milk supply issue

So I've been breastfeeding exclusively and started pumping last week. I feed Luca first and pump whatever is left. At first I was pumping another 2-3 ounces after he ate, but now I think he's eating more and I'm getting much less with pumping. Initially he seemed satisfied from one boob, but now he's taking both. I assumed my supply would go up, but it doesn't seem to be. I'm pretty sure that Luca is getting enoug, there's just not much left afterwards.
I'm going back to work on Monday and I'm worried I'm not going to have enough BM for him. I only work part time so I need enough BM for one, maybe two bottles a day (3oz each.)
Any suggestions on how to increase my supply, or should I just try giving him formula to supplement? I have heard about Mother's Milk tea, but I didn't see any in the supermarket. Where would I get that?

Message edited 11/18/2006 7:31:34 PM.

Re: milk supply issue

not sure where you buy the tea I didn't use it, but I did use fenugreek capsules which you can buy at Vitamin Shoppe.

Re: milk supply issue

Do you ever pump when the baby is sleeping? That might help to build up the supply. He might want both boobs now due to a growth spurt.

drink lots of water and oatmeal. I heard this and it seems to work for me.

Re: milk supply issue

whenever i wasn't getting a lot of milk i found that drinking extra water helped.

Re: milk supply issue

drink lots of water, eat oatmeal and i also found that chicken soup helped my supply increase as well.
buy the fenugreek herb. u can get it at whole foods along with the mother's milk tea.

Re: milk supply issue

I would also say, relax about it! I say that because I know the minute I got uptight about my milk supply...it got lower, and once I relaxed...it came back!
Good Luck!

Re: milk supply issue

Actually I don't think you have a supply problem at all. I had a similar experience and thought my supply was decreasing then I wound up creating an oversupply problem not very comfortable, btw. I think when you're milk comes in you tend to produce more than the baby needs then as you continue to nurse your supply regulates to the baby's needs. If you need a bottle for him try pumping early in the morning and then once he gets a bottle you should find you can pump more milk since you skipped a feeding session. Also nursing from both sides is normal for one feeding. If baby gets full from just one side that can be an indicator of too much milk. Try not to stress that can affect your supply too. HTH