Milk Me!

So...breastfeeding is a BIG commitment. I am really wanting to do it for at least 6 months. I bought the fancy pump and due to weight issues with the baby in the beginning, she has been nursing for about 10 mins and then getting a bottle of either breastmilk or formula pretty much since about her 2nd week. So of course, now that I'm back to work, it has been decreasing. I pump first thing in the morning then when we are at work she gets about 2 bottles then we get home I nurse her and pump, and then nurse/bottle till bedtime, then bottle during the night. I've maintained a 3-4 oz bottle on each size everytime I've pumped till about a week ago.

On Friday I pumped in the morning, afternoon and evening but didnt go for too long and didnt nurse her at all that day. That night my chest hurt sooo bad I couldnt sleep. So when she got up at 5am she nursed for a few mins then B fed her a bottle and I pumped. The rest of the day my left side hurt really bad so I kept letting her nurse and pumped and I felt better. Since then though, hardly anything is happening! These last few days I'm lucky to get a (as in single-combined) 3 oz bottle ALL DAY! I'm drying up! I keep reading that increasing the demand will increase the supply so I'm trying to let her nurse more. Not sure how long it will take for that to work. Yesterday I did that and when I woke up this morning I was feeling like I did in the beginning when I'd wake up-heavy and like ok I need to empty these things asap. But when I pumped this morning I got an oz out of the left side and barely enough to cover the bottom of the bottle on the right. I'm so worried now. I am not ready to quit breastfeeding and I need this stuff to increase like asap!

I've been reading that artificial sugars/sweetners and excessive dairy might interfere with it. So I'm going to really watch my intake. I've always wondered if my diet would mess with it but until these last few days production has been pretty consistent. I'm never hungry but knew I had to eat for her sake. Ah, this is so frustrating! I really hope things get back to normal soon.