Breastfeeding and milk supply

[2015mom]

Hi my LO is now 7 1/2 months and I am still breastfeeding and would like to until he is at least 1 but I am worried my milk supply has reduced.

This morning I felt my breasts seemed a lot less full and when I expresssed I only expressed 3 ounces when I usually express 5/6 ouncds. I fed my little one at 1.30 am and he did have a good feed so I should have made more milk..

If I expressed every two hours to empty my breasts will I still be able to increase my milk supply?

Can anyone give me advice who has been in the same boat please?

Thank you

[FriendlyGhost]

I've been feeding my dd for almost 17 months. I can't remember when exactly and I expect it's different for everyone but milk supply does regulate and you feel less full. It doesn't necessarily mean your supply has dropped significantly. My breasts have significantly reduced in size over the last few months even though dd is not a big eater and still has milk about 5 times in a 24 hour period.
As your LO is 7 1/2 months and presumably eating some solid food your milk supply would have reduced accordingly. It's amazing how quickly it increases again if you need it in times of illness though. It's a supply and demand thing. You can also try resting, drinking more and eating oats to help increase it if you're worried.
Also think of your supply like a river and not a lake-ie there is not an infinite supply but it will constantly flow while your baby is nursing. Babies have an amazing ability to get milk out even if you can't express a drop. I couldn't ever express anything despite my breasts freely squirting milk at other times
I think la leche league and kelly mom websites will probably have more advice. Try not to worry though. It's unusual for milk to just run out once there's an established supply.

[2015mom]

Thank you Friendly ghost you have been a great help... Ideally I wanted to breastfeed him even after he was 1 ideally up to 2 which is why I was really worried but you have helped loads.

You are doing great still breastfeeding ! Well done!

[SherlocksAssistant]

Yes, if you pumped regularly every few hours you can increase your supply.

However how full your breasts feel isn't an indication of how much milk you are making. Nor is how much milk you can pump. You'll be making enough milk for your baby. If you want to increase supply so you can pump and store milk in addition to breastfeeding then you can do that via pumping regularly - it can take up to a week for your supply to respond to the increased "demand"

[cookiefiend]

I am still bf dd1 (2 and a half) as long as your child feeds regularly your supply will be fine and yes you can still increase it if you want to. Remember your child may need a little less how weaning, though that can change day by day and your body will adjust. Also your supply can drop during your period and whilst pregnant so perhaps something is just happening woth your hormones. Don't sweat it- I had terrible supply issues to start with woth DD1, but none from about five months on. You will keep making milk as long as she keeps demanding it.

[2015mom]

That is brilliant news thanks for that! Well done for still breastfeeding that is awesome.

Yeah I started my period properly last month so I am guessing that has also reduced supply along with LO on solids

[Daisyandbabies]

Drink loads of water, eat plenty and feed/express as much as possible. Milk supply will be back up in a couple of days!

[2015mom]

Thank you Daisyandbabies that is a great help. I don't drink enough water! Better drink more

[ProseccoPoppy]

And if you want an excuse to eat cookies some people swear by lactation cookies... Tbh they'll have a load of oats in so won't do any harm. This recipe is nice - www.rosiebakesit.com/2013/03/milk-making-cookies.html?m=1