The Life of Bon: Low Milk Supply: HELP!

Sunday, October 05, 2014

Low Milk Supply: HELP!



CAUTION:  If you do not like tales of breastfeeding babes, then this is not the tale for you.  No it is not!

June doesn't mess around when it comes to eating.  From the day she was born she has enjoyed a hearty meal. She's a smart girl- she figured out real quick that one of the best things in life is kicking back and enjoying herself some good grub.

I am nursing June.  I will admit that I wasn't real committed to it beforehand,  but it turned out to not be too much trouble for me or June.  As long as my body could successfully make milk, and as long as June could successfully drink that milk, there didn't seem to be too many reasons not to go ahead with it.  In a way I feel like we kind of fell into breastfeeding.  We didn't choose it so much as it chose us.

About a month after June was born I gave away almost all the formula samples that I had gotten from the hospital.  We wouldn't be needing them!  June was eating like a champ and my body was making more than enough milk to keep her happy.  And away the formula went.

I'm sure you can predict where this story is going.  Two or three weeks ago my milk supply decreased dramatically.  There are a lot of factors that could have played into it.  I have gone back to work every other day.  The days that I work I feed June in between 5:30 and 6:30 am.  I teach two classes and eat lunch before I am able to feed June again about noon.  This means that she needs a feeding before I can see her again.  And so, on my day off I am constantly trying to get ahead of the nursing schedule and pump a little extra here and there so that I have a bottle to send her with on those mornings.  This makes my days at home quite chaotic as June wants every last ounce that I am able to spare, and is really quite a brat about donating her precious milk to future June.  She's selfish like that.

I'm worried that going six hours in the morning every other day without pumping or feeding and then frantically trying to make up for it on my off day has got my milk supply schedule all sorts of confused.  My body doesn't know what it's supposed to be doing.

Another factor contributing to the low milk supply could be that I went back on birth control. Freaking birth control- it's supposed to solve all your problems and instead it creates a bunch of new ones.  I told the nurse I was still nursing, and she said she would give me a pill with a low hormone.  Well, the other night I decided to read all the fine print and what do you know?  Side effect is low milk supply and you should absolutely not be taking while breastfeeding.  Thanks for nothing, nurse!  Needless to say, I will be calling the office in the morning to see about changing up the b.c.  (Always an awkward phone call to make during my prep at school.  I swear I feel like anytime I call my baby doc from school there's an unsuspecting 17 year old boy who walks in mid conversation.)

(Sidenote:  I know people say that breastfeeding in and of itself acts as birth control but I worried that my six hour stretch every other morning and the fact that June will go seven or eight hours at night in between feedings renders my breastfeeding birth control a bit too irregular to be effective.  Or am I still safe to just rely on breastfeeding?  The nurse said not to risk it, but we already figured out just how smart that nurse was.)

I wouldn't stress so much about all of this if June would just down some dang formula every once in awhile.  I've created a total snob, though- she only wants the bonafide stuff straight from her mother's bosom.  She spits it right out, scowls at me and then rolls her eyes like, "Please mom.  You know I don't take that stuff." My biggest fear that she is going to be an insanely picky eater like her dad is coming true before my very eyes. And no, that's not really my biggest fear for my daughter. But it is a fear. And it is real.  Because cooking homemade zucchini sausage soup for your husband and then having him say he'd rather have a $.25 cup of noodles is no fun.  NO FUN I TELL YOU.

A couple of people have suggested that we try mixing formula with the breastmilk so that's what I've started doing on some of my feedings.  June knows though.  She ain't no dummy.  She eyes me down like, "Woman?  You can't trick me!  I know this ain't the real stuff!"  She takes it, but is sure to leave an ounce or so just so that I know of her disdain.  If I'm lucky she spits a bunch of it up all over me- that will show mom not to mix to the golden breastmilk!

Anyway.  I am certainly open to suggestions.  I would love my milk to go back to its previous flows-like-wine state.  June has made it pretty loud and clear that she would like the same. I do plan on calling the doc in the morning and getting the dang birth control situation fixed, (and if you want to tell me in the comments something as personal as what b.c. you were on while you were nursing, I wouldn't object) but I'm worried my milk supply is never going to be what it once was.  Once your supply drops can you get it back up?  Are we doomed forever to a state of endless misery and half-breastmilk-half- formula woe?

