Breastfeeding....

Christina - posted on 03/25/2009

you can take an herb FenuGreek. its found in health stores and helps increase your milk supply. i'm just starting it today, my son is almost 3 weeks old and I've done great with feeding him but when i pump i only get about 2oz each time (and i go back to classes next week so i need to have enough stored for him) my LC said FenuGreek helps build your supply (most women can barely pump an oz and end up pumping full bottles each time after taking it) the only thing she mentioned about it is that it can cause mild diarrhea the first day or so. You take 2-3 capsules 2-4times a day and by 3-4 days your milk supply is in and you don't need to take it anymore because your body will keep demanding that much as long as your feeding.

Also, to get her to nurse on both sides if she eats off one then falls asleep try changing her diaper to wake her up. If the second side just doesnt appeal to her for some reason try putting a little sugar water on your nipple to see if she'll take to it.

Crystal - posted on 03/24/2009

I didn't notice if some one had suggested this but try to look up your local Le Leche Group (http://www.llli.org/). They usually have information at the hospital and/or support groups. I also have noticed that I can get more pumped if I pump while I am feeding my baby on the other breast. It looks like you have a lot of support and ideas off this website. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 03/21/2009

Breast feeding info I've read indicates that a baby gets about 1 ounce more than what can be pumped (due to the sucking action).  I had trouble after about 21/2 weeks into it because I fed "on demand" and he was eating/snacking every hour.  I couldn't pump more than 1 oz.  After I stretched the time between feeding to 2 1/2 hour (from start to start) I can now feed him on one side and pump 2 1/2 to 3 oz.  Much better!  I have to warn that you have to listen to some crying at first though!

Morgan - posted on 03/13/2009

Eating regularly and expressing helped me out!

Leah - posted on 03/12/2009

Health food stores sell "nursing tea".  It helped me a lot.  As well as pumping between feeds.  It was very slow going at first, but stick to it, and the milk should come in soon.

Melissa - posted on 03/11/2009

When I met with my baby's pediatrician I asked her about this very issue..what would happen if my baby does not get enough when I start breastfeeding. She said that there were things we could try before resorting to formula supplementation. I see several people have mentioned the fenugreek which was one of them. The other was some type of prescription. I would call a lactation counselor, your OB or your child's pediatrician to ask for some help.

Brianne - posted on 03/10/2009

all is going much better. she only gets a bottle before bed now. thank goodness we got it figured out.

Domonique - posted on 03/10/2009

if expressing does not work try fenugreek it is a herbal supplement to increase your milk. I used it with my first and it worked. but i cant remember how many i had to take. talk to a lactaion consultant if you can to find out the recommendation.

Sarah - posted on 03/10/2009

If you express after feeding it will get your body producing more milk. I initially started out breastfeeding every feed and due to baby's tongue tie making me very sore after 20 mins I had to stop and top up with formula. But I now feed formula every feed but one where I give her expressed milk. So you can mix the feeds, but SOME babies who have bottles get lazy and don't feed well on the breast.

Crystal - posted on 03/10/2009

How goes the nursing Brianne?

Anne - posted on 03/07/2009

I had alot of issues in the beginning when I was nursing my son (3 1/2 yo now). In the hospital they threatened to put him in the NICU if I didn't give him formula :-(  I started pumping so they would stop threatening. Anyway, I nursed him on demand, and went from an undersupply to an oversupply, and would only nurse on one side at a time. Eventually it all evened out, but it took a few months. I ended up nursing him for 20 months and am so glad I worked through the early difficulties. I'm very much looking forward to nursing my daughter, and hope she decides to come soon!

Amie - posted on 03/06/2009

LOL that's the truth for sure. =) There's always something with kids.

I know what you mean about baby too. Mine all dropped weight after being born, it's quite normal. =) They gain it back fast though. So don't stress too much about anything. Though that can be hard I know. =)

Brianne - posted on 03/06/2009

yea he told us we needed to substitute formula cus they put on weight faster with it than breastmilk and she dropped a pound in the hospital so was REALLY little when we brought her home 5lbs 4oz.

Now the challenge is getting her to nurse off both sides...my milk is all there and there's enough. If it's not one thing it's another I guess.

Amie - posted on 03/05/2009

Just don't use the formula. Did your doctor suggest to start using it? Your milk supply takes a few days to regulate itself so if you started doing this right away it's probably why your still not producing enough. The first week or two is always the worst, baby seems to want eat all the time, I know my 3 did. But I just kept at it and once my body adjusted to their needs all was fine and they were on a normal eating schedule that I could live with.

Shannon - posted on 03/05/2009

Oatmeal it worked with my dd

Crystal - posted on 03/05/2009

Well enough said, keep feeding she'll be ok, it takes a bit for your milk to fully come in but if you plan on solely breastfeeding you have to keep up with it and the formula substitution will only help to diminish your supply unless you pump it all out instead, which is also an option. There are various breast pumps for as little as $30 all the way up to the hospital grade ones that are a few hundred dollars. I have an evenflo electronic or battery powered that I've had for 5 years and its great since I don't need to pump alot and even if I do it can handle the job. Good luck!

Candice - posted on 03/04/2009

i had twins 5 days ago and to get a huge milk supply i expressed after feeding it doesnt matter if u dont get any the first few times but the extra stimulation will help u produce some more milk.

Amanda - posted on 03/04/2009

I wouldn't substitute the formula, keep breastfeeding and eventually if there is enough demand your supply will go up. I also suggest reading Dr. Newman's book on breastfeeding. Its really good, it has a list of different herbs you can take to increase your milk production.