Decreased milk supply

I started work last week and I have been pumping. I notice that my milk has been steadily declining these last two days. Last week I was able to produce 3 5oz bottles, but today I am barely able to get 2. What should i do to increase my milk production? I only pump twice - should I add a pumping session? Is it the stress from work or the exhaustion I am feeling!?!?

Re: Decreased milk supply

there are teas I think you can take.

On another website I go one they posted these...
Lactation Bars
You may have to finaggle with the recipe, because I had to, some I added less "fat" for a more crispy bar, others the right amount for a chewy bar. I also added a little extra oatmeal and a small amount of thick cut for a crunch.
Try these, you WILL love them, even DH ate them, sometimes more than me. I told him that if he eats so much he can nurse her at 4 AM! I love to fool around with recipes, so I made a few different kinds. Like I subed the choco chips with dried berries or subs with butterscotch chips.

2 c. butter, Crisco, or margarine (can mix and match to equal 2 c.) or sub in equal peanut butter for "fat"
1 c. granulated sugar
2 c. packed brown sugar
4 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. wheat germ
1/4 c. brewer's yeast or nutritional yeast powder
1/4 c. flax meal (or whole flaxseed milled fine in a coffee grinder)
4 c. oatmeal (old fashioned, or as thick-cut as you can find) with a little extra

The extras:
1 bag mini semi sweet chocolate chips
chopped nuts
dried fruit (especially berries)
chunky peanut butter
butterscotch chips
milk chocolate chips
marshmellows
chocolate pudding


Cream butter and sugars well, then add eggs and vanilla and beat until well incorporated. Mix all dry ingredients except for oats in separate bowl, then add all at once and stir in as well as possible by hand before mixing with beaters until smooth. Add oats and chips (and nuts, if desired), and stir until well blended. Divide dough into five parts and line a 10x7 cookie sheet (with shallow sides, like a jellyroll pan) with foil, then spray foil with nonstick spray. Spread 1/5 of the dough into the foil-lined pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. When done, simply lift out the bars by the foil and place another piece of foil into the pan and spray for the next batch. Allow to cool at least slightly before cutting each pan of bars into eighths. Makes 40 bars. You can also use cup cake tins!

Re: Decreased milk supply

to increase supply, decrease the amount of time between feedings or pumping - just until you are back to your normal supply.

If you can get an extra one in at work - or do it earlier and then once when you get home from work (or feed if hungry - something)

Re: Decreased milk supply

You may also want to try fenugreek and more water.

Re: Decreased milk supply

Re: Decreased milk supply

I am going through the same thing. I was told by a lactation specialist to increase the feedings/pumpings. Remember its supply and demand. If you are pumping less than you were feeding then the body thinks thats all that is needed. I did drink the mothers lacation tea. Its not the best tasting but it seemed to help. Drink your fluids and make sure you are taking in the extra calories. Good luck

Re: Decreased milk supply

Posted by 08BabySurprise

OH YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!! Delicious AND have a purpose??? I LIKE THAT!! Thank you!

Re: Decreased milk supply

I know I should do an extra pump, but it is hard b/c of work. I only pump twice and my DS is missing 3 feedings, so I am missing one pump. I also am drinking way too much caffeine to make up for the lack of sleep and I should be drinking more water. Frustrating!

Re: Decreased milk supply

It happened to me a few times and here is what you do:

WATER, WATER, WATER!

Increase you water intake and start pumping longer sessions. Drink WHILE you pump!

When you see the flow stop comletley it it looks like there absolutely nothing left--stop for 2 minutes, re-attach, try again. You will be surprised!

I heard that oatmeal works and I believe that when I started eating it for breakfast I had more meal on that day. i am not 100% certain it was the oatmeal or the cobination of all other things but it doesn't hurt to include iti in your diet

Some teas that other girls suggested worked well for my friend so you should try that too!

I never ended up needing them because I was able to build my supply back my using the methods I just described!

best of luck!