breast milk supply question

I had my baby on august 27th, she came at 34 weeks 3 days.  She was in the NICU for 5 days and had problems latching on to breastfeed, so I have been pumping, we also have to suppliment with formula so she gets more calories.  Just since yesturday I have noticed my milk supply has decreased alot! Considering I never was able to pump much to begin with. Usually in one day I pump enough for a 40 ml bottle. But now I get even less and have noticed my breasts aren't leaking like they used too. If I start pumping more often would that help? Or has my time passed? I usually pump every 3-4 hours but have not been able to pump as much at night because she is very fussy and wants to be cuddled. If I start pumping more often do you think that would help?

[AndiJ78]

Definitely get a hospital grade pump and pump every 2 hours. That should perk that supply right back up. Have you tried letting her nurse? She will be much mroe effective at increasing your supply than a pump.

Call you r local hospital for informaotion on where to rent the pump from, perhaps they can work with your doc and insurance.

[firstbaby07]

I did get a hospital grade pump, because she is a preemie my insurance covered some of it, we do try breastfeeding with every feeding and I will make sure to have her try more often. Thank you, I have always wanted to be able to breastfeed her so hopefully it will start to get easier now that she is getting a little bigger. Thank you! =)

[pixijal]

You have to pump every two hours.  The more you stimulate milk production, the more milk you will produce.  It is very supply and demand.  You can do it!

[chiromom]

I agree - pump pump pump.  Take a warm shower, then pump, so your breast are soft and ready to go.  Wake up and pump at night.

[tiredbuthappy]

i had the same problem with my baby- she was a preemie so hasn't been able to latch properly. i have been pumping for 7 weeks, my supply is good, but i have been pumping every 2-3 hours all along. i generally pump after each time i feed her. i then keep that fresh milk out for the next feed. this way i never have to warm a bottle, and it is ready for her when she decides she's hungry. in the beginning, i used to try to predict when she'll be hungry and pump right before. that was a stressful nightmare, since as you know, when they decide they're hungry, they're not going to wait for you to finish!!
you may also want to have a lactation consultant come out to your house and help you with breast feeding. i have been working with one, and she has been very helpful. ask your pediatrician if they can recommend one. since your baby was so early, you may even be able to get your insurance to cover some of the fees. if you don't want to pay (although i feel it was worth it), you can contact la leche league for help. also, someone just told me the other day about a breast feeding support group offered through my local hospital. she said it meets once a week, it's free, and it's run by 2 lactation nurses who can help you individually there. i would love to go, but i'd never get out of my house in time (10 AM).
and hint about the nighttime fussiness- a few tricks have worked for me. sometimes she's willing to rest on a pillow right next to me when i pump. other times, if i sit cross-legged while i pump, she'll kinda sit in the cradle made by my legs. i'll rock my lap (a great butt work-out) and she'll generally doze while i pump. if she's having a really rough time, i'll use a special bra made for pumping that holds the breast shields in place, leaving my hands free to deal with her.