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 ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html