Increase breast milk supply

What can you do to increase your breast milk supply if you notice your supply is dwindling? Well, thankfully there is a lot! On Mother's Day, when my son was just 6 weeks old, I noticed my supply had virtually stopped. I thought it was because I was stressed about returning to work the next day. However, when Monday rolled around and I had no milk, I panicked and immediately called a laction consultant (LC), as well as my OB.

First, let me say I was absolutely certain that my milk supply was vanishing, as I was pumping 2 times a day, so I could actually see how much, or in this case, how little milk I was getting with each pumping. This is an important point because many women experience a "softening" of the breasts and think their supply is gone.

After discussing the situation with the LC and my OB, I was put on a strict regimen of herbs and nursing/pumping/nursing/pumping. After 2 weeks of hard work, my supply was back to normal, and I have had no problems since.

Here is what I did, but please, consult with a board certified LC and/or your OB if you are having any problems. Also, be aware that there are presciption medications available that are specifically designed to treat decreased milk supply.

*I took the herbs Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle in combination (1 500 mg pill of each, 3 times a day). Be forwarned, the herbs can initially give you and/or your baby a bit of an upset stomach, but this side effect should eventually go away. Also, the Fenugreek smells a bit like maple syrup and subsequently you, too, can smell like maple syrup! Finally, I was on a very low dose of both, so you might want to consult with a professional as to what dose is appropriate for you. Per the Medela website, for example, they state, "The dose is 2-3 capsules (580-610 mg each), taken by mouth 3 times/day" is the therapeutic range.

*I measured out 64 ounces of water to drink each day

*I cut out (or tried to cut out!) trans fats such as cakes, cookies, fried food, etc.

*After every nursing, regardless of how long my son nursed for, I would massage my boobs in a downward motion and then pump for 7-10 minutes. The pumping was important to stimulate the nipples and subsequently the milk supply. Also, per the LC, for an entire week, my son got no bottles, and I was told to nurse him whenever he wanted.

I felt that increasing my breast milk supply, though, would only do so much if I didn't figure out why my supply vanished in the first place. As stated in my welcome post, my son and I had problems with breasfeeding from the start. As it turns out, my son was an extremely inefficient/unagressive sucker, and I was getting recurrent blocked ducts that were actually blocking the flow of milk from much of the breast. These 2 factors led to the decline in my supply, but thankfully were easy to remedy (see other postings).

There are some great resources out there if you are experiencing a decrease in your milk supply. Here is a site I particularly liked and found very helpful: milk supply info

If you are having problems, take a deep breath and relax knowing it is possible to regain your supply. And remember, when in doubt, consult a professional.

Comments

[Melissa]

Uma, I am so sorry for your troubles, and I can feel your frustration. First of all, I'd like to say that I am not a nurse, lactation consultant or other health care professional. All I can do is share with you my experiences and the research I have found. I would advise, though, for professional advice you consult with a lactation consultant, even if by phone, and/or your son's pediatrician.

As far as foods that will increase milk supply, I only know of oatmeal and beer! Of course, you need to drink 64 ounces of water, and there are a ton of herbs you can take which reportedly work very well at increasing milk supply.

At this point, I would look into renting a hospital grade pump and start pumping 8 times a day. I am not sure what to tell you about easing off the formula -- you would probably do better to speak with your pediatrician.

I found a couple great articles with advice on how to handle your same situation:

http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,40tw,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=1&pba=adid=14415115

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html

I hope you will find something in these articles that will be of assistance. Please feel free to email me again if you have any other questions, and do keep me posted on your progress.

All the best to you and your family.

-Melissa

P.S. I edited your original comment to delete your phone number (I didn't want some weirdo to get a hold of it....)

[UMA PATEL]

Hi, My name is Uma, and I desperately need your advice on breastfeeding. This is my second baby, and I didn't have luck breastfeeding my first baby, six years ago, which is why with this child, I was determined to breastfeed.

My baby will be 6 weeks old this Friday. I began breastfeeding the day he was born, and he took it well, feeding often,
but thought that it wasn't enough, as he was always crying afterwards, and would always fall asleep when fed. One of the nurses suggested that I give him the bottle in the night, so that I wouldn't be as tired, and continue breastfeed in the day time, so that's what I did, but now regret it.
He was 9 lbs. at birth. At home, I tried to breastfeed also, but always gave him formula to satisfy him.
I also tried to pump my milk with a breast pump, but hardly can get out an ounce at each pump. Now, he is so used to the bottle, because it flows fast, that he completely refuses my breast. I have tried everything, but because it doesn't flow fast like the bottle, he gets very impatient and cries. I do eat properly, is there anyfood(s) that can increase the supply of breastmilk?
My question is, how can I get him to take the breast again, and increase my milk supply?
Is my milk supply going to stop now, because he refuses to feed?
Any advise you may have will be appreciated. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Thank you,
Uma -