Background: Elise is about 4.5 months. She's been waking 4-5x/night for the last few weeks to nurse. I work full-time and pump 4x/day the days I work (8:30 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM, 10 PM). I nurse her before work, at lunch, after work, before bed, and throughout the night on the days I work. I nurse her exclusively on the weekends, but I still pump before I go to bed to build up my stash a little.

So, she's been waking lots in the night. And then today...

I went home for lunch, and Elise had eaten EVERYTHING I pumped that I thought would last at least all day, if not also part of tomorrow. ARGH! The nanny even had to break out formula!!!

So, to break it down, she nursed for an hour before bed, and then 4x through out the night. Then nursed at 8 AM. Then 8 oz of EBM at 9:30. Then 6 oz of EBM + 3 oz formula at 11:15. Then nursed a bit around 12:45 (but I think just because I offered it).

Before bed, E nurses constantly. She kept screaming at me last night. I just assumed she was tired and cranky, but maybe she was hungry?

I'm not engorged/full-feeling in the AM like I used to be, but I kinda figured it was because she was nursing more during the night. Hmph. I'm also not pumping as much as I used to, about 3 oz 4x/day is all I can get. So 12 oz day, which is apparently not enough for the 2-4 feedings/day I'm away from her during the week.

I know, I know, drink more water, but I already drink 4 liters/day. I know, I know, eat oatmeal, but I've been eating it for breakfast daily. Is it time to break out the fenugreek?

I'll probably regret ever saying these words, but perhaps I can just nurse her when I'm home? She'd still be nursing in the AM, at lunch, after work, before bed, and during the night. So at least 4 sessions, but more like 6-8. And then all day on the weekends. I wouldn't be heartbroken to put away the pump. OTOH, I know it's good give her at least the 12 oz while I'm gone. OTOH, I feel like if I'm not fully providing for her, then give myself a break and not torture myself with trying to pump.

I'll probably change my mind, but right now, I'm tired (from her constant waking), overwhelmed at my old job (last week), anticipating my new job, and feeling like I just can't possibly do it all.

Whatcha think? Advice on helping my supply, determining if she's really not getting enough to eat, working out a schedule that works for both of us, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Amy

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IMO fenugreek does nothing, but it couldn't hurt.

I just recently stopped pumping while at work, but that was b/c I was only getting 1 ounce a day (in 2 sessions), so I was not able to keep up with her demand...and she only gets BM/bottle 3x a day.

I can't remember what Maya was eating at 4.5 months old, but do you use a pacifier? Is the nanny SURE she was hungry all those times? But then again, she could be going through a growth spurt.

I am sorry I am not more help. I am in no way an expert. I have been constantly worrying the entire time I have been Bfeeding. I still bfeed Maya when I am with her, but now she is getting formula while I am at work (2 bottles a day, 3 days a week). I, personally, say its your decision. But if you are getting 12 ounces a day, I would stick with pumping as long you can since whatever she gets is great, even if she has to have some formula.

Good luck!

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fenugreek would be a god next stop, or depending on wher eyou're at, domperidone (rx). most of my clients had great results with fenugreek, but the ones that didn't were helped with an rx.

there is also a tincture you could try- one of the ones from Herbs and Herbal products for pregnancy, birth, nursing and breastfeeding, to increase breast milk, Motherlove Herbal Company - Motherlove i'd likely go with either the "more milk plus" or "more milk special blend" depending.


how much does she weigh? eating 9 oz at one time, at only 4.5 months sounds like quite a bit.


also, you could try to use massage and breast compression to try to help get more milk out better while pumping.

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You are actually doing a great job. Fatigue and stress can definitely lower milk supply. It make you rush things that nature says can't be rushed. Fennugreek might be a good idea but you do need to take the recommended dose. Your urine should smell a little like maple syrup when you are getting enough. If you have no bleeding disorder it should be fine. Sometimes just giving yourself permission to do the 'best you can' helps. You certainly are and an occasional bottle doesn't mean you have to make changes or give up more breastfeeding. Keep pumping as you are, give into bottles when needed. Try to get all the rest you can especially on weekends. Every minute with your head on a pillow or just feet up may make a difference during the week. I would suspect there is a little overfeeding going on but it is hard to tell a caregiver not to feed your baby. Neither of us is there, so how can we know. At 4.5 months old, she will be taking solid food soon. Add it slowly when you do but that may give you a little break. You are tremendous. Working and breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart.