Might Have to Use Formula Soon =\

[Rossberrie]

So my supply totally dipped from 38 ounces a day to 20 ounces a day. I power pumped and I am now getting about 32 ounces a day but I am worried I have to supplement formula soon. (baby girl is 13 pounds / drinks 4 ounces a day / takes about 6-8 bottles a day)

If I were to give formula at this state, how much would I give her? Would it still be 4 ounces or would it be more now?

[JamesMarie]

Don't give up just yet... my supply was getting crazy low when pumping and the fantastic mommas on here gave me several things to try and I've already gone from only pumping around 6 oz a day while at work to yesterday I got 9 oz - and that was just making a few changes since MONDAY!

Some of the ideas they gave that have worked are:
• up water intake - I now drink a bottle/glass of of water at every key point during the day - every time I pump/feed my little guy, every meal, as soon as I brush my teeth, as I crawl into bed, etc
• I keep his pjs from the night before in my pump bag
• listen to relaxing music while I pump
• looking at picture(s) of my little guy while pumping

maybe some of these things will help you too!

but - to answer your question - when my little guy does get formula (since I've not been keeping up with demands) he gets the same amount of formula as he does BM

[Nerissa]

PP has some great adivse

When I have had to use formula I did the same amounts.

[crunchymom2b]

I agree with the PPs. Will baby nurse at all? Stimulation from baby, even just a little, will help your supply. A few more suggestions:

1. Power Pump. You can either do this by pumping 10min on/10min off for an hour or try to mimic acluster feed more closely by pumping 15-30minutes every hour for a few hours.
2. Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Goats Rue all help with supply
3. Oatmeal!
4. Pump more often. If you're going every 3-4 hours try every 2-3 hours for awhile. If you'r eskipping the middle of the night session, add it back. Aim for 8-12 sessions a day.
5. Make sure you're emptying the breasts at each session.
6. Check all the parts on your pump. Have the membranes been replaced recently? Is everything pieced together properly? Are you using correctly sized flanges?
7. has your period started? That can decrease supply

Instead of supplementing with formula, if truly necessary, you can use donor milk. But formula is not evil!

[Sarah-B]

Originally Posted by crunchymom2b I agree with the PPs. Will baby nurse at all? Stimulation from baby, even just a little, will help your supply. A few more suggestions: 1. Power Pump. You can either do this by pumping 10min on/10min off for an hour or try to mimic acluster feed more closely by pumping 15-30minutes every hour for a few hours. 2. Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Goats Rue all help with supply 3. Oatmeal! 4. Pump more often. If you're going every 3-4 hours try every 2-3 hours for awhile. If you'r eskipping the middle of the night session, add it back. Aim for 8-12 sessions a day. 5. Make sure you're emptying the breasts at each session. 6. Check all the parts on your pump. Have the membranes been replaced recently? Is everything pieced together properly? Are you using correctly sized flanges? 7. has your period started? That can decrease supply Instead of supplementing with formula, if truly necessary, you can use donor milk. But formula is not evil!

This is wonderful advise!!
Good luck mama!! You can do it!
How old is your baby? My LC said if younger than 5ish months you can get baby to learn to latch.

[LillyLee]

Good luck! All of those things have worked for me especially the water intake.