Please send help.

But please don't send Dwight.   (And an extra ten points if you know exactly what episode that's from.)

86 comments:

  1. You could try pumping everyday rather than just trying to catch up every other day. Pick a time that won't interfere with her feeding schedule...maybe before you go to bed since she takes longer stretches at night. You could also make lactation cookies. You can find the recipe on Pinterest or Google. They contain ingredients supposedly known to increase milk supply and who doesn't love an excuse to eat cookies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. There are lactation teas that are supposed to work really well. Also, don't rely on nursing as birth control. Definitely not reliable :) I had an IUD. Paragard, which is copper based and doesn't have hormones, so therefore doesn't interfere with breastfeeding. Good luck! Breastfeeding can be quite the battle sometimes!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Okay, I have no idea what show that is from...but you are pumping at home which is a good thing. The problem (besides the bc pills) is that you don't pump when you are away for 6 hours. I am not scolding or anything, just saying that you are right about your body being confused. Even if you just pump and dump if you don't want to worry about storing the milk, your body will remember that it needs to make more milk every day. I hope you have a little break in your day some time for even just 5 or 10 minutes. You could use a manual pump and get the glands going. Those are small, quiet and cheap.

    As for the birth control, why not just use condoms? They are chemical free and won't throw off your breastfeeding hormones.

    Good luck to you and little June.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I didn't finish reading your post- because as soon as I read the words I had to tell you! BIRTH CONTROL. I went on birth control, and my supply dropped drastically! I had to get off birth control and use the good ol' condom method. For me and my daughter, we decided the dreaded condoms.. were better choice. And my milk supply increased after i stopped! TRICKY BIRTH CONTROL!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been told by medical professionals myself that nursing isn't 100% reliable for birth control, and that I shouldn't go back on The Pill while breastfeeding either. So, looks like we'll be using condoms for awhile! Not ideal, but much better than risking another pregnancy so soon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I unfortunately have nothing to offer on the whole breastfeeding thing as I'm not a mom, but I had to guess that the quote is from the episode where Michael steps on the George Foreman grill? Please tell me I'm right! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1) Is there a break to pump at work? That's too long to go without nursing or pumping at her age.....it's telling your body to lower supply. Even ten minutes would make a difference. For reference, I pump at 8:20(my prep time) then again at 12:30. Then again at 4:00 at work.

    2) drinks LOTS of water, eat oatmeal, peanut butter, and high fats foods.

    3) for the first 7 months, I did an entire extra pump at night after Lydia went to sleep.....it gave enough extra so I didn't need to worry.

    4) can you pump right after the morning feeding at 5:30 or 6? That's when your body makes the most milk. Do that every day. Or, pump on one side while she feeds on the other each morning.

    It's so hard as a teacher with our set schedules.....I'm coming up to the last 7 weeks of pumping at work....and can't believe I might actually make it to a year.....what a challenge!

    Email me if you want to discuss!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I got an IUD because birth control while nursing is just a hard place to navigate!! I almost always had a "low milk supply" with Axel (because I'm not entirely sure that's true) You should also try taking Fenugreek supplements. They helped me a lot. And yeah, 6 hours is way too long to not pump or anything. You'll have to figure out a time when you can pump during that stretch. And I always pumped at 11pm before going to bed so I could store up my supply.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bonnie, I've been worrying about the exact same thing since it's been happening to be the past few weeks as well. Remember, our babies are at the right time for another growth spurt (or a couple mini ones within the next few weeks). Rhys got sick last week with a sore throat, so we bought some formula because nursing was too hard on his throat. Thankfully, he doesn't taste the difference. It has helped because some feedings in the afternoon, he'll still be hungry after he pulls off my breast and I'll have to make a 2oz bottle for him. I'm also on birth control, but my doctor said it'd be safe while breastfeeding (I guess that just meant that it wouldn't harm the milk). However, I have discovered that Gatorade not only helps me with energy, but also helps my milk supply! When I'm home, I pump halfway between feedings and that tends to help.


