Drop in supply?

[Ashley]

So, Lily has been exclusively breastfed. We're at 3 months and almost 2 weeks. The last few days, she has been increasingly fussy while nursing. It's not all the time, but the other day it was constant, yesterday a little less, and today so/so. I feel like my supply is less. I know it evens out around 3 months, and I also think we just came off a growth spurt. In addition, the little stinker just mastered rolling over back to front now too, so I think she was working on that. And, I know you can't tell by how your breasts feel (even if mine do feel less full!). I can still pump in the morning, around 5-6 ounces on one side (which I know pumping is not a good indicator, but if you're able to pump, you should be able to feed, right??). She also goes anywhere from 8-11 hours at night, (typically 10).

So, insight anyone? Sorry for all the details, I just wanted to present everything happening right now. I have been throwing in some extra pumping sessions after feedings yesterday and today, and I also am drinking that mother's milk tea, and just started oatmeal today. Of course, I know all these things take a few days to work, but any suggestions or insights about all this? can you tell it has me freaked out?? :blush:

[Heather]

I wouldn't think your supply would be low unless you had been doing something differently. It could be something you're eating that's giving her gas, or it could just be the growth spurt. I would just keep doing what you're doing and see if the fussiness continues. I had an oversupply in the beginning that would make Cohen choke and pull off and spray all over his face. Seems like it was around the 3 month mark when that quit happening and my boobs stopped feeling so full.

[Farah]

I thought that had happened to you, Heather.

I'm going to guess it's just a painfully long growth spurt combined with your supply adjustment, combined with being a booger. :D

Hopefully, she'll decide to chill out this week for you and your boobs will get a break.
:support:

[AshleyMommyto2]

I didn't bf so I have no clue... I hope you can get it figured out soon! ((BIG HUGS))

[Elaine]

I wouldn't worry about your supply. There are all sorts of things that could be bothering her and causing her to fuss. Teeth are a big one. Even if you can't see any teeth coming in it doesn't mean they aren't starting to make their way up. Something you ate might be bothering her (maybe the Mother's Milk? Did you just start drinking that?). She's getting to the age where there are more exciting things to do than nurse, like look around the room. :p Or she's getting impatient and wants to eat RIGHT NOW without the work of getting the milk out.

If you can pump 5-6 ozs from one side you've got a great supply. Babies are better at extracting milk from your breast than a pump so that means you've got more in there than what you pump.

And yes, you're hitting the point where your supply will be driven by demand instead of hormones so you won't feel quite as full as you used to.

Try not to stress about it! I know it's hard but staying relaxed is the best for you and Lily. :support:

[Andrea]

I agree that it doesn't sound like you have a supply issues.
I remember the frustration trying to figure out what was going on. There were a few blocks of time with Ava that I had no clue what was going on and thought my supply was low.

The first time she was just really gassy and laying down to BF must have hurt her tummy. Once we got the gas out she was ok to eat.

The second time, I think it was a growth spurt combined with my supply calming down. She was just frustrated it wasn't coming out as fast as it used to. I ended up feeding her a 1/2 hour earlier than usual so she wasn't super hungry by the time it was feeding time, that seemed to work well.

The third time, she had teeth coming in. She would BF for a minute or two and then pop off and cry...over and over. This was the time I was really nervous about my supply being low. It turned out it was just hurting her gums to BF, so I put oragel on her gums before she ate and that seemed to make it a bit better.

:hug:I know it can be super frustrating.

[Ashley]

Thanks for the insight ladies. I guess it's mommy nature to freak and think we're doing something wrong! Today definitely seems better. :)

[Budette]

Boobs need to be clear with measurement marks. For the vast majority of women, supply is never an issue. Your body is making what she needs.

You could always switch her to Diet Dr. Pepper. :hi:

[Meshell]

I think around the same age William did this too. I would have to give him a cold wet wash cloth to chew on for a few minutes before nursing. He still does it every once in a while and I just give him a few teething tablets or some gum gel and we're good to go.