Breastmilk Supply Question - Chicago,IL

It's fine. Don't worry about it. You can pump to relieve the pressure, but your body will always adjust to his demand. Don't worry about your supply at all. Your body knows just what to do and so does his and you two will be completely in sync. :)

N.:

relax, babies are just like the rest of us.. some days they eat more some less... relax... your breasts naturally make more milk than your baby drinks..

you can pump or hand express if you are uncomfortable, otherwise just keep doing what you are doing.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

I agree with previous posts. If you have a pump (of any kind) pump to relieve yourself so supply keeps up and you decrease your chance of getting matsis (ouch)! Congrats!

Should be no problem. Alot of times around this age the frequency of growth spurts decreases, so it could be he is just leveling out a bit and isn't quite as hungry today. One day is not going to make a difference. If you are uncomfortable, pump off a little of it just to your comfort level and you can freeze it for emergencies or sometime when you might be away from your son. Good luck!

Hi N.,

Don't worry about him not eating as much for one day. It's hard to tell how much they have had. But when they're hungry...you'll know.

Like the advice below, pump to release the pressure. You can pump a little or empty the entire breast. I returned to work after just 10 weeks and had to pump while I was at work. I froze my milk 2 or 3 oz per bag. Freezing less amounts at a time...you will waste less. You can always add milk, but once it's warmed up you cannot refrigerate/refreeze it. I also found, the more water I drank, the more milk I produced as well as the more you pump the more yuo produce.

I'm not sure if you have a pump. I used the Medela Pump-in Style (electric) and the Avent manual pump.

Good luck.

Hi there, I agree. I have a 10 month old and is still nursing and we went through the same thing. Your body will adjust to his feedings. He may just be a bit off for a day or two then he will be back eating as normal. Just check if he does not have a cold or is not feeling well. Not eating well is usually my daughters first sign of not feeling well. If you are really uncomfortable pump some milk and freeze it for later when he goes through a growth spurt again. Hope this helps.

Hi N.- This is normal and if you are planning on storing milk it would be a great time to pump and freeze to keep up your supply and give you a little extra. It is nice that a nursed baby will eat what they need.
Good Luck
B.

Hi N.!
Yes this is normal. I would only pump if you are very uncomfortable and only pump just enough to relieve yourself. The reason I suggest this is b/c if your son is starting to need less than your body will need to adjust by decreasing supply. If you pump it will just increase your supply.

No worries.....my little guy would do the same thing. I would pump if you are uncomfortable, throw it in the freezer and use when you go for some well deserved pampering!

Hi N., I think your son is just fine. It happens sometimes. Don't forget he is a little person, so he also has appetite variations.

You can pump your milk out and save it for later use if you want. This way your supply won't decrease. Goodluck!

I am not sure if I would worry if it has only been one day. Some reasons for it could be a stuffy nose, tummy ache, maybe you ate something that changed the taste of the milk, maybe he was too distracted, etc. Hopefully today will be a better nursing day :)

N.,
That does happen sometimes. If you are feeling very full, take that time to pump and get some milk stored in case you need it. He could of just ended a growth spurt or maybe he was not that hungry then. Thre are alot of reasons this could happen.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Hi N.,
I would not worry about it. It is most likely the end of a growth spurt. Pump if you are uncomfortable, your supply will adjust many, many times as long as you decide to breastfeed. Good luck!!
N. B.

Don't worry about your supply. Just keep offering the breast. Sometimes, at this young age, they eat more or less. If your breasts are full and he's not "draining" you get into a hot shower. Keep at it. Some times are just frustrating but you can do it. I've been successful with my two boys breastfeeding for 1 year. :)

Babies' appetites are always changing. He could eat twice as much tomorrow. I'd take advantage of the extra milk and pump and store it for later. I wouldn't worry about anything. Good for you for nursing!