    BTW, we should totally have lunch together one day or something and meet each other's babies!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm a teacher as well and pumping is tough stuff. I would feed my baby between 6-6:30am, pump at work at 7:30, then again at 11:40. When I wasn't getting enough to make two bottles I would pump in the morning after the morning feeding Saturday and Sunday. That always seemed to be enough to get my body to up the supply. I didn't go on birth control and was wary of any medicine while nursing because I didn't want to mess with my bodies balance. Hope it all works out for you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was able to pump on a schedule at work at first, then changed jobs & worked every other day and was gone for really long stretches of time (11 hrs); some lessons I gleaned, you have to pump at home too, as in the days you aren't working. It sucks but it's the only way I found to consistently make enough milk for bottles. Basically trick your body into actually have an over-supply. And when my daughter was about 7 months I discovered fenugreek! I'd heard about it but I guess I didn't believe it worked? Never the less, nothing short of miraculous for my milk supply! I still have a huge freezer stash 5 months later Thanks to my stint on fenugreek. It works differently for everyone but no harm in trying. There's also a mothers milk tea but I personally thought it tasted like feet and couldn't get past that. As far as bc, I'm Bfing and haven't gotten pregnant despite our efforts ;) lol but a friend with a baby younger who is also exclusively Bfing is 12 weeks pregnant. So if you're not ready for another baby yet, I'd say not to just trust breast feeding.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've worked really hard to keep my supply up. I power pump- after he nurses i pump. I started doing it only at night but now i pump after each time he eats (not recommended right away, just start doing it one time per day). So basically pump pump pump and nurse nurse nurse. Warning about supplementing, it won't help increase supply. You can also take fenugreek or mother's milk tea, but keep an eye on how she reacts, it made my son super gassy. Also oatmeal and flaxseed! Good luck! Check out kellymom.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Bonnie… you're going to get a ton of feedback on this, but the exact same thing happened to me with James… I was overflowing and then about 6 weeks I dried up quite a bit and it was very alarming for me too. From what I've read, I believe that the body produces a surplus the first few weeks… like enough for two babies in case you had twins… and then it kind of peters off once it gets the hang of how much milk the baby needs. I pumped the first 6 weeks as well and pumped a ton! Our freezer was stocked! But then all of a sudden I couldn't pump much after that. I don't know if there's a bc that exists that helps keep the flow going. And really, how realistic is it that you can pump for months on end? I would try switching up the formulas… they have different tastes… try to find one that is similar as possible to breast milk. James wouldn't eat the similac and other American brands but then we tried this German brand and it was amazing. He loved it! It was very sweet tasting, like breast milk. I'm sorry, I know that doesn't help you much, but maybe there's one like that over there. I can mail you some if you want, seriously! Just let me know. Also, don't worry about June being a picky eater. Breast fed babies tend to not be so picky because the flavors from the foods that you eat are manifest in the breast milk, so she's getting all sorts of yummy variety… have you tried formula? It is pretty nasty. Also, you could try going off bc, but just be super careful because breast feeding cannot be 100% relied on, at all.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fenugreek! You will smell like maple syrup though! Also ideally you would be able to pump anytime June would be taking a bottle. Is there no time to pump in your morning? If you can't the fenugreek may help until your body adjusts to your schedule.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You definitely need to pump when she has that bottle on your work days. You're signaling to your body that she doesn't need it. Also, pump after each of her feeds on your day off for a few minutes. Look at her while you're pumpimg (or a picture) to help your let down. Google hands on pumping, it will help you express more milk. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Do you even have 10minutes to spare to pump at least once during the 6hours June is at daycare? That would certainly help. My son slept through the night as well for the first 5 months and ate like a monster during the day and nursing worked as BC for us but again, that's not 100%. And it may be a crappy option but getting up once in the middle of the night to pump may also help with the one bottle and BC. Oh, the life of a working mom!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am in the same boat! I tried the fenugreek but as another poster said it gave baby terrible gas. The tea also has fenugreek in it so I am not using that anymore either. I am going to try to eat more real oatmeal, flaxseed and also try lactation cookies with brewers yeast to see if that helps. My daughter is also sleeping long stretches (8pm-4am last night) so I want to try and get up around midnight and pump to get ahead of her!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Have you tried pumping for an extra 10 minutes after feeding her? That helps to increase milk supply. It's a pain, but worked :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Having no children I am of no help to this conversation. BUT at least you didn't cook your foot on a George Foreman grill, right?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Okay...here is my 5 cents worth. I am a mom of four and know where you have been. First, try to resist the urge to loose weight or cut calories. It takes about 500 extra calories to keep supply up. Second, and this is super hard don't worry about it!! When you are at work, if you can, the time you would have nursed see if you can pump instead of just skipping that time. I would then send that as the bottle supply for the next day. I agree that if you can stop the BC pill I would. I never got pregnant while nursing and when we wanted to have a baby it always happened that first month...my husband was so disappointed. ;) Again...don't stress. I know that is so simple to say and not so easy to do but she will be so great no matter what. I promise you no where on her college application will they ask her how long she was breast feed and I swear to you she will never hold it against you as a teenager..at least mine never has...actually its a fun way to gross her out. :) Being a mom is suppose to be fun...make it fun because it goes by so fast.

