Breastfeeding

Allison - posted on 08/20/2010

PS I think that statistically, only 1%-3% of women actually cannot produce enough milk for their babies (that's VERY few) - and even then there are steps you can take to boost supply. La Leche Leaugue is a great support for all breastfeeding questions: http://www.llli.org/resources.html. They have FREE local support people/groups around the world - so you can call them up locally if the website doesn't answer your questions :)

Allison - posted on 08/20/2010

several ladies gave good tips, especially that you should keep nursing or pumping when your baby wants it to keep your supply matched to his needs. If you aren't nursing or pumping as often as he eats, you will make less milk, and eventually will likely not be making enough for him. But your milk is the best, so it's very worth it to keep up your supply for your little one!



An additional note, pumping is NOT a very good indicator of overall supply, since you make MORE when baby nurses than for the pump. I pumped at work (40 hrs/week) for my baby's first year, and never could make quite enough pumping, but when nursing he usually got plenty. So I had to pump about 1 "extra" time per day to make up enough milk for him to have for the next day.



There were definitely growth spurts, teething, etc. when I doubted he was getting enough even when nursing, because he would not seem satisfied (with anything...), and other people would suggest giving him a bottle of formula. But I never did, and I am very glad because my supply was plenty - he continued to grow like a weed on exclusively breastmilk (99%-tile!!!) :) As long as baby is healthy, gaining weight, peeing, etc. you can rest assured that he is getting enough - even if he cries sometimes for no reason you can think of, if you are nursing/pumping when he feeds, it's *probably* NOT low supply :) Although many pediatricians are horrible for breastfeeding support and knowledge (in my experience), they CAN tell you if your baby is healthy and growing - so you can have him get a checkup if that will set your mind at ease, too :) Good luck!

Heather - posted on 08/20/2010

if baby is actually swallowing, do here the gulping, if milk dripples from the mouth, if baby is wetting 5-6 diapers a day you are good!

Becky - posted on 08/20/2010

i have fed all five of mine for between 18 and 30 months, by about 6 months my boobs are pretty flat and my babies only feed for 10 mins or so but they were all getting enough. i think my milk is like cream, you just dont need that much to fill you up. as long as they have wet nappies and are happy your milk is perfect. and if you need to make more milk, rest and drink and eat cake! never give your baby formula to top them up it mucks up your own supply xx keep it up

Celeste - posted on 08/20/2010

I'm sorry Katie, that is incorrect. The frequency of nursing isn't an indicator of supply. The best indicator of supply is baby's diapers. Please read this about what are *NOT* indicators of supply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-su...

I just don't want mothers thinking their supply is low because their babies nurse often, because that is actually very normal for breastfed babies.

Katie - posted on 08/20/2010

pumping is going to help increase your production if you're afraid that you aren't getting enough for your child. you can also gauge output by the frequency of their feedings. if your child is hungry again after two hours chances are you will need to increase your supply.

Katy - posted on 08/18/2010

your babys pee will be a very pale yellow color, not a dark yellow. he/she is continuing to gain weight.

Olivia - posted on 08/17/2010

Checking the diapers is definitely a big indicator. Also, if baby is nursing regularly and you can tell is satisfied after every feeding then you can be sure they are getting what they need. If they weren't they would cry because of it. Yes you definitely need to pump while baby is taking a bottle because your breasts will be expecting that nursing and if they don't get it than they will adjust themselves and you may not have milk at that time another day.

Charlie - posted on 08/17/2010

check how many wet diapers and check weight gain regularly .

Kathy - posted on 08/17/2010

Caroline, I'm having problems understanding this - could you expand please?

Celeste - posted on 08/17/2010

If you need to give bottles, then yes, you would need to pump for that missed feed. Nursing works on supply and demand. If there's nothing to "demand" it, your body won't supply it.

Sandi - posted on 08/17/2010

no im not pumping maybe i should so it keeps a good supply going on?

Celeste - posted on 08/17/2010

Breasts not feeling full is a GOOD thing. You don't want your breasts to feel full.

Are you pumping when you're giving bottles? Giving bottles can interfere with supply, especially if you're not pumping for that feed.

Sandi - posted on 08/17/2010

Bubs is 5 months old he used to feed off me all day and then i started adding bottles in now hes just having me morning and night really, they just never feel full anymore like they used too so im hoping he is getting enough

Ashleigh - posted on 08/17/2010

Yep.The best way to make sure is diaper out put.It doesn't mater how old your child is.You can nurse as long as you and he want.Just do a diaper count daily for a while...Also,as long as hes gaining as he should then you're fine.Although with that all babies are different and you cant alwaya go with whats 'normal'

Celeste - posted on 08/17/2010

The best way to know if you're producing enough is by baby's output, which is, if they're getting plenty of diapers (6-8), your supply is fine.

Caroline - posted on 08/17/2010

how old is your child ,that could be a factor ,have your estorgen check by a doctor to see if it's time for you to stop breast feeding