I was told when I had my baby that I need to sleep or my milk supply will drop. I haven't been able to sleep these last two days (have work to do) and true enough, my milk is down to almost nothing. I don't see much sleep for myself in the near future either (at least two more days of this) and I'm starting to get worried. I nurse my son while I work, but there's almost no milk, no matter how often or how long I keep him at the breast, he's always hungry (and no it's not a growth spurt). I don't want to supplement with formula, so how do I keep it up for the next two days?I have to finish a contract before Monday. I have my own business, so if I don't work, I don't get paid.I have taken the pump out again today (I hate that thing, you have no idea!! lol). I got exactly one ounce out. This from someone who used to be able to pump 4 - 5 ounces easily. I'll just keep pumping and hoping for the best.He's almost 4 months :). We do play and cuddle and 'chat', that's why I'm not sleeping. I only work when he's asleep (usually on my lap or right next to me in his stroller).

I'm sorry you are having so many probs - try to eat well and catnap as often as possible while your little one is resting. Drink lots of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and take short rests during working time so you can re-focus. If you are overtired you are doing yourself no favours. This comes from someone with much sympathy as I have been through it myself. Take care x

If you only brestfeeding him and not pumping then your supply will go down. New mommies dont sleep! Well at least i didnt. But when you son isnt nursing then you need to pump. You can freeze your breast milk for up to like 4 months. and breast milk in the fridge will last like 8 days. So even if your son isnt latched on the pump needs to be. THe more your express your breat the more milk your body will produce. So try pumping alot and see if your milk supply gets better. If not then you will have to go with formula.

You need to nurse, nurse, nurse and nurse some more.Let him be on the breast when ever he wants to. Your baby sucking at the breast is the best way to build your supply.Also remember that the amount of milk you pump out does not indicate how your supply is. You can have an abundant supply and yet still pump out nothing. Just because you pumped out X amount earlier does not mean that now, due to the amount being pumped out dropping, that your supply is less.Perhaps your baby is showing signs of fussiness due to the fact you are working so much?When you aren't working, hop into bed with bubs, have lots of skin on skin time and lots of breastfeeding too.I meant to ask too, how old is your baby?

try feeding him more oftenthe more the baby sucks the more milk u producealso drink lots of water p.s. i hate the pump 2 lol!!!!it's torture and it gets nothing out. i rather pump manually its easier and more milk comes out faster

Hey Elaine, i don't think sleep has anything to do with it, its more likely your thinking that it does, that is causing it ;) stress and mind over matter, if you get my drift.Basically, your milk supply has dropped, because you think it should do so, I have read of a few such cases where the mothers thoughts on her own supply have attributed to the levels of that supply.Basically, as long as you keep your fluid intake up, and he is nursing at regular intervals, there shouldn't be any problems, but if you introduce stressful thoughts, or thoughts that may somehow cause you to think such a thing, may be inhibiting your supply.geez, i hope im understandable ??, lol, anyway, all im saying is that its more likely the stressful work your doing, rather then the lack of sleep, once you remove the stress, the milk should start flowing alot easier.