my supply is practically gone overnight?!

Question

I need help! My son is 3 weeks old and I want to continue breastfeeding however we had to start getting him used to a bottle due to me going back to work soon. We decided we would only give him a bottle at night and I would breast feed during the day. I went to pump early this mornings free he took his bottle and I am only getting MAYBE 3-4 ounces by just pumping where before I was getting 4-5 AFTER feeding him. I want to continue breast feeding for as long as possible but my husband is thinking we may have to start supplementing with formula. 😢I have been drinking the tea, lots of water any other ideas that helped bring your supply back? And how long did it take? I know that right now 3-4 oz is about normal for 3 weeks old but it seems like my supply is continuing to decline. I also need to get milk storage built up for when I go back to work.

Answer

Do not start supplementing! Your body might just be regulating to how much your baby is eating. Nurse as often as you can when you're with your baby and throw in some extra pumping sessions. Make sure you pump as often as you'd feed your baby when you're at work. If you do end up giving your baby a bottle of formula make sure you pump for that missed nursing session. Good luck with everything! It will get easier.

Answer

3-4 ounces is a lot for only 3 weeks old.
Typically men aren't the best to get breastfeeding advice from. Try a lactation consultant for some help and support.

Answer

Thank you for all of your advise! I was finally able to get my supply to go back up, I just finished pumping a whopping 8 oz 😁 finally at ease and no longer stressing over low supply

Answer

I agree to continue feeding often and pumping. It really is a supply and demand thing. Also you can look into supplements. I had a good response with fenugreek and blessed thistle when I had a low supply. And try not to get too stressed out about your supply. I feel like being stressed hindered my supply in the beginning

Answer

When he gets a bottle do you pump in place of nursing? If not that could be some of what is causing the decrease but that still seems like quite a bit of milk for that age. If you are determined to keep breastfeeding definitely keep up with it and do not let your self get discouraged. Another suggestion would be to nurse and then give a bottle if your baby is still hungry that way your body is still being told to make milk

Answer

Are you pumping overnight? You shouldn't be going more than 4hrs day/6 hrs night without pumping or you can drastically affect your supply.

Answer

Here's a few suggestions
Look into  fenugreek
Eat oatmeal!
Drink alot of water
Power pump

Answer

Maybe you need to eat more. I remember my sister saying that she had to eat an insane amount of calories just to keep her milk supply up.

Stress also plays a role in that too. She was crying while pumping one time, and I heard it on the baby monitor. I came to check on her and she told me about her stressful day. The crying was because she wasn't producing on top of everything else. I comforted her and told her to take a deep breath. As soon as she stopped crying and took a deep breath, I swear to god the milk came POURING out, almost with the breath.

Answer

Supply and demand. I fed Baby like every 2 hours for weeks then every 3-4 hours forever after that.

Answer

Did you get your period? Milk supply may decline before and during your period. Mine did, but my supply went back up again after my period was gone.

my supply is practically gone overnight?!

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