Fenugreek not working... help!

[lareigna]

I have started EPing for my 9 mo old for about a month now, due to her 4 evil teeth and the fact that I couldn't get her to stop biting me. Now because of schedule changes at work, I have been cut down to one pumping time during the day, whereas I would hav 3 pumping times throughout the day. I have compensated by pumping in the morning before work, once at work, and once more as soon as I get home. Then I pump twice more before I got to bed.

Within the past two weeks, my supply has dropped dramatically. During a normal pumping, In total I would get 4-5 oz total from both breasts. Now the most I can get it is 1-2 oz total every single pumping time. I have started taking fenugreek this past Saturday 3 capsules, 3 times a day. Now I sit back in wait.... and nothing. I am still making only 1-2 oz each pumping. How much longer do I have to wait? I am oding' on the fenugreek? Am I not taking enough?

[Momof3Labs]

Try adding oatmeal - fenugreek may not be enough. What type of pump are you using? Have you replaced your membranes recently? How long do you pump each time? I think that you are pumping enough times per day to maintain your supply, but might have to add more pumpings (or pump for longer) to increase your supply to its former level.

I'm going to mention membranes again - a sudden drop like that, consistent across pumping throughout the day, suggests an issue with your pump. The easiest thing to try first is to replace the membranes. If that doesn't work, you may need to try a hospital grade rental.

[lareigna]

Try adding oatmeal - fenugreek may not be enough. What type of pump are you using? Have you replaced your membranes recently? How long do you pump each time? I think that you are pumping enough times per day to maintain your supply, but might have to add more pumpings (or pump for longer) to increase your supply to its former level.

I'm going to mention membranes again - a sudden drop like that, consistent across pumping throughout the day, suggests an issue with your pump. The easiest thing to try first is to replace the membranes. If that doesn't work, you may need to try a hospital grade rental.

Thanks, I am so glad I posted, because you just gave me an answer I think. I am using a hospital grade Lactina, but I haven't replaced the membranes in quite some time, and I didn't even think about that! I pump for about 10 minutes now on each breast hopeing to squeeze more milk out, but usualy 5 minutes of that, nothing is coming out.

[Momof3Labs]

Yes, replace those membranes!!

And pump longer, if you can. I'm EPing for twins, and pump only 4x per day, but I pump for a half hour each time and produce 100% of their needs (plus some extra). Even if nothing is coming out, you are stimulating your supply. You will need to build it up again once you get new membranes, and more frequent pumping for longer times will help. 10 minutes is not very long to pump, even if you are doing it 5x per day.

[vludmilla]

Add oatmeal, almonds and make sure you are taking 9 pills opf fenugreek per day. If your sweat and urine don't smell like maple syrup...you're not taking enough fenugreek.
Try adding an early am pumping session for a little while as that is the best time to create demand because of hormones.

[czekit7]

I held out against prescription meds, but I'm going to start Reglan tonight (per my LC and pedi). They said it works for some women, so I'm hoping between the Mother's Milk Tea and Reglan (gut medication), it'll help kick up my supply too! Good luck.

[DebbieJ]

Do not take Reglan if you are prone to depression--it is one of the side effects.

You could take more Fenugreek. I take 5 capsules, three times daily.