breastmilk production lacking because of caloric intake?

I cant figure out why my milk production has steadily gone down since giving birth (now 5 weeks). Only thing I can come up with is that perhaps my daily caloric intake is too low to support producing breastmilk? is this true? I've tried pumping in between feedings, tried 3 differnt pumps, i breastfeed at all feedings.. but she drains me dry and then i have to suppliment with formula, since i think shes only getting about 1-2 oz now. (drinks a 4 oz bottle after breastfeeding). I even tried Fenugreek suppliment to get it going more.. nothing seems to be working!!

my nutritionalist said that to breastfeed i would need to eat like I was pregnant and then add another 500 calories... which I KNOW i'm no where near. I'm just not hungry like I was before...

Nursing is based on supply and demand.  The more  you supplement, the less you produce.  I'd pick a weekend (or a few day stretch when you're home all day) and don't supplement at all.  If the baby is not getting enough to satisfy her at each feeding, she will cry to eat more often.... feed her as often as she wants during this time.  This will let your body know to up production and will send the message to produce more milk.  This is very similar to what happens naturally when a baby has a growth spurt and nurses all day for a day or two to get mom producing more.  I would bet that after a few days of this, your body will catch up.  Supplementing is usually a downward spiral toward not being able to nurse.  The more you supplement, the less your body produces, and the more you end up having to supplement.  I know that the idea of your daughter being hungry, or less than satisfied, is unsettling, but it really doesn't take long with increased nursings to increase your supply.  Of course, if she is losing weight or you feel after two or three days of this that she is still not satisfied your peds or a good lactation consultant should be able to steer you in the right direction.  Good luck!

Angie..I am in the same boat...my dtr will be 4 weeks thursday and I have been rtying to nurse her..and she nurses, but right from in the hospital they ahd me supplementing her with formula as she had begun loosing weight. I have 2 VERY expensive breast pumps and I get very little if anything from wither one. I find tht if I am out for the day and only use the bottle for her, and then I pump, I get maybe 4 onz total combined. I do not eat..I have a bad eating disorder after my surgery and only ahd gained 20 lbs, which I am now already down a bit more since the birth. I go days without eating anything and when I try, i feel like I am going to vomit...I'm sure tht is one of my production issues. I posted this same issue about a week or 2 ago and Paula responded the same to me. I did try what she said, but after robyn nursed..she still cried and would not latch on any longer so I had to use the bottle with formula. I will keep an eye on what you get for replies!

When you nurse the baby will take a lot more milk than the pump will. So if you are not seeing enough milk when you pump, that is a good reason. I think a good way to get your calories is those frowned upon liquid calories. Juices are great way to do it! I had a supply issue and I posted in another post that my great aunt suggested drinking a beer a day. As funny as it sounds, one beer is not enough to cause a problem. i drink mine throughout the day so it is not all at once and I find that I have more than enough milk for my son and then enough to pump a good 5-6 ounces at least once a day so I can stock up! It was the only thing that helped me at all! I tried everything else. Might be worth the try, but I recommend NOT drinking the light beer because the calories has a little to do with the production as does the barley, oats and Hops. Oh I also eat oatmeal for breakfast every day which the oat helps too! GL, Hope it helps!

When Q was in NICU i had to see a lactation consultant cuz I didnt BF. (no judgement). I was so engorged it was hurting like no other and she was helping with what to do cuz in the past i had no problems drying up etc...I did pump, very little would come out. She of course took history and said she just read a study on BF with weight surgery. Yes more caloric intake, they are actually trying to get away from the Fenugreek. Try mamas tea. Yes eat barley, oats, breads, iron rich foods...i could barely keep myself "healthy" let alone trying to feed a baby. I cant barely eat now either. Sometimes, you have to sit and say is this worth it...yes BF is best, nut healthy mama and happy baby outrank the BF is the best campain.

Also she said too that if you take anything for allergies, antidepressants can also hinder supply. Try and eat oatmeal for breakfast or even oatmeal cookies. Also do a search on here for "mama milk cookies" or something to that extent. Women have come up with great way to help get the extra calories etc by making these "special" cookies.  i know there are some moms on Cafemom that make these and sell them. might wanna check there too.