Need to increase milk supply any ideas?? Pleas help

Ellynor - posted on 01/17/2010

Thank you everyone for your advice. I will try all of them and see which one works. :)

Shannon - posted on 01/17/2010

Oatmeal. I personally would eat oatmeal no bake cookies and eat oatmeal for breakfast. Non-alcoholic beer will also increase your milk for a short time. Increase the amount you are pumping. Pump in between feedings pump a few minutes longer after you stop getting any milk. And pump after the baby finishes nursing. Hot showers directly on your chest and then pump right after. It stimulates your milk.

Elissa - posted on 01/15/2010

i know it sounds silly but you need to feed on demand. most people say they do but also give baby dummies, or limit - for instance your baby feeds more in the evening because prolactin levels are naturally lower so they tend to cluster feed. This is normal - its not a sign of poor supply. Every time baby wants fed, or is colicky, or cant sleep, or has sore gums, latch her on. breastfeeding is great for all these comlplaints as the endorphins are natural painkillers, breastfeeding also soothes windiness and relaxes them to sleep.

Sometimes it will feel like you do nothing for a day or two but feed (especially when they're growing) and this is also normal. Remember - babies dont need routine, adults need routine and impose their need on their babies. Feeding on demand and for soothing will improve your supply, create a happier, more contented baby and help with a lot of the things that make them feel bad and cry a lot. Good luck x

Lee - posted on 01/15/2010

wow this is good advice.

i myself just drink a lrge glass of milk and water,plenty of water(as everyone will tell you anyway), and milk and cookis or cereal and milk are a good fill up for me.i can fill them up in ten minutes doing that.

hope it helps.

Kelsey - posted on 01/14/2010

I had this problem too. Remember that your body works on a supply and demand system. If the demand is high, your body will produce more milk. Even when you are at home with your baby, pump right after he nurses. Your milk supply will be the highest first thing in the morning. After your baby nurses, pump the rest off. You may also want to consider pumping right before you go to bed to trick your body into thinking that your baby is feeding again.

If you still have difficulty getting the milk supply up, there are herbal medications that work. I have used Fenugreek, which you can get at many grocery stores. Take two capsules 3 times a day with your meals and drink LOTS of water (which you should be doing anyway). Do this for a week and then slowly wean yourself off by going down to 1 capsule 3 times a day for a week, 1 capsule twice a day for a week, then 1 capsule once a day for a week.

As a last resort, there is a prescription medication. The medication is called Reglan (the generic is metacloprimide). There are side effects, but it works. I used Reglan after a prescription I was on for something else dried up my milk supply. I tolerated it well, and never had to supplement with formula. If you have tried everything else, Reglan may be worth a try, BUT you'll want to discuss the side effects, benefits and risks with your physician.

Good luck, and hang in there.

Elizabeth - posted on 01/14/2010

I was just having this same problem after returning to work. I asked my pediatrician what methods were safe for the baby and she told me to pump after each feeding and every two hours, drink lots of fluid, and you can also take an herb called Fenugreek. It is available at vitamin stores like GNC or Vitamin World. I haven't been able to find it at retail stores like Walgreens or CVS. You take 2 tablets 3 times a day. It really does work for me. I would check with your doctor or at least research it before using just to make sure it is safe for you. Hope that helps! Good Luck and hang in there. Don't give up!

Jeanette - posted on 01/14/2010

apple warm compresses before pumping, massage breast before and during pumping, look at picture of yur baby, pump at baby bedside, listen to relaxing music, have some one give you a back massege during pumping, place a cloth with scent onf baby close to you, increase pumping to every 2 hours for 48 hours, increase suction on pump, kangaroo care (skin-yo-skin) Good luck

Akesha - posted on 01/14/2010

I had this same question a few weeks back... Remember that it can take up to 5 days to see the results from the changes you make to help increase your supply. Make sure you're getting enough REST and WATER. Also, be sure you're eating well balanced meals throughout the day, and don't forget your fruit. Apples are great! Peanut butter helps too :) Also, add 1 or 2 extra pumps a day.

I found when my supply was low it was because I wasn't drinking enough water and not eating very well... Shame on me :o)

These things should help you. Just give it 5 days and see if you don't see an increase.

Good luck :)

Nicole - posted on 01/14/2010

you could try pumping after feedings and stay well hydrated.

Ashley - posted on 01/14/2010

I call a lactation consultant every time I have a problem and she suggested to me to increase your protein intake. She suggested those South Beach Diet protein bars. My problem was my son was doing fine in the mornings and then would want to nurse constantly in the evening. So that is when she told me to eat them. Also lots of water and let your baby nurse as much as they want to. The more they eat, the more it stimulates your milk production! Hope this helps!!! :-)