    Laura @ Mice In The Kitchen

    http://www.miceinthekitchen.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Pumping extra when possible is the best idea.. plus there are places you can purchase breast milk-- that seems weird, I know.. but I have friends that have done it. I supplemented with a small bottle of formula every day or two from birth, so my baby would not dislike it, if there was ever a need for formula. hahaha, looks like June might be past that option! :) But it is something to try on future little gingers in your quiver :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. My milk supply took FOREVER to come in and so the lactation specialist had me pump after EVERY feeding session for about 15 minutes. And that included middle of the night sessions. If June is sleeping long stretches at night, you might need to wake up and throw in a pumping session. It's something about the hormone that produces milk naturally drops at night, so pumping during that time helps stimulate that hormone and increase milk supply. Something like that.


    I think the mini-pill (progesterone only) is the only one you are supposed to take while nursing. I didn't start it until after I stopped nursing and we used, shall we say, the "barrier" method if you catch my drift the whole time I nursed... I didn't trust breastfeeding to 100% do the trick.


    I hope your supply kicks back up! Feeding can be really stressful when you milk drops and of course stress hurts your milk supply (as does peppermint and sage)!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I took fenugreek pills and it worked like a charm. Whenever I took them I had to be near my pump because I would start leaking from my boobs! The only thing I didn't like about them is I smelled like maple syrup when I took them. I think they are used in maple syrup and that is why. Also, try mother's milk tea. Other things to remember are to stay hydrated and cut back on caffeine! Both will help the milk supply. And I've never heard of breastfeeding as a form of birth control.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nursing is absolutely not a perfect birth control. There are very specific conditions under which it should work AND it's apparently only considered good under those conditions for 6 months.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I take Camila (something like that) bc. My doc said it actually helps milk supply (just make sure to switch back to normal when you are no longer nursing. It has worked well for me both times. Also, I agree that of you could sneak in a ten minute pump in the mornings you work it would probably help (and make you less stressed on days at home). Google "natural milk supply boosters" there are all sorts of things. Most taste disgusting but some swear by them. Also if you have to go totally to formula, I bet she would only turn it away for a day or two then she would figure it out. Stubborn? Yes. Smart? Absolutely. She'd figure out it was better than nothing ;). Good luck! (Oh and my cousin got up at night and pumped but, lord help me, I don't think I could ever do that...) also my sister got pregnant twice during the whole "nursing is birth control" philosophy ;).

    ReplyDelete
  26. oh the joys of breastfeeding :) they are joys, right??! i joke i joke! sort of.

    mine took a dive when i started working full time again, and i was even pumping all day while away from baby girl. it just wasn't enough. i have heard wonders about fenugreek pills to help, and also just extra pumping when you're nursing too, although extra time spent pumping after you've already just nursed the baby is a freaking PAIN. there ain't no time for that. but really, if you're going a whole 6-7 hrs without nursing during the day, even if it's not every day, it's bound to affect your supply. also, things like cutting soda and chocolate out of your diet can help keep your supply up too. and yes - breastfeeding can work as birth control because it often keeps your period from returning, which keeps you from ovulating, which is why some women don't get pregnant while just breastfeeding alone. but it definitely doesn't work like that for everyone. MANY women get periods back while nursing or even just get pregnant while nursing without having a period back first to warn them. of course, you don't really know what 'kind' of woman you are as far as that's concerned, since it's your first baby and who knows how fertile mertle you might be! but if you don't want to risk getting pregnant again, i'd definitely stay on a birth control. especially if you're nursing less and less. but there are only certain forms you can use while breastfeeding too that won't affect the milk and/or baby. so there ya go. fine line it is! i took the mini pill (i'm assuming that's what they put you on) and i don't think it had an affect on my diving supply, honestly.

