Help- supply drop

[isabel]

My supply was great and I was really happy with what I was producing over two pumping sessions. In the last couple of days, my supply has dipped pretty significantly. I only pumped 15 ounces yesterday as compared to my typical 18+.

DS has been going through a growth spurt and waking up nearly every 90 minutes. I'm exhausted. Could this be having an impact? I also started having a glass of wine every night recently. I've finally found I have a taste for it again. Could this also be having an impact?

I am eating oats and flax for breakfast and I know I need to drink more water. What else can I do and is there hope of bringing my supply back up? I'm a little stressed about it because there are days where he eats 17 ounces when I'm away and I need to make sure I'm pumping enough to feed him at a minimum.

[linz]

Water, gatorade, and lots of carbs help mine.

[Deleted]

Make sure your pump is maintained (new valves/membranes or whatever can be replaced on your pump)

You may need to pump more often to keep up that output. Response to the pump tends to go down over time. I'm sorry - 2 sessions for 18 oz just may not be possible forever.

Exhaustion could be having an impact, although frequent nursing should be pushing up your supply overall.

Planning to supplement is another solution, vs. deciding to pump more often. Do what is right for you.

[kershnic]

Water made the biggest difference for me. Approaching period was/is also a factor. If you recently dropped to two sessions this may be your body responding to that, but if you were stable at that I think you have a chance of rebounding.

[Deleted]

15 in 2 sessions?!

I'd kill for 15 in 2 sessions.

[Deleted]

Heat/dehydration this time of year and fatigue could definitely do it since that isn't a crazy drop. My supply goes up and down 10-20% pretty often.

Do you possibly have a plugged duct? That also will affect output and eventually supply if you cannot clear them regularly.

[kate1482]

Full fat ice cream! I EP and vary by a few oz day to day.

[isabel]

Jun 25, 2015 12:40:20 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

I would probably add a pumping session. I think your supply is just regulating, which is normal. 18 oz is a LOT for 2 sessions. Have you always had 2 sessions and how long have you been pumping/back at work?

I've been back at work for 3 weeks. I pumped once a day several times a week before going back, but started out with two sessions when I returned. I haven't dropped any pumping sessions.

[isabel]

Jun 25, 2015 13:01:39 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Heat/dehydration this time of year and fatigue could definitely do it since that isn't a crazy drop. My supply goes up and down 10-20% pretty often.

Do you possibly have a plugged duct? That also will affect output and eventually supply if you cannot clear them regularly.

Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? I feel totally fine. No discomfort when pumping or breastfeeding.

[isabel]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll try some of this stuff. Fingers crossed!

And boo to you people suggesting my period might be back. No fair.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2015 15:18:17 GMT -5 isabel said:

Jun 25, 2015 13:01:39 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Heat/dehydration this time of year and fatigue could definitely do it since that isn't a crazy drop. My supply goes up and down 10-20% pretty often.

Do you possibly have a plugged duct? That also will affect output and eventually supply if you cannot clear them regularly.

Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? I feel totally fine. No discomfort when pumping or breastfeeding.

Not necessarily. Mine range from 100% painless to so painful I want to cry from putting my arm down.

Just make sure your breast feels like it's being well drained--softens up noticeably and there aren't any lumpy spots.

[Deleted]

And I'll add 9oz per pump isn't crazy. Now that my plugs are mostly under control, I average 7oz at work and frequently 8-9oz at home. Supply and response to pumps varies so much.

[kershnic]

Jun 25, 2015 15:20:34 GMT -5 isabel said:

Thanks for all the responses. I'll try some of this stuff. Fingers crossed!

And boo to you people suggesting my period might be back. No fair.

I'm on my computer now and can see your ticker.  I had forgotten that your baby is still so young.  Considering that, I think it's less likely it's anything related to your period and more likely that your supply is still regulating itself and you may have to pump more than twice if your goal is to consistently get that much.    I was able to drop to two pumping sessions at work and still produce enough for my girls, but not until later.

[huskymom]

i think it's just that time when your supply s to even out a bit. Can you pump a little longer, or on the other side in the morning? Lots and lots of water is key.

[linz]

Wait how old is your baby? Mine dropped at 8 weeks and I had to start pumping longer. I would try that and try turning up your pump speed if you can.

[spankswife]

Salmon really increases mine. Avocado maybe. I can't tell yet. I try to have salmon EOD. Otherwise a 3rd session.

Btw I get 9-10 oz in 3 sessions so I'd say you're doing well!

[isabel]

Jun 25, 2015 15:40:50 GMT -5 kershnic said:

Jun 25, 2015 15:20:34 GMT -5 isabel said:

Thanks for all the responses. I'll try some of this stuff. Fingers crossed!

And boo to you people suggesting my period might be back. No fair.

I'm on my computer now and can see your ticker.  I had forgotten that your baby is still so young.  Considering that, I think it's less likely it's anything related to your period and more likely that your supply is still regulating itself and you may have to pump more than twice if your goal is to consistently get that much.    I was able to drop to two pumping sessions at work and still produce enough for my girls, but not until later.

Ughhhh. I do not want to pump more. At all. Why can't I just have it all!? ::stomps feet::