My milk supply is decreasing. I have a 10 month old whom I am nursing. I also nursed my 1st child for 18 month

Question

I'm pretty experienced when it comes to nursing including a whole set of problems that can be overcome if you are persistent.

My problem is that I am also 11 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child and my ob warned me my milk supply would decrease. I am also working full time, working 3rd shift. I am at home with my son during the day and nurse when he wants. However I have noticed that I am pumping less and less at work. I'm down to only getting about 2.5 to 3 oz in an 8 hr shift. My baby's pediatrician gave me the dreadful advice that perhaps I should supplement with formula (I KNOW!!!!) which was the last thing on my mind! I've overcome so much only to have to go to that yucky man made sh*t! He said because i am having a terrible pregnancy (bad morning sickness, weight loss, inconsistent or interrupted sleep due to the shift I work) that my son may not be getting what he needs from me, especially with the 3rd baby also taking nutrients from my body to grow. Do I have any recourse?

Answer 1

I've nursed through pregnancy twice and tandem nursed for 16 months. Have you read the book "Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy & Beyond" by Hilary Flower? She also has a great website at http://nursingtwo.kellymom.com/

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot that you can do for supply problems in pregnancy. A supply dip in mid pregnancy is totally normal. It is related to the hormonal shifts that your body is going through to maintain your pregnancy. Your progesterone levels rise when you are pregnant. One theory about why says that progesterone makes the alveoli in your breasts permeable, or "leaky," so they can't store milk well.

The best thing that you can do to attempt to keep your supply up: basically just take good care of momma! Nurse/pump as frequently as you can, eat every couple of hours (make sure you are getting enough protein), and stay well hydrated.

The herbal supplements that are commonly recommended for supply are not a good idea in pregnancy. (DO NOT take fenugreek as it is a uterine stimulant.) You can try eating oatmeal for breakfast each day, as that's safe while pregnant and some moms report it does help them get more when they pump.

The good news is that your supply may increase again toward the end of pregnancy as colostrum production kicks in. (For me, usually right as the third trimester started.) Since you're only 11 weeks, that's a while off though! Keep up with the good nutrition and fluids and nursing/pumping as often as you can.

Talk to your doctor about maybe giving juices or more solids when you're apart since your child is almost 12 months. Then nurse a lot when you are together.

Try using this weekend as a "nursing vacation" where you don't do anything else besides self-care and nursing/pumping. Put hubby in charge of meals and housework for the weekend.

Answer 2

Well it sounds like you've got alot on your plate at the moment - it's important to relax as often as you can. Stress can also diminish your milk supply. I would think that instead of nursing him whenever he wants, you can pick 2 or 3 times a day to nurse and supplement with organic formula. He will still receive all the wonderful benefits of nursing if you give him "snacks" i/o "meals". Good luck & take care.

Answer 3

Try checking out the website I've listed below. It is a tremendous source of information regarding any aspect of breastfeeding!

Good Luck!

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Answer 4

being pregnant your supply will drop, however, it can come back up. you can try drinking more water, eating oatmeal, fenugreek, all those can help to increase supply.
best of luck

Answer 5

listen to your doctor.in the end what is best is that everyone remains healthy.