    it's an interesting thing, breastfeeding! i didn't realize how much i loved it until i was cutting back more and more (totally weaned now, baby girl was 10.5 months when we stopped), and now paying for a package of formula every week (yes, we go through an entire big pack each week!)...it is EXPENSIVE (ps - we've always used enfamil gentlease and she's always eaten it like a champ - mixed with bm or by itself). i can't imagine buying it every week for her whole first 10.5 months. yikes. do what you feel is best!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I bought Mother's Milk herbal tea off of amazon when I was hoping to breastfeed Alayna. It has great reviews on amazon. It didn't make my milk supply go up, but it did for lots of other people, I saw from the comments. It is from a local company and was delivered the next day. I can bring you some extra packets of mine when I come visit you, if you'd like.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The episode where Michael Scott burns his foot on the George Foreman grill?

    ReplyDelete
  29. oh man, this is such a horrible situation to be in! Of course you would give everything away only for your supply to take a dip! I went on the mini-pill as form as BC but it made me get my period every freaking 10 days, no joke! So I had to stop that after doing it for 3 months, it drove me crazy. I take fenugreek pills, they work like a charm! I have to take about 6 pills a day for it really work though. I take the Solaray Fenugreek and they don't make me smell like maple syrup like other people say theirs does. I agree with the other ladies, drink lots of water and if you can pump every three hours at work, that would be ideal. But being a teacher that probably isn't possible. Maybe try pumping before your first class, even if it's a couple hours after you initially feed her...Good luck Mama!

    ReplyDelete
  30. it's your birth control. the same thing happened to me and i read the fine print and realized it was making my supply low and i stopped taking it that day and my supply went up. I called my doctor a few days later and they gave me a new type of birth control and it was totally fine. I was soooo mad though because the doctors and nurses should just give you the correct birth control for breastfeeding in the first place. grrrr. good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  31. After my second was born I was faced with 2 surgeries in 5 months. While I tried to "pump and dump" during the time when I was still on pain killers, my milk supply dipped way low and I just wasn't making enough for the little one when we tried to start nursing again. However, eating a bowl of oatmeal every morning and taking fenugreek capsules (herb you can find over the counter) I was able to bring it back up both times. Good luck! http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/fenugreek/ I never tried the "lactation cookies" but I've had several friends that have been successful with them, http://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/breastmilk-supply-increase-breastmilk-lactation-cookie-recipe#.VDLkfyldU2A

    ReplyDelete
  32. Fenugreek pills. I don't really have a problem with my supply at the moment but it made me feel better to take. I heard about them from a few people that did have difficulty and they have nothing but wonderful things to say. Also lots of foods that can help too. (Oatmeal) I hope luck with whatever you choose to try.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I feel like the Mirena IUD is the unsung hero of birth control options. I loved mine, low hormones, it was always there so I never worried about forgetting, and it didn't impact my milk supply at all. Also, in order for nursing to be considered effective birth control, you need to be nursing "on demand" so every 2-3 hours RELIGIOUSLY. It used to be effective when women were nursing all the time and co-sleeping and a million other things modern working women no longer do. (No shade to people who still do that, just isn't the average person.)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Breastfeeding issues can be tough. I have a newborn and am in medical school. I took some time off and did a lactation elective so I'll share what I know in hopes it's helpful.

    1. Birth control: breastfeeding is effective if certain criteria are met. Your baby has to be less than 6 months, you need to be nursing/pumping every 3-4 hours, and you can't have had your period return. If you don't meet all three criteria, then you need another birth control method. You can't take anything with estrogen in it because it will reduce your supply. There are several progesterone only options: the mini pill, mirena iud, and nexplanon ( an under the skin implant in your arm). These could reduce your supply a little but are generally safe. Your other option is barrier contraception (diaphragm, condom, etc). The mini pill is very particular and has a shorter half life than other combination birth control pills so you really have to be consistent and take at the same time every day or if you are off by more than an hour, use back up protection. The implant and iud are really effective options if you Think it could be difficult to be consistent with a pill while taking care of a baby. Your doctor should be able to discuss these in detail with you.

