low supply. Need help quick

Julie - posted on 09/01/2010 ( 8 moms have responded )

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I was sick for a few days and was unable to pump or feed my 9 month old that much and now I have a very low milk supply. I don't know if I am able to get it back up. Any suggestions. I have tried fenugreek and I let him nurse as much as he wants but he has lost interest because there is nothing there for him. I do not want to have to stop nursing him, he was a premie and needs to stay healthy. Help me please!

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8 Comments

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Kathy - posted on 09/07/2010

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Just to clarify about Domperidone - it's not specifically designed to increase milk supply: increasing milk supply is a side effect of the drug:

"Domperidone (Motilium™) is a drug that has, as a side effect, the increasing of milk production, probably by increasing prolactin production by the pituitary gland.

Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates the cells in the mother's breast to produce milk."

Domperidone increases prolactin secretion indirectly, by interfering with the action of dopamine, whose action is to decrease the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland.

Domperidone is generally used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and has not been released in Canada for use as a stimulant for milk production. This does not mean that it cannot be prescribed for this reason, but rather that the manufacturer does not back its use for increasing milk production.

http://www.breastfeedingmums.com/dr_jack...

Sonia - posted on 09/04/2010

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just keep feeding he will be fine he might be teething even the more you worry about it the more trouble your have

Stasia - posted on 09/01/2010

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just keep at it, what you are doing is great it will just take time, and you can get your supply back.

You could also try to continue pumping, adding blessed thistle, fennel tea, oatmeal, and make sure that you get enough fluids and rest.

You could cut back on solids a bit to entice him to eat more or try feeding him in a relaxing bath. good luck!!

Liz - posted on 09/01/2010

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WATER! It can help get it up quickly (to a point) You may be slightly dehydrated from your illness. Drink too much water, and like the others said, nurse as frequently as he will take it. Try as often as you can. Even if he only latches for a few minutes. Wait 20 or 30 minutes and then try again. Definately take a nursing holiday and just nurse all day long. It will come back up, don't give up!!!

Tammy - posted on 09/01/2010

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On top of the other great suggestions, you can get a script from your doctor for Domperidone, which is specifically designed to increase your milk supply.

Sarah - posted on 09/01/2010

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My supply dropped when my premie was around 6 months old. I went on reglan (if you are outside of the u.s. I hear that domperidone is a better option), took fenugreek and blessed thistle, and pumped right after each nursing). It took me about 2-3 weeks to get my supply back. I also used a supplemental nursing system while my supply was coming back so my girl got enough nutrition, but without the bottle. Plus, with an SNS (or similar product - like Lact-Aid), you get the child at the breast longer (since they are still getting "milk"), which also stimulates your body to make more. (This e-mag has GREAT info on at breast supplementation: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/2d42...).

Kellymom.com also has great, science-based info on all aspects of breastfeeding, including getting your supply back up.

All of this seems overwhelming, but, as someone who is on the other side of it, I can tell you it is totally worth it. Best wishes.

Katrina - posted on 09/01/2010

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I have had simular problems with my older kids. If you nurse him then wait about 45 minutes and pump, it should help you boost your supply. The key with pumping is that you should keep pumping for 2 minutes after you see the milk stop. This should get you body thinking that you need to make more. It's also very important to reduce your stress and caffine intake (these are two huge factors in milk supply problems) and increase your water intake. This is what helped me. You should also get in touch with a lactation consultant if theses suggestions don't work. I hope it helps you.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 09/01/2010

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The only thing I can suggest is to offer the breast frequently. If he only nurses for a few minutes then pump afterwards. You can nurse through pretty much any illness unless it's a blood infection. You just have to make sure your doctor knows your nursing if you have to take any medications. Nursing while lying down is the best way to continue to breastfeed while conserving energy when ill. How long did you go without nursing? Try to carry him in a sling and give him free access to your breasts. Take naps with him and let him nurse then too. Other tips for increasing low supply:

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