Amount of EBM going down

[peacemakeruk]

Hi,
I've been expressing since I went back to work 2 weeks ago. All was going relatively well until today. I generally express at 10am, 1pm and 4 pm. On average I get 4 fl oz. each time. At the 1.00 today I only got 2 and I've got no idea why. Nothing was different, I've been drinking plenty of water, had eaten my lunch, does anyone have any ideas why this has happened? Please tell me I'm not on a slippery slope to having to give up. My DD by the way is 6 months if thats of any consequence.

Thanks.

[jenjenns]

Hi there, I breastfed both of mine first for 6 months and second for 9 months. around the six months stage my milk did get harder to express (I used to donate to the neonatal milkbank) but I'd also find other things affected the supply, for instance if my mind was being bothered my something, I was in a hurry, I was feeling tired, stressed etc etc. You should still be able to express for as long as want to carry on but the first six months always has an abundance. hope this helps

[peacemakeruk]

My first expressing today got 5 oz which is really good for me but the 2nd one at 1.00 p.m. only yielded not quite 3oz

[canmummy]

The same is happening to me

My lo is 10 months old and I can only usually express about 3oz in the whole day! I'm getting quite upset about it as she can't have formula due to allergy

Incidentally, she'll only drink 1-2 oz of the bottle at nursery too so am hoping that's all she's wanting.

[peacemakeruk]

Its awful isn't it canmummy. You want to do your best for your children but it always seems so difficult. I don't know what else to try, I'm relaxed etc. fed, watered and not too tired so can see no reason for the drop-off.

[canmummy]

What sort of pump are you using out of interest?

I've got an Avent one which is now on my 3rd child with a couple of parts replaced so wondered if it was worn out or if there were better ones avaiable.

If it's any consolation, my dd1 refused all milk at nursery and so used to breastfeed morning and night on those days and she was fine!! I think, as a mother, you can't help but worry though

[peacemakeruk]

I'm using the medela electric one but I don't think its brilliant for using everyday. I want to get the Medela Swing which I've heard is good for everyday pumping but can't afford it

My DD drinks every last drop of the EBM which makes me feel worse because she'd obviously drink more if she could.

[StrawberryMartini]

The best thing you can do is pump at 2am to get your supply back up. I did this for 6 months! Also don't stress - that's going to inhibit let-down. If you want to do this long-term you need to hire a double electric pump.

[peacemakeruk]

but she actually feeds from me at night

[peacemakeruk]

funny you should say that FF, I've just ordered some multi herb tablets that are supposed to increase supply. I'm also eating porridge everyday for breakfast because oats are supposed to boost your supply but that doesn't appear to be the case for me

[peacemakeruk]

Well I got the More Milk Plus tablets over the weekend so we shall see if they help.