Could this be a supply issue?

[jerseygirl07067]

I posted recently regarding 6 month old DD getting fussy at the breast during feeding. I initially thought it was teething, but now I'm wondering if it's my supply. I have noticed that the fussing goes away during letdown, and she gets so impatient for another letdown. Also, it now happens at every feeding except for the first one or two of the day, when I am somewhat "fuller" I have never had this problem before. In fact, I think I may have had a bit of oversupply in the past, and maybe she has gotten used to milk just shooting out like a fire hydrant. I'm just not sure.

Anyway, I am now finding that I am "feeling waaay softer", almost empty. I know this is normal to some degree over time, but I am even finding now that when I wake up in the morning, I'm not even that full. And that's after 9-11 hours or so of DD sleeping. Even just a few weeks ago, I would wake up very full. Usually one side would do for the first feeding, but now she needs both, and then I feel like she is way impatient at the next feed. DD seems like she is absolutely ravenous all the time, but I am trying to nurse as much as possible and throw in an extra pumping session at night, right before I go to bed. She never "popps off" anymore, just seems like she wants to keep eating. I think she finally stops because she is so frustrated.

I feel like I am having a hard time keeping up with her, and we just started solids this week, but I know that BM or formula is still supposed to me the majority of what they eat anyway. (She's been eating just a few spoonfuls a day anyway, not much, and I make sure to fill her up on BM first)

I've tried eating oatmeal which seemed to help initially. The other thing is that I am under a great deal of stress for work right now. I am covering another team and will be doing so until the end of september, when I FINALLY get to go on vacation. (I work from home 3/4 of the time, and as much as I appreciate this ideal situation, it is exhausting! Taking care of a baby and working simultaneously) I think that might have something to do with this too. Also, AF came to visit two weeks ago (after such a nice long absence), and don't know if the hormonal changes could be causing this too.

I too, am starting to get impatient with the feedings now, and need some encouragement to make it another six months.

Marcy

[jbowman]

Marcy,

FWIW I've experienced many of the things that you've mentioned (and my DD is just a couple of weeks older than yours): I feel a lot "softer", I don't feel engorged, and I also added an extra pumping session (really to build my freezer stash for the fall when I return to teaching). I think much of what you're describing is normal.

Are you drinking a lot of water? I know that my supply improves when I am well hydrated. I will be interested in any suggestions you get--I just wanted you to know that you are not alone!

It sounds as if you are doing a great job!

[chlobo]

Marcy,

My dd also had many of the same symptoms except that she was also very slow at gaining weight. I also started solids, which helped with the weight gain.

If you are really concerned I would go see a lactation consultant asap. They will be able to weigh the baby before & after feeding and tell you how much the baby is taking in. They can also observe a feeding & hopefully give you advice & tips. Also, you might want to consider renting a hospital grade pump. They are much more efficient and do a better job of stimulating milk production than other pumps.

I found a great LC by contacting the leader of the local La leche league chapter.
Good luck & keep up the good work.

You could be describing us - the same thing has been happening, as well as she used to be sleeping through the night, and now wakes up at least once, sometimes two or three times to eat. I just started her on solids, so just a few tablespoons so far.
I am worried about supply, also she is going through my freezer stash since I work on the overnight and now all of a sudden she is eating then. My thought is that it is a growth spurt on her part, but on my part I am not sure - maybe stress/ fatigue causing the supply to diminish? If it doesn't change soon, I may go back to a lactation consultant. I'd be interested in the answers you get - at least you know you're not alone..

Theresa - Mom of Sarah 1/04

[Rachels]

Sounds like a growth spurt to me. You can try some of the tips for increasing supply found at www.drjaygordon.com, but most of all, just nurse nurse nurse. Your body will catch up to her needs.

AF certainly could make a difference, though. See if the galactogues help around the time of your period. Hang in there! It will get easier again.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies...haracter39.gif

"We have a secret in our culture...it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong!!" - Laura Stavoe Harm

[jerseygirl07067]

Thanks for the posts everyone! I've been putting DD on labout 8 times a day over the past few days, seeing if that would help, in addition to drinking large amts. of water, before I tried any of the herbal galactogues. I didn't see a huge difference until today. I was pretty surprised (as yesterday was extremely stressful regarding work overload) But today, not only did DD eat like a piggy, I managed to pump 4 oz extra! And no slow letdown, supply, or fussing issues! The human body is pretty amazing. Though I can't help but wonder if ovulating was contributing too. It's almost as if I had very low supply one day, and a bit of oversupply the next.

Ok, I can make it to a year.....

Marcy