    2. In order to maintain your supply, nursing/pumping every 3-4 hours is ideal. Perhaps you could fit in a few minutes to pump in the morning at school? Also, you may need to wake up at night and pump. I'm going to be traveling with my baby and one of the things I learned is that I will still have to wake myself up every few hours at night to pump and make sure I maintain my supply. Not fun, but something I have to do.

    Hope this helps! I'm going back to school/work soon and also going to be doing a lot of traveling so I'm preparing to deal with a lot of the same issues. June is precious, and I know. You are doing the best for her!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Yogi Tea makes a milk support tea that my SIL seems to like. She also looked up a recipe for lactation cookies. The jury's still out if it works, but hey, it can't hurt, right?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Breastfeeding is not a reliable for of birth control, meet my son Luke. Mother's milk tea (sold at target), drink lots and lots of water, and you should really pump if you can in the morning. Going six hours consistently without pumping or feeding is not good.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Camila is a generic bc, I would use nothing and buy a box of condoms. Drink plenty of water!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I've seen various teas and lactation cookies on Pinterest! Alfalfa supplements worked very well for me. Hope you find a solution :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I can't speak from personal experience (currently expecting my first, due in April), but I can tell you that my mom got pregnant with my little brother while breastfeeding me. We're 11 months apart. And a friend of mine who was doing a combo formula/breastfeeding is now expecting her 3rd and her kiddos will be 12-13 months apart. I personally wouldn't rely on breastfeeding alone to act as birth control. But I'm sorry that I can't offer up any real suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  40. When I was feeding my second daughter I tried the mini pill and it made my milk dry up and turned her off feeding I stopped it but she never took the breast again, I had to feed her expressed breastmilk instead

    ReplyDelete
  41. Not a mom, but have heard many friends say they had to use Fenugreek.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Pumping during the morning on the days you work would really be ideal. Things I have done to keep my supply consistent now that I'm back to work are: 100+oz water per day,eating lots of red meat and healthy fats like avocado, Oatmeal + flaxseed every morning for breakfast, Fenugreek (When you start smelling like maple syrup is when it supposedly starts working), lactation cookies (any oatmeal recipe, add Brewer's yeast and flaxseed). I also pump 3x uring teh school day: 8:30, 11:30, 2:30. Also check out kellymom.com and talk to your caregivers about paced feedings!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm not a mom so I have no advice but I do know from my mom friends that this struggle can be stressful so hang in there! I've been a long time reader and fan of your blog but have never commented...I decided tonight would be the night when I saw your Office quote. You're my new favorite person!

    ReplyDelete
  44. This sounds like no fun! Also, my SIL got pregnant while breastfeeding so I never believe that rule. In fact she just weened her 2 months before she gave birth to the 2nd. Whoopsies haha

    ReplyDelete
  45. A low hormone combination BC pill will affect your supply. You need a pop (progesterone only pill) right now which is less likely to have an effect on your supply. Also going to six hours in the morning without feeding or pumping will definitely lower your supply. Is there anyway that you can have a pump session during that time? You really need to have a letdown in there because it's the number of feeds not the amount which indicates to your body to produce, So even just five minutes to pump and get a letdown would help you. Or could you pump first thing in the morning when you get to your classroom? Also the best time to pump and get the most bang for your buck would be to Pump between 1 AM and 5 AM when milk production is highest. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Joanna! So good to hear from you! I do try to pump right before bed and that helps a little, but she's usually just eaten an hour before so I don't produce much. I will have to give the cookies a try.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I have thought about getting an IUD. I heard though no to get one unless you are planning to go 3-5 years before having another baby not to get an IUD. Have you heard that? I want to make sure that the next time I want to get pregnant I can without any problems.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Tried my first mid pumping break yesterday morning- ran downstairs inbetween first and second period to pump for ten minutes. It was crazy, but it helped. Thanks for the suggestion!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Curse the birth control! I am going to try a progesterone only bc and then if the milk supply doesn't increase we may be on course for good old condoms. Boo.

