Trouble with supply (babe in care)

**damprye** · December 17th, 2011, 11:52 AM

It has taken till today to start pumping properly (hospital has had trouble getting me what I need to pump) and my supply has been seriously dropping. I can normally get 150mLs-450mLs but I'm struggling to get 90mLs per feed and haven't seen my baby since they took him away Tuesday or Wednesday (been a lil out of time since they sedated me so unsure of which day it was) and won't be seeing him until Monday (I'd be allowed to see him today and tomorrow but DCP haven't got the resources on the weekend to make that happen) and I'm afraid my supply is dropping because my body believes that because I haven't seen my baby for so long, and the problem getting pumping properly until today, that my baby is gone.

Other than seeing my baby now (because that is impossible) does anyone have any advice as to how to up my supply so I can get enough milk to him and have enough milk to feed him when he returns to me? I'm still in hospital so resources are limited. Any advice will be appreciated thanks

**Lenny** · December 17th, 2011, 12:07 PM

I have been told that mums who are working and trying to express even use photos of their little ones.

You know you are allowed to call the ABA even if you aren't a member. Their phone number is 1800 mum2mum (1800 686 268). They may be a really good start. They can get a better background picture and take you through a few things.

**sahbear** · December 17th, 2011, 12:34 PM

I've been told a picture, and maybe one of their blanky's (smell) if you have someone who can get it for you.
Definitely give the ABA a call.
Hope you are on the mend soon.

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**HotI** · December 17th, 2011, 12:47 PM

This blog has some hints on different way to express Pump it up

Some people find focussing on bub helps, while for others it is easier when they switch off and watch tv or similar.

**Lisa B** · December 19th, 2011, 10:29 AM

I'm not sure on your particular situation, but I've pumped for 9 months full time now. Pumping 8 times a day, with once overnight is recommended. I go for about 20 mins doing double pumping so equivalent to 20 mins a side. You might already be doing this. I actually found it hard to maintain a supply over the long term without attaching my bub so I'm now on motilium and my supply is great - but this sounds different to your situation.

Wishing you all the best and I hope everything works out for you.

**Cassius2** · December 19th, 2011, 12:01 PM

i wonder if motillum might be useful for the short term?

otherwise i did alot of deep breathing and visualising of my DD feeding from me. it helped, but boy it was a hard slog! i reckon 90mils from a single session is pretty awesome BTW.

**starangelk** · December 19th, 2011, 12:08 PM

Haven't seen you around much Damprye so I hope everything is okay but it doesn't sound like it right now. Expressing can be so hard, good on you for your persistance. Have you seen you baby yet? Did that help?

I find that switching off helps me, that or looking at videos of him on my phone. Mostly though I believe in doing both sides twice regardless of whether I'm using a manual or electric pump. I also give myself a 5 or 10 minute break halfway through if I'm finding it's a real struggle to make milk.

Good Luck

**sloane** · December 19th, 2011, 12:50 PM

hope you're ok & you get to see your LO today

many people do swear by photos for when they're expressing but hopefully having the opportunity to see (and feed?) your DS today will help things along as well. are you able to see a LC or ring the ABA from where you are?