Afraid I'm not producing enough milk

Shannon - posted on 11/25/2008

My supply dropped after a week of taking benedryl for an allergic reaction to the birth control they gave me for nursing woman.... that was sooo not fun!! I now drink 3 cups of mothers milk tea mixed with raspberry tea (cuz it tastes gross alone!!) a day. I nurse him at least 8 times a day, and still pump 6 oz out twice a day using my isis manual pump.

Nicole - posted on 11/25/2008

A lactation consultant suggested to me to nurse every 2 hours around the clock for the first 1-2 mo. to ensure good weight gain and supply. It was the best advise ever! Another told me to nurse baby on side 1, that is dinner, nurse from side 2, that is dessert then right after pump both for the left overs. I did this the first 3-4 mo. and actually found it was causing an over abundance of milk. Since my son refused a bottle, I didn't need all that extra milk. So I stopped pumping and we have been in sync ever since. It's all about supply and demand. I supply what he demands. No formula in this house EVER! He's 23 mo. and still going strong. Also should ensure good water intake throughout the day and good food/nutrition. Fenugreek does help too!

Chelsea - posted on 11/25/2008

should i pump right after he eats or wait an hour?

Noel - posted on 11/25/2008

I just wanted to say thanks again for all the great tips. I took all your advice and my milk supply has increased a lot and my baby is MUCH happier! I think the fenugreek, oatmeal, and pumping after each feeding has helped out the most! Plus, now because I've been pumping so much, my freezer is all stocked up!!

Adriane - posted on 11/16/2008

I've had supply issues as well, especially after learning I was put back on the wrong type of birth control which hampered my supply. I now take fenugreek supplements (8 pills a day) which have helped, but I can still only pump extra when I set my alarm to pump in the middle of the night when my son is sleeping. If I pump after a feeding I only get about an ounce.

As long as he's gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers don't worry. Too much stress can hurt your supply as well.

My son rarely gets the milk coma/sleepy effect after eating. He's often a little fussy, but usually after I change his diaper, burp him, or just change his position he's perfectly content.

Jen - posted on 11/16/2008

Is your baby gaining weight and having a lot of wet/dirty diapers? That's really the best way to tell about your supply. A lot of two month old infants nurse almost every one to two hours... It's all consuming, but it gets better once they get some weight on them and can go a little bit longer between feedings. LaLeche League and Kellymom.com has great tips on increasing supply if you need it... hang in there!! : )

Noel - posted on 11/16/2008

Thanks for all the great tips! I'll give it a try :)

Randi - posted on 11/14/2008

Pumping is not at all indicative of your supply. I was able to get 10oz with my son, but now with my little girl I can't get any. She is exclusively breastfed and I have a great supply. Nothing is as efficient as your baby at getting the milk.



How do you know he is still hungry? Babies go through a growth spurt around 2 months, so they will nurse more often to build your supply up. You are never completely dry, so baby will always be getting something. Have you tried a soother? Some babies just crave the comfort of sucking. I used to offer a soother and if they still fussed, I would try to nurse again.



As long as your baby is having 6-8 wet diapers a day and not losing weight, you are doing everything fine!

Brandy - posted on 11/14/2008

Definitely try fenugreek and pumping after you feed him (to help stimulate milk production). It will be a few days of labor on your part to have to pump after he eats, but it should pay off. I had the same problem and fenugreek did miracles for me. Just remember too, that your baby is getting more than the pump is. Your body responds to your baby much better than the pump does. And milk production can sometimes be phsycological. Try to relax and not think too much about not making enough milk (easier said than done, I know.) But if you try these things and you still feel discouraged, don't hesitate to call you Dr. Good luck! And don't give up! You'll be so glad you persisted. :)

Emily - posted on 11/14/2008

oatmeal is great for milk supply, and also fenugreek. I was having this concern in the beginning w/ my daughter so I got a script for domperidone from my dr- this really helped and now that my daughter is 3 months old we have established our milk supply so it is perfect for our needs- and I didn't have to finish my script. hth