    ReplyDelete
  50. DEFINITELY much better than risking pregnancy so soon! The no B.C. at all definitely seems like the worst decision of all! :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Have you had a baby after taking the IUD about? I have heard that it can affect future fertility and that makes me really worried. The More Milk Plus sounds amazing- I will have to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Nailed it! Best episode of the best series ever!

    ReplyDelete
  53. A year of pumping at work is amazing! You should feel so proud. How many times a day at work do you pump? I am definitely going to try to be better about drinking water and eating pb, oatmeal, etc. I think my diet could definitely be part of the problem.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Did you get the IUD after Olivia or Axel? I'm worried about the IUD affecting future babies and fertility. Not that I want to pop another one out right away, but an IUD seems a little more permanent.

    ReplyDelete
  55. My nurse said the same thing about the birth control which is really annoying. Yes, the B.C. was "safe" but she didn't bother to tell me that it could drastically affect my milk supply even when I told her I was nursing. If your supply hasn't dropped though, I wouldn't worry about it- for me I know I can't stay on the bc- it's killing me! And yes, I would LOVE to do lunch! Let me know what your schedule looks like.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks Angela! Great suggestions! I may have to incorporate some more weekend pumping sessions.

    ReplyDelete
  57. wow gone for 11 hours! That would be crazy! I am learning I might need to be more consistent with my pumping and setting up a regular routine for EVERY DAY instead of just expecting the on demand milk when I want it. But ah, wouldn't that be greatif it did work that way?

    ReplyDelete
  58. Several people have mentioned fenugreek- I will have to check it out. I don't know if I can stand to pump after nursing. It sounds so absolutely exhausting. How do you do it without losing your sanity?

    ReplyDelete
  59. mindy! You figured out disqus! I guess the true test will be to see if this reply pops up in your email. That German formula sounds amazing. Maybe in November you can bring me some and I'll test it out- I certainly won't make you mail it though, although you are so sweet to offer. Next baby I am definitely going to pump a lot the first weeks- having a freezer full of breast milk seriously sounds like a dream. And I never thought I would say that!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Definitely going to try the fenugreek. Can you buy it anywhere?

    ReplyDelete
  61. I just don't think I can stand to pump after breastfeeding. It already takes so long to feed and I feel like she is taking every last ounce- thinking about pumping afterward makes me want to cry. I'm hoping I don't have to, but I suppose it may come down to that :(

    ReplyDelete
  62. I have done a couple of middle of the night breastfeeding sessions. They're enough to drive me toward total depression though, so I'm hoping to find other alternates. And yes, I know I'm being dramatic but getting June to sleep 6 or 7 hours plus at night so I can get good sleep and then waking up anyway to pump just sounds like the worst thing ever.

    ReplyDelete
  63. terrible gas as in you worry that it is painful or uncomfortable for the baby? I don't mind a little stinkiness here and there but if it is going cause discomfort and fussiness I may pass on that one.

    ReplyDelete
  64. It may have to come to that... it feels like such a waste though, when she's already sucked every last drop out of me. I know it's not, but I feel like not seeing results would be disheartening to me.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Nailed it! Might be the best episode of office ever, right?

    ReplyDelete
  66. Laura thanks so much for the suggestions! And thanks for putting everything into perspective. I definitely want to breastfeed her as much as possible, but you are right, it is not at all the most important thing about raising her.

    ReplyDelete
  67. You are so smart! I guess I should have introduced the formula earlier. I was so worried that then it would turn her off to breastfeeding if the formula from a bottle was too easy. It's a tricky business, ain't it?!

    ReplyDelete
  68. "Gingers in your quiver"- I love that :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. Just got a prescription for the mini pill so we'll see if that helps things. And waking up in the middle of the night to pump is enough to drive me to suicide- I just don't think I have it in me :(

    ReplyDelete
  70. Sounds like fenugreek pills are the way to go! I am going to look in to getting some today- can you just buy them at any store?

    ReplyDelete
  71. Yah, I think its guidelines are much too specific for me to be successful with it!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Why wouldn't the doctors offer that birth control first? Especially if you say you are nursing? That is so frustrating to me that a birth control that helps milk production wouldn't be the first offered... Boo. Anyway, I will have to look into it for sure! Is it a pill?

