Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

So we just came back from a week long cruise and I EBF my DD for 10 days straight. I come back to work yesterday to pump over 4oz less than before we left! Obviously I know my supply is not low if I can EBF for 10 days straight without a problem. But why can't I pump enough. My supply has been decreasing over the past few months, but I know that is b/c DD is well established on solids and needs less, but now I don't have nearly enough for her bottles during the day and have to dip into my frozen stash every single day. I hate the idea of switching to formula, for some reason it makes me feel like I failed. Any suggestions or advice? I think the formula is inevitable and I need to not feel guilty about it, but I do.

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

can you add in a pumping session for a little bit to boost up your supply??

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

If you just got back and didnt touch the pump the whole time, your body has to get used to (again) the new routine! It takes a couple of days!

Are you drinking a lot of water?
Did you try Fenugreek? (3 pills 3 times a day worked wonders for me)

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Message edited 11/4/2009 11:44:18 AM.

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Posted by jlk51496

Posted by Wendy

Posted by jlk51496

Did you try Fenugreek? (3 pills 3 times a day worked wonders for me)

You really took that much??? My bottle says 3 pills ONCE a day (they are 1500 mg per capsule).

YUP!! That is just a recommended dose! I was taking that and seeing no difference! Then I talked to LLL ladies on their forum and they all take that much! They all say "If you dont start smelling like maple syrup, then you arent taking enough!!"
It is so true!

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Could you be getting sick or AF? Those both affect my supply a lot.

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Just remember a babies suck is much stronger than a pump.

I could never pump enough But holy moly would I overflow when DD nursed

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

Is it possible that you may be having trouble with letdown when you're pumping? If you're not home, maybe try watching a clip of your DC crying or looking at pics.

check your pump settings too. I had to have mine on supersuck when I would start and then could lessen it to a normal, non painful setting.

And water. Lots and lots of water.

I did the fenugreek/blessed thistle combo and the only thing I got was to smell like maple syrup.

Re: Milk supply not low, but why can't I pump more?

I have the same problem. I cant pump anything out. I am so heart broken.. I tried foor the past few days to drink a beer a day and I went from 4oz to 6oz .. I cant believe this is actually working!!!