Trying to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, needing help

momma_ericamomma_erica
edited January 2012 in Breastfeeding
So I returned back to work Dec 6. I go & pump 3 times a day. Slowly my milk supply is getting less & less. I nurse her when I'm home but she drains me dry & is still hungry so sometimes I have to give her formula to satisfy her. I'm only getting 2-3 oz each time I pump so that is not near enough milk for her while I'm at work so sitter has to give some formula too. I would love to continue giving her my breastmilk, but its to the point that I'm not getting enough to really benefit her anymore. I've tried to pump after I feed her to stimulate my production but no luck. It's just getting less & less by the day. Any advice or suggestions are welcomed, I want to try to do breastmilk at least till she is 6mo, I'm just 1/2 way there, she's 3months next week

Comments

  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    Can I get the fenugreek at a healthfood store?
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    Ok thanks, I guess its worth a try
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    Yes keep trying don't give up! I work full time and pump at work too at least 8 oz each day there alone and nurse him when I get home. Keep going!!
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    @ pukashell824 do u give ur Lo some formula when ur at work? My baby is eating more than I can make for her when I'm at.work.
  • QweenNiqueQweenNique
    I have been back to work since dec 12th and I only pump twice while there I get about 16 oz somedays if I would pump one extra time it would probably be more. I have never given my daughter formula yet. So first off what type of pump do you have? You might have to find the right latch for it as well. Take a pic of baby or video helps with let down. Also pump for at least three minutes after the milk has stopped that will tell your body to make more. Try a beer one day, I haven't but prolly will soon. My daughter for the first weekd didn't eat because she never really had a bottle I had to by and 18 dollar one for her. Another thing pump with baby at home nursing on one side. And pumping on other. Sometimes it could be the pump too.
  • FiRstTiMeOcT_mOmFiRstTiMeOcT_mOm
    @momma_erica make sure u do the @ with no spaces so they get ur msgs @pukashell824 ! Lol However you sound EXACTLY like me! I do the same exact thing & now having the same problem! At first my bottles were full to compacity but now im getting the same results.. however i wonder if my period is effecting my milk... Anyway i have gotten to the point where i have gotten discouraged but i refuse to stop! I just started the fenugreek so get some & try it! Im hoping that will help me! Whatever you do just keep trying and know ur NOT ALONE! I hope it gets better & i will check on u periodically to see! WE CAN DO IT! & if i notice something else that works for me i will post it to you! Good Luck! :D
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    @QueenNique...u go girl, that's awsome. I do the pictures. I have playtex pump. I was doing like 12 oz when first came back to work & its just slowly decreased. @FiRstTiMeOcT_mom thanks for the info, the same thing happend to my friend I work with, at first it was going great & just slowly started producing less & less. I want to keep trying tho. I am having to give my Lo some formula during day to satisfy her when I'm at work cause what I have pumped the day before is not enough. Are you having to do formula too? If you find anything that helps please share with me lol think I'm drink me a beer tonight :)
  • FiRstTiMeOcT_mOmFiRstTiMeOcT_mOm
    @momma_erica i give my son half & half bottles for day care so this is his daily schedule i take him to daycare at 530am while hes there he has 4 bottles there... They are 5 ozs each 2 &1/2 ozs of bm & the other is 2 1/2 ozs of similac advance with a teaspoon of rice in each then his dad picks him up abt 4pm i nurse him at abt 7ish & by 9 he has another bottle of the same thing & sleeps thru the night... This is at almost 3 months... & the ONLY thing that still feels my breast up is WINE! Beer didnt work :(
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    @ashleyfew, I try to pump 3x at work. I leave the house at 5:30 am & get home at 5:30 pm. I nurse her before I leave, she has 4, sometimes 5 4oz bottles while I'm away. Then I nurse twice at home but usually have to give her a bottle after last feeding cause she has drained me dry.@FiRstTiMeOct_mOm maybe I will start doing the 1/2 & 1/2 bottles so the lil bit I'm getting from pumping will stretch further. I have the playtex pump. Yes it is a cheaper one to buy but it was working great when I first returned to work, I was pumping about 12 oz a day so I don't think its pump I think its my supply.
  • Junebuggbabie85Junebuggbabie85
    Water water water!!!!
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    Just pumped for the 3rd time today at work & got a big whopping total of 4oz. I'm so aggravated & discouraged. I don't understand why the sudden change n my production, really sucks
  • momma_ericamomma_erica
    I'm going to continue trying, thanks for the help & support ladies
  • caroline8_pcaroline8_p
    Pump in the morning before she wakes. And in the evening before a normal feeding, plus your normal 3 times at work.

    Can you pump 5-10 minutes longer per session? And add another session. I worked in december & pumped well with that method. When I took fenugreek (3 pills 3 times a day) I made more milk.

    But I was able to pump and work at the same time.
  • arysmommy1116arysmommy1116
    @kristaf22 ive heard the beer thing a few times already. :-? Any kind of beer okay? And 4 beers?? Is it okay to feed baby afterwards.
  • addriannaaddrianna
    @momma_erica I undrestand that she is hungry but the more you supplement her with formula the les milk supply will be. Im so sorry you are going through this, I had the same issues but I notice that if I pump ever 3-4 hours around the same time every day my supply has gone back up. I also try and breast feed her as much as I can when I have her with me. I just pumped and pumped. I didnt wanna give up either and it seems that my supply has gotten better. Good luck girl!!! ;)
  • newmomma13newmomma13
    @kristaf22 and @FiRstTiMeOcT_ how much wine and beer do y'all usually drink to keep milk supply up and us it safe for baby
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