Its been about 10 m and I want to go a year. I haven't felt my let down much and when i pump (work part time) i don't get much out anymore. I'm taking fenugreek. anyother ideas? I hate hearing her cry when she goes to bed : (((
When I was nursing my son, my supply decreased in the second half of his first year. In addition to fenugreek, I took Blessed Thistle Herb to increase milk production. Also, try pumping once a day on the days that you're not at work to stimulate milk production.
How long are you pumping? Increase your pumping sessions by 5-10 even 15 minutes. Milk production is a supply and demand thing; make your body 'think' it needs to make more. You might not be pumping anything during those extra minutes but you are telling your body "hey, make more milk will ya?".
Keep hydrated. Water in does not equal milk out, but the process of milk production is a chemical reaction in your body that requires water. Keep yourself hydrated so that the 'milk making' efforts can happen efficiently.
Eat oatmeal. I can't explain this one, but it worked for me while I was exclusively pumping (8xday for 15-25 minute intervals...).
Hosptial grade breast pumps are better for keeping your milk supply up. Check out www.breastbabyproducts.com for more info. How often are you pumping when you're away? You may need to pump more often.
Also, it's interesting to note that as baby gets older, the content of the milk actually changes. So even though there seems to be less, the actual number of calories may be the same.
If it really seems like you are not getting much, find a lactation consultant to help. It's worth it!
Water, water, and more water! Be sure you are not dehydrated....and eating properly of course, as in eating enough calories...
