I am sure that these questions get asked almost every day, but I wanted to ask in case I am overlooking something obvious. I am breastfeeding my 4th child and all of a sudden if feels like we are sincerely struggling with his feedings. He turned 5 months today and is as of now exclusively breastfed with no solids. Until about a week ago it seemed like I was overproducing if anything and ] could usually pump about an ounce and a half from each breast after I fed him. We just drove cross country as part of a military move and arrived last Monday. During our drive he was sleeping from 9 --5 in the hotel rooms without a feeding and at home before that he was sleeping 11-6. He was eating about every 3 hours in the car (I feed on demand, but his demand is almost always right around 3 hours ever since bringing him home from the hospital). He seemed extra hungry the first two days of last week, then extra fussy and hard to satisfy ever since. Now, he cries between sides as if I am starving him and though he seems full at the end of a feeding he doesn't seem as "milk drunk" as before and seems to be sucking until he really falls asleep instead of breaking off when he is full and sleepy. He also isn't spitting up anymore which is a mixed blessing I guess. He is also now feeding at 5 am, 8, 11, 2pm, 5, 7, 10, 3 (fitting in two extra feeds per day). I tried really hard on the trip but I don't know if the inevitable dehydration (and less quality nutrition) of constant days in the car has tanked my supply or if my baby is experiencing a massive growth spurt. I've been really careful this week to drink a lot of water, stay away from caffeine, and eat well I also packed my prenatals out of reach during the trip, but started taking them again. I pumped last night and once this morning after a feeding hoping to signal my body to make more and didn't even get half an ounce from each breast. I had planned to not start solid until the 6 month mark, but my Ped warned me at the 4 month appointment that at 17lbs (then - probably more now) he might need cereal by the time he reached 5 months. So I guess my question is whether starting solids will help the situation by giving me a little more time to build my supply to the level he now needs or if I need to do something else to get more breast milk in.
I have used fenugreek, oatmeal, mothers milk tea ect while feeding in the past, but I have just moved to a new area and it might take me a few days to figure out where to find those things here.
Sounds like a temporary problem-- I would NOT start solids to fix it, since a lot of people have supply problems right after they start solids so it might make things worse. I'd do what you're doing-- try to relax, drink a lot of fluids and nurse frequently. And if someone asks what they can do to help the new mom in the neighborhood ask them to bake you some cookies! - http://www.food.com/recipe/peanut-butter-lactation-cookie...
I agree, it could be your stress he's reacting to. Also could be a huge growth spurt. My son did the same thing at about 3 and 6 months, like he could not be satisfied. It only lasted 2-3 days, mostly in the evenings when my supply was low. But then he was fine!
Your body might be reacting to the stress of moving, and your kiddo could be reacting to your stress level, too (no matter how carefully you hide it or manage it, a move, esp cross-country, is hugely stressful!) He's old enough for a little cereal if you choose to go that route, but as you settle into your new place, you'll likely see an increase in your supply and a more content baby, too. Good luck!
I would go to kellymom.com for tips, keep track of his diapers, and try to relax. I am not surprised you took a tumble with the move and all that stress.
