EPing second child

[Shaylynn3]

Hello everyone,

It is nice to find a group of exclusive pampers like me. Not many people are committed enough to do it. It definitely does take a lot of dedication. I am doing it for the second time now.....however I feel like a rookie again. My son is 2 and a half and there are a lot of things I don't remember. For instance, I know that the volumes of each pump can vary a lot but for the last two days....I kind of feel like I am losing my milk, but I could be overreacting. My daughter is almost 6 wks and up until now, I was pumping 6oz or more easily (both breast combined) in 15 mins, now I have to work hard for 5oz.....and I mean REALLY work hard, massaging, etc. is that normal? I don't even feel full anymore when it's time to pump and I have been pumping every two hours since she was born......what should I do? Relax? Or take action?

[CandiceDanielle]

Its probably just your body trying to regulate itself. I think it takes 12 wks for your supply to be fully established.
Keep up the good work!

[corrinacs]

I agree with CandiceDanielle, however, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids.  I would up your water intake, eat more oatmeal.  Also, stay away from Peppermint and Sage.

You are doing well mama :).  I wouldn't get bent out of shape with what you are experiencing.  If your supply is going further and further down though I'd see a LC just to see what's going on :)

[CourtneyCS]

My output would always vary, I learned to just not worry about it. As long as it did not drop drastically I would not get too upset over it. I noticed that mine would drop a bit around the week before I got my period and would go back to normal after my period.

[Babyshoe]

Mine did the same thing around then too. I can make the same amount as before (a bit more now), but it takes a lot of work. THe pump used to do the work early on, but now I need to do lots of massaging, pressure, and hand expression as part of every pump. I tried a hospital grade one with the same results. I'm not sure why, but if you find out, I'd like to know :) I do think your supply will increase soon. TRy more sleep if possible and fenugreek. It's really helped me :) Hugs to you :)