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Q.I really need your help. I have a long story but I don't want to leave out any details that could be important so I apologize in advance. I was breastfeeding exclusively for the first 4 weeks of my son's life. After that I would give an occasional bottle if my mom would be watching him and I couldn't pump enough milk for the time I'd be away. At 4 weeks postpartum, my friend bought me a Medela Single Deluxe electric breastpump so I could express milk and have my husband help out with feedings once in awhile. When I was 6 weeks post-partum, my OB/GYN put me on LoEstrin. I only took it for 5 days and my supply dropped drastically. I was switched to Microgestin instead. My supply never seemed to increase after that. At 7 weeks postpartum I returned to work. I wasn't able to pump every 2-3 hours, only about every 4 hours. A lactation consultant advised me that the Medela Single Deluxe breastpump I was using was only intended for women with a full milk supply who needed occasional pumping. So I then bought the Medela Advanced Pump in Style model. (I maybe should have gotten a hospital grade one...) But my son was getting so used to the fast flow of the bottles, I had a hard time getting him to breastfeed when we were together. I kept trying to pump as often as possible and even bought the Lact-Aid SNS. The hard thing is, trying to get him to even TRY sucking my breast. Once he tries, he sees that milk comes out of the SNS. I have gotten him to use the SNS only about 4 times. I have also been taking Fenugreek capsules and drinking "Mother's Milk" tea and this weekend I pumped every 2 hours around the clock. My supply keeps going down. I even tried NOT taking the mini-pill for several days because I have heard even THAT can cause a decrease of milk supply in some women. However, there's been no change. I am heart-broken. In a way I feel my only hope is to get him to use the SNS somehow. He is now 14 weeks old. Is there something I can do?? -Jessica T in WA

- Jessica; Puyallup, WA ( 3/26/2006 )

Answer #1

sorry this took so long to get to you. I'm sure things have changed since you sent this. Yes, probably the mini pill was the cause. Hopefully you have stopeed taking this by now and found another form of birth control. Once you have been off of that for at least a week, you should notice some change. You have been doing the right thing with super pumping. Take at least 4 pills 3 times per day on the funugreek. Also, you could pump a bit prior to feeding, and just when your milk lets down, put your son on. it will motivate him a bit with so much milk. good luck.

- Lindy Winkelbauer; Boulder, CO ( 11/16/2006 )

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