Feels like supply not meeting demand

[SassyPants87]

Hi all

My baby is 4 months old and the past week it feels like my supply isn't keeping up with her demand. She will feed off my breast for 5 mins max (each breast) and then fuss and scream. I'm offering breast but it's like she gets frustrated when nothings coming out quickly and she just doesn't want to know.

It seems like her nappy's haven't been as full as they used to be either

I used to pump but got hardly anything out of it, so I stopped as it was just pointless and I hated doing it knowing I wasn't getting anything

I'm eating loads of oats drinking tea for breastfeeding. I have no idea what to do! We do give her a bottle of formula at night time but we've been doing that for the past two months, all her other feeds are breast

Is this the end of breastfeeding for me? Is there anything I can do? I'd really like to reach 6 months

This sounds like it's probably just a four month thing. If she's got growing, you are producing enough.

Also, the amount you can pump is absolutely no indication of how much you are producing.

Have a read of the distractible baby on Kellymom and if you need some support to get to 6 months, I'd call one of the BFing Helplines

Is she having a growth spurt ?
Could she have wind ?
Make sure you eat really well. Lots of protein and plenty of water.

@BunnyRuddington she is growing well so maybe it's okay but the nappies are concerning me a bit and the fact she's still hungry and getting frustrated at breast.

@DinosaurDiana I wind her and she burps so not concerned about wind. I do however struggle to eat properly so this may be inhibiting my milk production

Do you mean she's not producing poopy nappies? Are they still wet? If it's mainly wet ones and less poopy ones this is ok too, breastfed babies can go a few days without oooing once things all settle down.

The 4 month stage is full of fussiness, distraction, popping on and off the breast- have a look at some baby development info for reassurance- it's very likely nothing to do with your supply. you could try compressions as soon as she latches, to help encourage let down and keep her interested.it's hard but it does pass. Feeding somewhere quiet and calm might help too.

If you're worried about weight gain and nappies aren't wet, speak to your HV. As others have said pumping is no indication of supply- baby is most efficient at drawing milk from your breast.

( I've got a 3.5 year old and a 4.5 month old- currently right in the middle of the 4 month leap and all the joy it brings)

You have to feed yourself to feed her.
So very important that you eat well, and drink a glass of water every time you feed her.

Do you mean she's not producing poopy nappies? Are they still wet? If it's mainly wet ones and less poopy ones this is ok too, breastfed babies can go a few days without oooing once things all settle down

This is true. I think my DDs record was 12 days without a poop at about this age. You need to make sure she has enough wet nappies and is growing.

First, look after yourself. You must feed yourself if you want to feed your baby. Plenty of water too.

4m is a major leap when most babies get a lot fussier.

Cluster feeding to up your supply is normal. Babies can get frustrated at times, but it is normal and your body (if well fueled itself), will respond and produce more.

All sounds completely normal! Look at Kelly mom for growth spurts. Providing there are the right number of wet and dirty nappies baby will be getting enough.

Research has shown ability to express is irrelevant to supply. I could hardly express but actually had oversupply!

Sounds normal, just be careful about replacing too many feeds with formula as your little one will get used to the difference and the quantity and your body won't physically register that milk production needs to be maintained. Supply is generated when breasts are stimulated by baby. Less baby on breast, less supply. Hence vicious cycle.

Sorry nothing helpful too add, only that I came on here to post an identical thread, 4 months old and everything! I hope it resolves soon for us both.

Hi all just a bit of an update, feels like supply has resumed! Her nappy's have started to get wet like they used to. I think she was having a bit of a growth spurt but also I'm making sure to keep her away from distractions.
She's also started to sleep through again the past couple of night (please let this be an on going thing!!!)

Perfect and good news on sleep! Sounds like you are doing an amazing job with it all

Glad she's back to how she was before, growth spurt are tricky when you are breastfeeding because it can take a few days for your body to catch up.

If possible if it happens ago don't fall into the trap of topping up with formula because bottle feeding is easier & she could end up wanting it more than breast which then had a negative effect on your supply.