Breastfeeding, working, daycare, and pumping - supply

[Lirpa11]

Hi

So DS has been in daycare since January (4.5 months) when I started working full time.

I send 4x 4 oz bottles,but he only drinks three. We have been increasing solids, and I have noticed my pumping output has decreased. I used to get 12 oz while pumping three times a day at work. Now I get 8-9 oz at work and I've had to pump in the mornings + at night before bed. It's exhausting. DS is also sleeping through the night 830-9pm to 6am.

The paediatrician is also concerned because he isn't stacking on enough weight

Anyhow, is my supply just going to keep dropping? I can add fenugreek if needed. How can I bring it back up?

Also, I was very sick a couple weeks ago with a virus and got very dehydrated over 12 hours from vomiting etc. I've since been staying hydrated. DS also had bronchiolitis at the same time...

Any tips on getting back to full pump output again??

I want to make it to 12 months.

 

[jessmke]

This is not going to help with your level of exhaustion, but could you pump once in the night? Feeding/pumping at night really helps to maintain your supply. If that's not feasible then maybe try eating oatmeal and lactation cookies.

 

[Lirpa11]

Thanks, I may get up and do that if supply keeps diminishing.

I'll start eating oatmeal regularly too. I don't like oatmeal much, but I want to keep BF.

 

[Lirpa11]

what is the best time to get up? 2am? midnight?

 

[misspriss]

what is the best time to get up? 2am? midnight?

I read somewhere between 1-4am, I'd say 2-3am.

 

[jessmke]

You can also increase your milk production by doing skin to skin with your baby, and looking at him or a picture of him while you pump.

 

[Lirpa11]

Thanks ladies!

He actually woke last night about every hour and fed on his own! Maybe he is about to have a growth spurt!

Anyhow, the way he ate last night I am sure I will have a big increase in my milk this week!

I've had oatmeal this morning too, and hoping to see some better pump output this week. I still make *just* enough for daycare but i'm worried we could be struggling if it decreased anymore. Hopefully he noticed the dip too, and last night was bringing my milk back up to increased production!