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Submitted 126 days ago...

Six682

Six682

Beginner (57)

How do I increase my breast milk supply?

How do I increse my breast milk supply?I have a 6 wk old baby & Im breast feeding. I have had a serious milk production slow down. Litterally in 1/2. In just the last 10 days. Prior to that Ive had an over abundance. I havent had any change in my life at all so I dont know what to do.

 
 
 
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Answer 1 / 5

Submitted 124 days ago...

mahalo

mahalo

Professor (1,186)

What strikes me here is that you used to have an over abundance and now you have not enough. What I imagined happened is that you were getting full which triggered your brain to say you were producing too much, so it slowed down production. What you need to do to increase your supply is feed the baby from both sides and get as empty as possible. This will trigger your brain to say that you need more and thus it will produce more. This can be REALLY hard if you are working, but if you are able to be with your baby, just nurse as often as you can. If the baby doesn't want to nurse or is full before you are empty, you can use a pump (had or electric) to get the rest out.

My doctor put me on fenugreek which is just an herbal supplement you can get at any health food store, but as always check with your doctor to see what they recommend!

 

Answer 2 / 5

Submitted 123 days ago...

mma_mom

mma_mom

Expert (962)

I had the exact same problem with both of mine. My doctor said that I wasn't eating enough calories, but no matter how much good fat, calories, etc I "dried up".
One trick that worked with my first son temporarily (only try AFTER you talk to a doctor - my doctor actually suggested this to me)...
Pump as much milk as you can (or have some formula ready for a few hours). Drink 1/2 to 1 can of beer. After a couple hours (you will feel "full") pump like crazy! Get it all out (discard) and wait another 2 hours (to fill up again) and pump again.... That will increase your milk supply, but make sure you pump and discard any milk that may have alcohol in it! For some reason beer will make your body produce more milk temporarily. This is a quick fix though until you can figure out a better way.
Remember though, some women just can't breastfeed. Our bodies aren't as able. I only fed my 1st son 3 months and made it less then 4 WEEKS with my 2nd. No matter what I did it wasn't happening. So don't feel bad if you can't. At least you tried! You will soon notice the benifits of not breastfeeding as well - i.e. you boobs don't hurt, easier for other people to help feed, and I personally noticed formula babies sleep better at night!

 

Answer 3 / 5

Submitted 121 days ago...

helpmeplease

helpmeplease

Contributor (102)

All you can do is keep trying to breastfeed as much as possible to increase milk production. When I was nursing, I spent alot of time nursing and then when I wasnt, I had to use a breast pump too. esp if you continue to breastfeed. As they get older they may drink more but not as often, so to supplement to times they are anymore try to pump a couple of time for short periods of time

 

Answer 4 / 5

Submitted 119 days ago...

nonnypatrol0

nonnypatrol0

New User (7)

Are you eating properly.? plenty of fluids, water, milk? you can pump to help increase

flow, as well as letting baby nurse more often...relax as you feed...tension can play an important

role in nursing....try to stay calm....maybe baby is getting enough...is she/he gaining weight

properly? if you are really concerned, call your doctor.....lots of luck...congrats....

 

Answer 5 / 5

Submitted 112 days ago...

Aleandria

Aleandria

Beginner (13)

Keep in mind that engorgement is normal and will usually diminish after a few weeks (give or take). Breasts work on the supply and demand concept. Feed your baby whenever he needs to, that is the absolute best way to keep up supply. No pump is as successful at removing milk as a baby.

You can use Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle, Three pills three times daily of each to increase supply, there is also Mothers Milk Tea that will help. Also try eating more Oatmeal, not the little packets, (the quick oats), but the stuff you boil. You can also speak to your doctor as a last resort about Reglan (if in the USA) or Domperidon (outside the USA). They will do wonders for your supply.

On a side note, Your baby will go through numerous growth spurts throughout the first year and will began feeding more frequently and for longer periods. This does NOT mean you are drying up, many women give up because they mistakenly thought they weren't able to produce enough. It will be frustrating but allowing your baby to feed as often and as long as necessary will allow your body to increase the supply and produce what your baby needs. It may take a few days, but don't give up, your breasts WILL produce enough if you give them the chance. It may help to use some of the about methods during growth spurts to help increase supply,

When you're breast-feeding, ask yourself these questions:

Is my baby gaining weight? Steady weight gain is often the most reliable sign that a baby is getting enough to eat. Although most babies lose weight soon after birth, it's typically regained — and then some — within two weeks. Your baby will be weighed at each checkup. If you're concerned about your baby's weight, you may want to schedule more frequent weigh-ins.

How often does my baby breast-feed? Most newborns breast-feed eight to 12 times a day — about every two to three hours. Within two to three months, your baby may begin to go longer between feedings.

During growth spurts — often at 10 to 14 days after birth, as well as at three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months — your baby may take more at each feeding or want to breast-feed more often. Trust your body's ability to keep up with the increased demand. The more often your baby nurses, the more milk your breasts produce.

Can I hear my baby swallowing? If you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear your baby swallowing. Also look for a strong, steady, rhythmic motion in your baby's cheek. There may be a pause while your baby swallows. A small amount of milk may even dribble out of your baby's mouth.

How do my breasts feel? When your baby is latched on successfully, you'll feel a gentle pulling sensation on your breast — rather than a pinching or biting sensation on your nipple. Your breasts may feel firm or full before the feeding, and softer or emptier afterward. If breast-feeding hurts, ask for help. Your baby's doctor may offer suggestions, and many hospitals have lactation consultants on staff.

What about my baby's diapers? For the first few weeks, expect your baby to have six to eight wet diapers a day. A wet diaper will weigh about the same as a dry disposable diaper filled with 2 to 4 tablespoons of water. Also expect regular bowel movements — often three or more a day. The stool will be dark and sticky for the first few days, eventually becoming seedy, loose and golden yellow.

Does my baby seem healthy? A baby who seems satisfied after a feeding and is alert and active at other times is likely getting enough to eat. Also look for a healthy skin tone.

 
 

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