing more milk.

Another suggestion that MIGHT work is pumping a little bit BEFORE you nurse your baby. Babies are a LOT better at emptying our boobs than pumps are, so if you pumped a little BEFORE nursing, you might get some extra ounces you need without if affecting how much your baby is getting. I wouldn't suggest pumping for a full 20 minutes or anything, but maybe an ounce out of each boob before offering them to your baby.

Also, I hate it, but I pump after every nursing session on the weekend. Those extra ounces over the weekend are the only thing allowing me to meet Xander's 15oz/day quota for daycare because I usually can't pump QUITE enough during the day at work.

I've heard it can take a couple weeks for fenugreek and stuff to kick in, so it makes sense you haven't noticed an increase quite yet. Just keep taking them and hopefully you'll see an increase soon!

@Bookish: Were you taking blessed thistle along with the fenugreek? Try adding that in. I saw the biggest difference when I was taking them in tincture AND capsule form. 3 doses of each tincture 3x/day and 3 capsules of each herb 3x/day. I wouldn't bother with the tea...my LC says you'd need to drink 20+ cups of it each day to make it even come close to the tinctures and capsules.

Have you considered domperidone?

@Bookish: You are doing everything you can. What is there to fill guilty about? Sometimes our bodies just don't what we want/need them to do. Happy Mom and baby are more important. If pumping and supply issues are stressing you out, then in my opinion it isn't worth it. Or maybe just nurse in the AM and PM.....

@Bookish: I hear you on that!

@Bookish: doesn't sound defeatist or dramatic at all. I am in awe of all the American bees who go back to work and continue to BF. You ladies are all rock stars and I don't think I could do what you do. You have done your absolute best and if it's not working anymore it's not working. I firmly believe that being happy and having a good relationship with your baby is far more important than what you feed them.

Please don't feel guilty, you have done an amazing job thus far for your baby, and you will continue to do a good job if you switch to formula. Being a good mom is about WAY more than how you feed your babe