Plummeting supply due to stress

[cmamalis]

This past week was incredibly stressful for me. It took a lot just to get through. Well, my supply (and subsequently DD) took the hit. I have been taking a B Complex Vitamin which should help some. Ate a few lactation cookies, and started pumping after each daytime feeding. Made more cookies tonight (a great way to be able to eat as many cookies as I want without feeling guilty) and trying to increase my water intake. I just feel so bad but I know worrying about it makes it even worse. DD must be getting hungry because up to this point she hasn't taken more than about an ounce by bottle at a time and today she took bottles twice, 4 oz each time.

[Connor]

Stress can affect supply sometimes. What indicates that your supply has dropped?

[L J]

How old is your dd? If she is eating any solids I would venture to say it doesn't matter. It hasn't for my kids, at least. My supply will drop for whatever reason, and they eat a little better at meal time for a few days, but then they have a clingy day and build it back up. Supply rises to meet demand.

Her taking more pumped milk may be simple coincidence. It could be a growth spurt, comfort suckling at the bottle to relieve a gas bubble or teething pain, or developmental milestone.

[cmamalis]

My breasts NEVER feel full anymore. This afternoon DH and I went on a date and my mom gave DD a bottle while we were gone so I pumped when we got home. It had been at least 4 hrs since her last feeding and I only got a total of 2 1/2 oz. She has been getting really frustrated during feedings and acting like she isn't getting anything.

She just turned 5 months so isn't getting anything other than milk yet.

[lilmomma83]

Its pretty normal for milk supply to "level off" around 4-6mos, and mom not to feel full anymore. Does baby continue "rooting" after being fed? Does she seem relaxed? Can you hear or feel her swallowing (you can place your finger by her adams apple to feel for swallowing)? If I were you I would try to get her in to be weighed before and after a feeding without changing her diaper between, and however much she "gains" is how much she took in...I suspect your supply is great, but, that could give you peace of mind.

2-2.5oz after 4 hours sounds pretty good to me, most moms can't get as much out pumping as a baby can nursing

[Connor]

Originally Posted by lilmomma83 Its pretty normal for milk supply to "level off" around 4-6mos, and mom not to feel full anymore. Does baby continue "rooting" after being fed? Does she seem relaxed? Can you hear or feel her swallowing (you can place your finger by her adams apple to feel for swallowing)? If I were you I would try to get her in to be weighed before and after a feeding without changing her diaper between, and however much she "gains" is how much she took in...I suspect your supply is great, but, that could give you peace of mind. 2-2.5oz after 4 hours sounds pretty good to me, most moms can't get as much out pumping as a baby can nursing

[VeganCupcake]

At a certain point in your breastfeeding relationship, not feeling full anymore is totally normal; your body has figured out when baby usually nurses and how much and doesn't store large quantities all the time anymore. Feeling full can be a sign that you have waited too long to nurse.

Sometimes stress can make us change our nursing behavior (wait longer to nurse, which tells the body to make less milk because it's not getting used; offer more bottles; pump less often), which definitely results in a lower supply.

Generally, unless there is some hormonal problem that is causing a low milk supply (like you are pregnant, for instance), if you continue to nurse the way you usually did in the past when your supply was good, your supply should bounce right back.

[A&M'smommy]

Originally Posted by VeganCupcake At a certain point in your breastfeeding relationship, not feeling full anymore is totally normal; your body has figured out when baby usually nurses and how much and doesn't store large quantities all the time anymore. Feeling full can be a sign that you have waited too long to nurse. Sometimes stress can make us change our nursing behavior (wait longer to nurse, which tells the body to make less milk because it's not getting used; offer more bottles; pump less often), which definitely results in a lower supply. Generally, unless there is some hormonal problem that is causing a low milk supply (like you are pregnant, for instance), if you continue to nurse the way you usually did in the past when your supply was good, your supply should bounce right back.

I second this.. I work full time and dd is now 1 and i know I've waited to long to pump when i start to feel full...

If it was me i wouldn't be pumping after feedings just let baby nurse as long as she needs... I've heard so many time that women create over supply problems for them selves by doing this...

[cmamalis]

She still seems hungry. She is a tiny little thing to begin with so I want to make sure she gets enough. She gets pretty frustrated most of the time lately.

With DS, I still always had a full feeling up until like 10 months and then my supply started to dip and he demanded less and by 13 months there really was nothing left.

DD had been nursing for about 20 mins every 3-4 hrs. Now its more like 5-10 before she gets frustrated and I have to distract her for 45-60 mins until I can get her to latch again. I can tell when she is and isn't getting any by the drool in the corners of her mouth. When she is suckling and not getting much it is clear and about a minute later is when she gets upset. When she suckles and IS getting it, there is a white tinge to it.

[VeganCupcake]

I would do a pre- and post-feed weight like a PP mentioned so that you have some more information about whether she's getting any milk and how much. That can help you set your mind at ease or give you some idea of what you're dealing with.