Hello to all and happy spring!!
        I have been searching the archives to find out why a mom's supply would
be dropping off after bringing home her son who was born at barely 32
weeks gestation. Apparently had copious supply while pumping during
hospital stay ( this stash has been seeing her through the past couple of
weeks). Once baby came home she noticed a drop from 4-6 oz. per pumping
to 2-2.5. She sometimes gets only 40cc.
        I can't help but consider that stress is a major factor as her life is
complicated by finishing her RN degree besides the care of a four year
old and this little premie. "N "experienced some complications after
birth , was on a ventilator, tube feedings, etc. No surgery or major
problems but has never quite latched to the breast despite early
intervention and use of small nipple sheild ( mom felt the sheild
contributed to less milk).
        I don't know what contraceptive she is using but will find out when we
meet tomorrow.She has been pumping every 2 hours since he came home
several weeks ago and finds he is ready to eat on that schedule taking
2-3 oz per feed. She describes his suck as weak and said that he doesn't
latch with any strength at all all though she continues to offer the
breast in hopes that he will.
        She also describes her nipples as "shiny and pink" and states that there
is burning,  itching, and shooting pains in the breast after she pumps.
She is giving her OB a call today regarding those symptoms. I recommended
the fenugreek for her supply but should she wait to take it until she
deals with the thrush?
We have discussed her hectic schedule and she does have a small break
this week but after that the pace will be unrelieved once again .She is
obviously committed to breastfeeding but needs some help with her supply
problem. "N" is at an adjusted age of 39 weeks  and weighs just barely
6lbs. I feel there is something obvious here that I am just not hitting
on and she and I are quite frustrated.
        Any ideas will be appreciated..........
                                Cyndi in warm, sunny , Kentucky springtime
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