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*****Good Monday morning..Reposts/RTA...
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30382.24 in response to 30382.23
It's really normal to see a decline in the amounts you can pump as the baby gets older...more
It's b/c in the early weeks and months the milk supply is stimulated by two different mechanisms. The first is related to hormones from the brain that are signaled by the birth of the placenta. Those hormones start milk production in a non-specific amount...usually more than the baby needs which is why moms can generally pump large amounts in the earlier weeks and months. The other control is in the breast and more closely related to the amount of milk being taken from the breast. Sometime between about 3 weeks and 3 months the second, breast related control takes over and the milk supply becomes more finely tuned to the baby's needs so the breast begins to make exactly what is taken out no more, no less.
It is possible to use this mechanism to increase supply or pumped amounts with some work. The older the baby is the harder this generally is b/c the body's natural tendency is to resist increases in supply as the baby gets closer to weaning age...it's part of the body's natural tendency to conserve it's resources. BUT, it is not impossible and of course different women respond differently to this process so it's always impossible to predict exact results.
The premise is always the same, to increase milk supply you need to start taking more milk from the breast. The way to do this is thru bf and/or pumping. Some working moms find that they can super charge their supply by planning a weekend of intense breastfeeding. They bf bf bf bf bf bf bf bf bf...... and pump after as many feedings as they can. Often they find that they are able to pump greater amounts after this super supply charging weekend. You may also find that trying to pump after feedings when you are home during the week is a help. Pump even if you get no results and after a few days you should be able to see an increase. Be persistant everyone's body responds in a different time frame.
Some other things that are known to help increase pumped amounts are using a high quality double pump and using some breast massage. Double pumps are known to provide higher pump outputs. Massaging your breasts during or prior to pumping also can increase pumped output. Hand pumps are fine for occasional pumping but for the employed mom who has regular separations it would be best to use the Medela Pump in Style, the Ameda Purely Yours or a rental pump. The ISIS, though a great hand pump for occasional use, is really not suited to frequent pumping.
Some women find that using the herb Fenugreek helps to increase their pumped amounts. There is no scientific evidence on this yet but strong anecdotal evidence that it is effective. You can get it in the health food store and you need to take enough to make your urine and sweat smell like maple syrup. Fenugreek is in the catagory of "generally safe" and there are no reports of problems with combining it with bf. There have been a few incidents of allergic reactions and it can lower blood sugar, so if you have blood sugar concerns use with caution and consult your physician.
Hopefully this will help you to increase the amount you pump. Get back and let us know what works for you.
Warmly
Kathy
