I have always found that I pump way less then my baby takes in with a bottle but is satisfied just fine at the boob.  Its a very sensible situation.  Hopefully, if your baby is growing then you shouldn't have to worry.   Also, have your started your baby on solids?  I found that the nursing schedule adjusting some when my baby started solids.  Good luck! 

 I went through the same thing with my first son when I was working and pumping.  When I was at home, he'd just take the boob and be completely satisfied however when I pumped I knew he was only getting 2-3 ounces every feeding.  It was hard to go through all that work at work with pumping and only get a little.  I took fenugreek and it didn't make the least bit of difference, waste of money in my book!  Also took the expensive, 'mother's milk' supplement that was like $25 for 30 day supply, which I also didn't think made a difference but some swear by it.  You can get it at the natural foods store or a breastfeeding supply store.  I stopped breastfeeding my first son at 7 months because of supply.  However with my 2nd son, he's 7 months now and he's boob exclusive and he seems to be satisfied however I know he's not getting much at the boob.  Also keep in mind that average production is an ounce an hour, so 24 ounces in 24 hours, if you're pumping and feeding around the clock is normal production.  However, babies require between 32-40 oz (said the pediatrician although all babies different) with that said, even if you had average production, at some point you'd still have to supplement with formula (I know I don't like it either but it's inevitable)  Are you pumping or feeding in the middle of the night?  The breastfeeding consultants will tell you to do that to keep up supply however I think your bodies going to do what it's going to do regardless.  I pumped every night at midnight with my first son and haven't done so with my 2nd (way too tired) and my supply seems to of been the same either way. Hope this helped a little.  Good luck!

 I went through the same thing with my first son when I was working and pumping.  When I was at home, he'd just take the boob and be completely satisfied however when I pumped I knew he was only getting 2-3 ounces every feeding.  It was hard to go through all that work at work with pumping and only get a little.  I took fenugreek and it didn't make the least bit of difference, waste of money in my book!  Also took the expensive, 'mother's milk' supplement that was like $25 for 30 day supply, which I also didn't think made a difference but some swear by it.  You can get it at the natural foods store or a breastfeeding supply store.  I stopped breastfeeding my first son at 7 months because of supply.  However with my 2nd son, he's 7 months now and he's boob exclusive and he seems to be satisfied however I know he's not getting much at the boob.  Also keep in mind that average production is an ounce an hour, so 24 ounces in 24 hours, if you're pumping and feeding around the clock is normal production.  However, babies require between 32-40 oz (said the pediatrician although all babies different) with that said, even if you had average production, at some point you'd still have to supplement with formula (I know I don't like it either but it's inevitable)  Are you pumping or feeding in the middle of the night?  The breastfeeding consultants will tell you to do that to keep up supply however I think your bodies going to do what it's going to do regardless.  I pumped every night at midnight with my first son and haven't done so with my 2nd (way too tired) and my supply seems to of been the same either way. Hope this helped a little.  Good luck!

It is very possible that he is going through a growth spurt. You will need to pumpings for a few days or so until your body kicks in and increases the supply. Remember, it's all about supply and demand. If you want your supply to go up, you must increase the demand (either by pumping more or nursing more).

Also, it is not inevitable that you will have to supplement. It is possible for your body to make more than 24 ounces of milk in 24 hours. With my first I pumped exclusively for the first 6 weeks until she learned to latch on. I was pumping 12 ounces every 3 hours. If you really don't want to supplement, you may have to work at it a little bit, but it should only take a few days of increased demand for the supply to go up. Keep up the good work! I know it can be discouraging at times, but you're doing a great thing for your baby!  and remember, this time won't last forever so make the most of it while you can.

I am also a nursing mom of a 7month old. I have noticed that he is nursing less then he used to on weekends and drinking less ounces during the day (he has a bottle while I am at work) since he has started eating more solids. Because of this, I occasionally notice a dip in my milk supply too. When this happens, I add a couple pumpings, so 3-4 a day (while I am away) plus the 3 times I nurse him a day. Make sure one of those extra pumpings is in the morning when your milk supply is at it's highest (this maximizes the extra pumping). I also have found a wonderful supplement that has fenugreek and fennel seed plus some other organic herbs. It's called More Milk Plus and is available at www.motherlove.com. I take the pill form, but it comes in a liquid form to. It was recommended to me by a lactation consultant in Wisconsin and hasn't failed me yet! I take it for a week straight, 4 times a day like recommended, and by the next week my supply is right back where I like it to be. Good luck and happy nursing!!!

OK, it is NOT inevitable that you will need to supplement!  Mother's breast milk is the perfect meal and not a bit is waste.  So ounce for ounce, you can't compare intake of formula to breast milk.  I nursed all 3 of my kids until they were over 1 year....and I worked outside the home.  Their needs do change as they add solids and grow.  Also, babies usually get more suck time at the breast than the bottle.  So, many times after they finish a bottle and fuss its because they want more suck not necessarily more milk. 

When you are home, offer the breast as much as requested.  If you can fit in another pumping somewhere, they do.  However, usually these periods are short and your body will adjust quickly.  I always found that as my little ones approached 1 yr they were taking in no more than 24 ounces in 1 day.....and they were all in the 95th percentile for growth!

might try eating oatmeal, taking metamucil or baking lactation cookies as well as some of the pp's suggestions

Melody- wife to Neil (6-23-01), SAHM to my son Maylon (5-5-09)

www.melody-learningonthejob.blogspot.com

Everyone had great answers. The only one that wasn't mentioned is, have you been drinking less fluids while at work? If so, get a nice big water bottle and keep drinking all day. My baby is only 4 months but I do notice that if I have a busy day and don't drink as much, my milk seems a bit on the low side. Good luck!

I always have trouble producing enough milk during the few days leading up to and then during my period. Is it possible you're ovulating again and that's affecting your supply? Pumping was so frustrating during those times because I was pumping on the same settings for the same amount of time and only getting about half the milk. None of the supplements, extra fluids, etc. made a difference. When I was home, I just let them nurse more often because they just couldn't get enough. As soon as my period was over, I'd be right back to where I was before. I don't have any suggestions to help with that issue since nothing worked for me, just letting you know that if that is your problem, you can get through it and continue nursing.

I have the answer for you, very easy always effective! I am not being over confident here, I have nursed 3 babies for around 12 to 13 months each, I've been through it all. I almost dried up several times. THE ONLY THING that saved my milk was drinking MOTHERS MILK TEA by Traditional Medicinals. Cub foods has it, some Targets carry it and you can find it at co-ops too. It works BETTER than any herbal suppliments I've tried. Something in the strength of the tea and the tea makes the herbs more easily and quickly absorbed!!! I promise you, start today and you will see more milk in 3 or 4 days. You must follow the instructions, steep tea for at least 15 minutes covered to get the good herbs into the water. Drink at least 5 cups a day if not more and I promise you it will work. Once your milk is established you can taper off and drink just a few cups a day to maintain it. Everyone who tries this method has had success. So, go invest $15.00 in a few boxes of tea and have confidence, it will work  I feel so strong about this I buy every new mom I know a box of the tea as a baby shower gift. Most nursing moms need some help with milk production sooner or later. Good for you for not giving up!

(Some day I plan to become a lactation consultant, I wish more would suggest this tea)

St. Francis Asisi  "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."