I just started back to work and Ia m stilll nursing?

Question

Seems my milk is going down. My daughter can drink 7 oz but I can only get 3 or 4. Besides mothers milk tea & fenugreek (which I am using) any other suggestions on increasing my milk supply while at work?

Answer 1

Pump more often (if you can), but other then that you could just prepare for the idea that you may not be able to work full time and breastfeed full time.  I know I will get downrated for this answer, but it's true.  

I have talked to tons of working moms and all of them have had some trouble and most have had to basically stop breastfeeding all together.

Answer 2

Make sure that you are using a pump that works. I have only used 2 that can get a decent amount of milk out of me in a reasonable amount of time. One is a hospital grade pump and the other is an electric Ameda. Not all pumps are the same and if you're pumping manually - it's not going to produce for you. By law, employers have to make allowances for you to pump as often as you need to so make sure to give it a good 20 minutes at least once during your shift and two additional times for shorter intervals. I've tried alot of different pumps and they are not all the same. Call the hospital where you gave birth and talk to the lactation consultant about a more powerful breast pump if you're not using a good electric Ameda or hospital grade pump. One thing to remember is to make sure that your milk lets down prior to pumping by using applying hot compresses. Other suggestions would be to increase the frequency of your feedings with baby so that she is stimulating you more - even if she empties you out but continues to suckle - that stimulation will help produce more milk supply for you later on when you are working. Don't give up - you need to realize that pumping at work is a transition that you have to get used to. My strategy that works is to prepare by beginning to pump before going back to work because your body has to get used to it and you have to take time to learn how to use the controls on the pump for the most effective production of milk possible. If you're already working and still trying - keep at it - it is a learning process just like how baby had to learn to suckle.

Answer 3

cut your baby down to 4 oz a couple times while you are away...a breastfed baby doesn't need 7 oz at one time...this way your baby will be more hungry when you get home and will nurse more often in return increasing your milk supply ....My baby is 9 months old and only drinks 12 oz of breastmilk while I am away at work and is just fine....she is content and wants to nurse when I get home

I agree that working part time makes breastfeeding so much easier...so if thats an option I would do that...remember how much $$ you will save on not buying formula, DR visits, and having to miss work from a sick baby....pumps don't keep milk supply like baby does....

Answer 4

I agree with mommy of 2 angels..but don't forget to increase other fluids... My personal experience was I could not drink sprite or 7up as a nursing mother because I would wind up engorged (I have no idea the chemistry and biology behind that it was just how my body reacted) Perhaps a sweet soda treat might be worth a try.