Low Milk Supply - Dallas, TX

I have found that I really have to relax when I pump. If I am stressing out I never get much. I have to get comfortable, put on the tv and vow not to watch the bottle :) I also had trouble in the beginning and was devastated that I had to supplement with formula at first. My daughter lost 15% of her weight on 5 days before I gave in and agreed to supplement. My OB gave me a prescription drug called Reglan which helped boost my milk supply. Perhaps ask yours about it. Funny enough he said he wasn't convinced that it actually worked, but we were willing to try anything (like I am sure you are), but it certainly did work for me. I tried not taking it a couple of days and sure enough those days it dropped off. You don't have to take it forever either, once you really get a good supply, you wean off it gradually. My milk is just fine now with no drugs or supplements. Remember to drink lots of water too! God bless and good luck.

Ask your doctor for some Reglan. It really works well. Breastfeed every 1 -2 hours or more often if he is hungry. You can do it, but it isn't easy. It takes a lot of hard work, but it is totally worth it for you & your baby! It's what is best for him, especially this time of year & being a little sick initially. Talk with the lactation specialists, they will have more suggestions for you. Reglan helped me. Now, I'm worried about getting my 10 week old to take a bottle! Good luck, don't give it. Remember also that any breastmilk & breastfeeding you do is better than none @ all!
G. W

Congratulations, I hope things are going better for you now that you are home. I agree with alot of what Lisa said. You need to drink lots of water. I used the fenugreek with my other two kids when I nursed. My son who is four months I dont have to use the natural pills. Also if you dont have a good breast pump? You might not be getting a good supply out. I had one of the ones from the stores. They dont work very well. The best two pumps that I recommend is medela and ameda. I use ameda it works great and less exspensive then medela. I would consult with a lactating consultant. I talked to the ones at BSA. I had my son there. They also have monthly meetings for breastfeeding moms that you go to. I hope this helped. If you need more help just give me shout. I have four kids and nursed all of them.

You can try the homeopathic remedy Ignatia. Whole Foods, Central Market, or the Vitamin Shoppe have it in the little blue vials. Get 30c and dissolve three pellets in a half bottle of filtered water. Take 1 tsp three times a day in a clean mouth. Stop taking it when your milk supply improves.

Congrats on the new baby, i was reading everyones responces, and i thought it was very important to let you know that pushing fluids can actually decrease your milk supply. I am a lactation consultant, and i do reccomend you talk to one in length about your low supply, there are many things you can do to help it... Keep up the good work, i know its easy to get discouraged.. Drink to thirst, your regular 8 glasses of fluids (water) a day are fine and even more if your thirsty. I think the stress of your baby not being in the nicu anymore will definately help... I would definately look into renting a hospital grade double electric pump to pump after breastfeeding. Good luck and God bless...

There are a lot of moms that can't breastfed. I was told to drink lots and lots of water that is what helps keep your milk. Sorry I don't have anymore info for you. Wish that I did. But yes you should be getting a lot more then what you are getting.

B.

N.,
Sometimes if we are under stress it can affect our milk supply. My milk supplied slowed when I was under lots of stress. What I would do was drink lots and lots of water and pump at least every few hours and while pumping you can look at something to remind you of your baby or a scent. It's so awesome how our bodys work to provide for our children. Even if you have to supplement with some formula whatever amount you can give in breast milk makes a difference.I hope that helps. Best Wishes to you and your baby! I will say a prayer for you both.

First off, congratulations on your new baby boy and your desire to breastfeed! As tiring as it may be, once your son arrives home spend as much time nursing and bonding together. His sucking will stimulate the breast more than a pump will....and drink LOTS of water. Sometimes our milk supplies run low due to stress and low calorie diet. Be sure to take care of yourself as well :) Best of luck!

Congratulations on your new arrival. How exciting and wonderful that he'll be home soon!

Pumping can be the greatest frustration. I could never get much and it only depressed me even further. My advice to you is to, and what many lactation consultants and LLL members told me as well, is to stop focusing on your output. A baby nursing is far more efficient than any pump. Do not sabotage yourself by getting stressed out by pumping results. It only adds to stress which decreases supply.

I would suggest you get a hold of a good lactation consultant and your local La Leche League for advice on how to increase your suply. There are supplements (fenugreeks, mothers milk tea, etc.) that you can take that are available at most healthy food stores. Also, make sure you up your water intake and eat a healthy healthy diet. Do not skip meals. Your calorie requirement while nursing is actually higher than it was while you were pregnant. There are also foods that are considered lactogenic -- for example, oatmeal.

The one and only thing that will really increase your supply is nursing that little guy. See if your husband can take care of things while you and the baby have a babymoon. This is what my Dr suggested to me when I was having issues. Basically, you take 3 days and spend it alone with the baby in bed. Anytime he even looks like he's interested in nursing, let him. Nurse as often and as frequently as possible. This will help your supply a great deal.

Good luck!

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

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