    ReplyDelete
  73. That's the problem, right? The only way to find out exactly how fertile you are is to give it a whirl- definitely high risk! Thanks so much for your comment, and yes, I would love to avoid buying a package of formula a week for as long as possible!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Charlotte I can't wait to talk to you about this. If you are truly not going to use the herbal tea I would love to give it a try. Are you not breastfeeding at all.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nailed it! Best episode of all time!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Yes, I have had 2 babies after getting my IUD out. My current baby is almost 9 months old. I only know about the More Milk Plus because I took some sudafed and that seemed to mess with my milk. Those pills have saved us!!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I have heard that. I had mine in for less than a year and am now 8 months pregnant, so it didn't seem to have any negative effects on my fertility!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Avyn would have the trapped gas and would scream, we had to give her the little remedies gas drops about once a day. It took me a week to realize it was the fenugreek. We changed bottles 3 times thinking it was bottles (she only gets breastmilk so we knew it wasn't formula). I would at least try the fenugreek as it works well for many people but keep in mind if she starts having issues it may be related to that!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I think I got mine at Walmart or Walgreens so it must be pretty common. It's by the vitamins. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Believe me, I get it. I had to do that when my son was first born. But rather than think about it as getting extra, think about it this way... Any extra drops you get out signal your body to make that much more. Even if you get your supply up, you should still pump at least once in the morning while you are at work, to replace her bottle.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I pump three times each workday.....once before the day starts.....once at lunch and once right before going home. Even though she's nursed in the morning, i still get a ton of milk when I pump an hour or so later!

    ReplyDelete
  82. The trickiest!! Enjoy every moment!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. I pumped for a year solid as a full-time working mom and it is totally disheartening. BUT if you could pump right when you get to school, even the few minute commute can be enough time for you to get even an ounce. Plus, you always produce way more in the mornings, so you're bound to at least get something.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I got an IUD after Axel because unreliable birth control is exactly how I got Axel! Ha! But I my SIL and my friend both got them after their second children and have since gone on to have third children. They're affective (effective?) for five years, or you can have it removed any time if you're ready to get preggo again. I'm going to have another baby in like a year, so I'll let you know how it goes ;) Sure there are scary stories about it, but there's risks with regular birth control too.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Breastfeeding is much trickier than I had thought it would be! I use this site as a constant resource, hopefully you can find some answers on it! http://kellymom.com/category/bf/got-milk/

    ReplyDelete
  86. I want to testify that my husband is back after a Divorce !!!

    Hello, I am Renée Carigna, currently living in New jersey city, USA, were Divorce seems to be the other of the day,i was married to my husband Lawson for 18 years and we were living happily together with our 3 kids and all of a sudden their came this sad moment for the first time in my life i curt my husband having an affair with a lady outside our marriage before this time i have already started noticing strange behavior like he used to spend some time with us, comes home early after work but since he started having an affair with this lady all his love for his wife gone and he now treats me badly and will not always make me happy.I had to keep on moving with my life never knowing that our marriage was now leading to divorce which i can not take because i love Lawson my husband so much and i can't afford to loose him to this strange Lady,i had to seek a friends advice on how i could resolve my marriage problem and make the divorce case not to take place and my husband live this Lady and come back to me again having heard my story my friend decided to help me at all cost she then referred me to A spell caster named Dr Brave, my friend also told me that Dr Brave have helped so many people that were going through divorce, and also finding possible ways to amend their broken relationship. To cut my story short i contacted Dr Brave and in just four days after the spell was done my husband left the other lady and withdrew the divorce case all till now my husband is with me and he now treats me well and we are living happily together again all appreciation goes to Dr Brave i never could have done this my self, so to whom it may concern if you are finding difficulty in your relationship or having problems in your marriage just contact Dr Brave he is Powerful and his spell works perfectly,i am somebody who never believed or heard about spell but i gave it a try with Dr Brave and today every thing is working well for me and if you need his help his , EMAIL: bravespellcaster@gmail.com, or kindly visit he website http://bravespellcaster.yolasite.com . .He is real..

    ReplyDelete