EP Milk supply drop
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Have you replaced your pump parts? You can start to get a reduction in pumping if they are wearing out. Valves etc. Also period and hormones can impact. Although you should see them come back up once you are past your period
Did you just regulate? Regulation typically occurs between weeks 12 - 16 and can often lead to a drop in supply because the postpartum hormones level off. It is common for supply to decrease, especially if pumping was not being done every 2 - 3 hours to stimulate the supply/demand cycle.
Stay super hydrated and try power pumping a time or 2 per day. Make sure you’re eating enough too!
@Katie thank you for the info!! I’m not sure if I’m about to start my period or not, but I will keep that in mind! Also, I haven’t been using any birth control. And I hope I’m not pregnant!🤪
@Miriam I haven’t!! I check them everyday and they seem to be fine, but replacing them might be a better option!
@Ashley hmm, this very well could be it!! I didn’t know that you can regulate and bounce back! I’m seeing a significant decrease every week and I’m concerned that I’m loosing my milk supply. Previously I’ve been pumping every 3 hours but now I’m starting to pump every 2!
@Krissie thank you!! I’ll try that! I’ve been power pumping once a day
@Sasha you are supposed to replace valves and things every 6-8 weeks. Even if they aren't showing signs of wearing out. So that's an easy thing to check before trying out other things.
Mother’s milk tea contains fenugreek which can actually decrease supply for some as well as cause side effects for mom and baby. (Search fenugreek free by legendairy milk to read more) pump part replacement, power pumping, increased calories and hydration, and increased frequency of milk removals can help. It may not be the tea, but if you’re not seeing benefit this might not actually be helping and you could consider searching out alternatives ! For exclusive pumpers we want to switch out pump parts pretty frequently because they are putting in the work- especially any soft silicone parts like duckbills and backflow protectors- because the wear and tear won’t be that apparent. I’ve started putting reminders to change them in my google calendar!
@Sasha yes you can absolutely bounce back. Pumping more often and power pumping will help to increase your supply. Be patient, though, it can take weeks to see changes. It is harder to increase supply after regulation, but if you are dedicated and pump often, then I am sure you will have success! Good luck momma!
Also, moringa helped to increase my supply. You can get in a pill form on amazon or at the grocery store. It may not work for you, but it definitely helped me. Just something you could try if all else fails.
@Miriam yes ma’am!
@Julia it’s so weird that fenugreek may have the opposite effect!🥲 ill have to experiment with it. And yes, I’ve increased my pumping from every 3 hours to every 2 hours! I haven’t been switching pump parts, but I’m going to order valve replacements!
@Ashley thank you!! I’m hoping this is just a fluke and I’ll get my supply back!😭
Did you by chamce just get your period back or suspect you're starting your period? When I got my period back after having my first baby I panicked and could have written this post myself! Every cycle it would dip down to where I'd have to pull from my freezer supply and then fly back up to overproduction. My lactation consultant suggested 1000 mg of calcium and 500mg magnesium a few days before my period through the end of my period to help level out the hormones. I did see a change once I implemented that. I also wanted to say that if you started hormonal birth control you could see a drop in your supply Also if you're newly pregnant (speaking from experience here too 🤪) Otherwise try increasing calories and fluids and see where you're at! After that, try pumping more often or supplements!