Help! Milk supply is almost dry, DD is only 11 months

Jennifer - posted on 04/05/2011

When my younger son was introduced to new solids, he barely nursed for a couple of days as he enjoyed the novelty of the new food, but after a few days he was back nursing more. I agree with the other poster that mentioned cutting out the formula. At eleven months, with solids and breastfeeding, I would not think formula would be necessary. Good luck with your breastfeeding journey!

Kathy - posted on 04/05/2011

Great news, Liz! Yes, teeth might be the problem!

Liz - posted on 04/05/2011

She fed really well today!! She nursed 5 times and seemed satisfied for at least an hour and a half!!
I measured out her food before we started meals and only gave her that amount after she nursed from both sides. She did have one 6 ounce bottle of formula while I was out running errands. We will see how tonight goes. If she doesn't eat enough during the day, she wakes up a TON at night to catch up.
I did notice today that she may have her second set of top teeth coming in. That would be a good reason for why she didn't want to nurse as much the last week.
Thanks for all of the helpful advice ladies!

Kathy - posted on 04/05/2011

Many mums fing that the return of their period can have a temporary effect on their milk, and some extra feeds are required to sort things out again!

It's a bit worrying that she's only feeding twice a day.Frequent feeding is essential, BUT make sure you get the latch right. As she's 11 months old now, you've probably got that worked out.
I thin your idea to cut down on solids is a good one, and make sure you breastfeed her BEFORE you give her her solids.

With formula, again, offer the breast first. If she's still fussy after the breastfeed, offer the other breast.

With regard to the mothers' milk tea, I couldn't answer that (when i was breastfeeding it hadn't been invented!) With other galactogogues, such as fenugreek, I am not aware of any scientific study on the effectiveness of these, but many mothers find them invaluable. However, I would guess that they must be taken AS WELL AS increased breastfeeding.

All the best.

Liz - posted on 04/05/2011

I should add that there are days when she only nurses one time for 2 or 3 minutes. I am going to try feeding her less solids too. She is not quite 11 months (will be in 4 days). She will eat until I cut her off, literally 2 cups of food in one sitting.

Emily - posted on 04/05/2011

Offer your breast before you give a bottle of formula. Even if she's only nursing for 30 seconds, that still gives your breasts stimulation to make more milk. Regardless though, I don't think from reading your post that you are almost "dried up." It's REALLY normal for babies by that age to nurse VERY quickly. Does not mean that they're not getting a lot of milk out. Just means that they nurse very efficiently. Both of my kids by 8 months or so never nursed more than 5 minutes at a time. Yet my first nursed for over 3 years and we are now at 19 months with my second. Even if your breasts are being stimulated a tiny amount, they will continue to make milk. Just put her on the boob as much as possible. You could also try hand-expressing to stimulate milk production.

Leslie - posted on 04/05/2011

Can you rent a pump from the hospital or get one some how? When my milk supply was low I had to pump each time after I nursed to make my body produce more. Also I would pump before I went to bed. I took fenugreek pills as well. It has more potency than the tea. Also you could ask your pediatrician if you could go ahead and give her whole milk instead of the formula. She's close to a year so that might be ok. Personally I would rather give milk than the formula but that's just me.

Liann - posted on 04/05/2011

When my 1 month old went into the hospital I had to stop breastfeeding him because of his medical condition and exclusively pump. My milk supply took a huge hit and the lactation consultant recommended a supplement called more milk plus made my Motherlove. I found it at a Whole Foods. It tastes awful in liquid form, I did not try the pills. It did help though. Also, if she won't nurse and you don't have a pump your supply is not very likely to come back. I had to pump every two hours for a couple days to get things flowing right again. If nursing has become stressful for both of you then it may be time to let her go to just formula. She may just be telling you she's ready to wean. You've done a wonderful job nursing for this long and she will reap many of the benefits of having been breastfed.

Liann - posted on 04/05/2011

When my 1 month old went into the hospital I had to stop breastfeeding him because of his medical condition and exclusively pump. My milk supply took a huge hit and the lactation consultant recommended a supplement called more milk plus made my Motherlove. I found it at a Whole Foods. It tastes awful in liquid form, I did not try the pills. It did help though. Also, if she won't nurse and you don't have a pump your supply is not very likely to come back. I had to pump every two hours for a couple days to get things flowing right again. If nursing has become stressful for both of you then it may be time to let her go to just formula. She may just be telling you she's ready to wean. You've done a wonderful job nursing for this long and she will reap many of the benefits of having been breastfed.

Liz - posted on 04/05/2011

I will have to try the tea. I really want to continue bf'ing for a while longer. She still uses it for comfort and asks to nurse on occasion.

Donna - posted on 04/04/2011

Yes mothers milk tea works as done fenegreek. I have used both of these. I was worried about my milk drying up so I did a lot of reading about breastfeeding. A few things come to mind. Get enough REST! Find out the foods, herbs, & spices that decrease milk (like parsley). Avoid worry & stress. I've heard that all babies are different & some wean themselves earlier than others. Perhaps your baby is just ready to be weaned.