Upset- problems BF

[Gradgirl]

When my baby girl was born, I was BF her w/out problems. My boobs would leak when she cried and if I did not wear pads in my bra I would wake up in puddles of milk. When I started pumping, I could get 4 oz after 2 to 3 hrs. About 4 wks ago when I went back to work, I began struggling to pump even an ounce every two hours. Now, I am lucky to pump 4 oz after being gone 8 hrs, so I am having to supplement. My breast do not leak anymore and my baby girl may latch on each breast for 2 or 3 mins then stops. Then she gets upset and cries till I give her formula. I can go 6 hrs away from her and only get 2 oz or less. I have tried drinking more water, lactation cookies, pumping/BF every 2 hrs, and nothing is working!!!! I'm on the verge of giving up any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[missk1989]

You have to continue pumping every two hours, twenty mins on both sides even when you feel like nothing is coming out. How old is your lo? Milk supply drops naturally around four months but feeding/pumping regularly helps.

 

[Gradgirl]

You have to continue pumping every two hours, twenty mins on both sides even when you feel like nothing is coming out. How old is your lo? Milk supply drops naturally around four months but feeding/pumping regularly helps.

She turns 8 wks this Friday and I have tried pumping every 2 hrs, but it doesn't seem to work

 

[MommyJogger]

How long have you been supplementing with formula? Any kind of supplementation usually results in a decreased supply, especially this early on. I would cut out the formula when you're with her and just encourage her to nurse, nurse, nurse. Growth spurts can cause really worrying behavior (fussiness at the breast, seeming to be really unsatisfied after feeds, general unhappy behavior) that's actually completely normal. If she's unlatching from each breast, you can burp and then switch breasts again in something called "switch nursing" that helps to increase your supply.
In terms of pumping output, what is your pumping environment like? Some women can be really sensitive to their surroundings when pumping and not even realize it. Do you feel comfortable in your pumping environment? Are you confident in your privacy? Do you feel stressed out while pumping? This kind of stress can really inhibit letdown and affect pumping output. Are you sure your pump flanges fit you optimally? Are all of your parts in good working condition (have you tried to replace your membranes)? Are you pumping at least 20-25min per side (or total if you have a double pump)? If you don't have a double pump, is there a way you can rent one and see if that makes a big difference (if you're a grad student in the US, most student insurance plans will still reimburse you for a double electric at your lo's age)? Have you tried having a onesie that lo wore the day before so you can smell it while you pump or look at a picture of lo?

 

[kung_pao mama]

mommyjogger just said everything i was thinking and then some...