help need ways to increase breast milk production

Cecilia - posted on 04/07/2010

What kind of pump are you using? I had to rent one from the hospital and it's a very expensive machine but it made me produce more milk I had to pump every 2 hours, and it would be in these bottles and I put it in the fridge, I also know theres a supplement herb you can take to increase lactation, call the leche league and they have tons of great info on breastfeeding.

Emily - posted on 04/07/2010

2oz each side is really good! Why would you need to make 6oz? At one week old your baby is likely only taking an ounce or two at a time.

My second child was also premature and I pumped for her for about a month and a half. I would recommend pumping at least every 3 hours, including overnight. If you're not making enough, the best way to increase the amount is to simply add in another pumping session. However, the best way to increase your supply is by nursing, so get in touch with a lactation consultant who can help you and your baby work on nursing when she is up to it. It's hard work getting a premature baby to nurse, but it's so worth it! Pumping and bottles are a pain. Congrats on your new little one!

Abbie - posted on 04/07/2010

There is a cookie out there, that helps - I guess. I saw it on the TV show the Doctors on Monday I think. Im sorry I don't know the name but maybe google it. Also my lac. nurse said to drink 1 non acholic beer a day, something in the brewing process that can increase milk. Also don't feel bad if you can't make enough milk. I couldn't, my son went on a bottle at 6 weeks and is 2 now and has had 3 colds in his life!! and yes I do let him out of the house :)

Jamie - posted on 04/07/2010

Don't stress about it, when had my daughter I so badly wanted to breast feed, and I didn't even have colostrum when I pumped! That didn't come in unitl she was 4 days old! I pumped about avery 3 hours, and for the first couple weeks barely got 2 ounces, I would even pump at night, and by 4 weeks old I was pumping 12 ounces, it was insane! I stored a ton of it becuase I made so much and she wasnt driking it all. I stopped when she was 7 weeks because I couldn't get her to latch and drink from me and I was so exhausted pumping all day. But I had an entire freezer in my basement full of milk so she was drinking 2-3 bottles of breast mlk every day until she was 6 months old.

Andrea - posted on 04/07/2010

When my daughter was born i started out pumping every 6 hours well that just wasn't enough so then i started pumping every 3 hours.. This helped so much. I also drank alot of water and Ice Cream shacks.. Also they told me to use warm wash clothes while pumping to help relax and help the milk to come down.. But most of the time it takes a little while for milk to come in all the way.. When I stopped pumping i was making almost 50oz to 70oz a week plus i was feeding on demand by this time.. So most important thing is make sure that you eat and DRINK like crazy.. Drinking is one of the most important things to make milk.. Otherwise ask to speak with a Lactation Con... ( I know where i am from they would come right in to my daughter NICU room and help me if i had any question or problems.) i hope that this is helpful to you in some way.. Take care and Best Wishes to you and your new little girl... Congrats to you.. Hope all is well with you and your daughter..

Dana - posted on 04/07/2010

I just want to clarify, it will take a while for your supply to drop from pumping. It's nothing you need to worry about now, just keep it in mind for down the road.

Holly - posted on 04/07/2010

Fenugreek capsules you can find them at any health food store or organic section in the supermarkets

Dana - posted on 04/07/2010

Yes, look for fenugreek. You can find a tea called Mother's milk that has fenugreek in it but I preferred just taking it in capsule form. I took 3 in the morning and 3 at night. It helped a lot!

I too had a preemie and it was a struggle to get him to breastfeed. I had to pump at first because he couldn't suck and swallow the milk or stay awake long enough for a bottle so he was tube fed. It took over a month to get him to latch on but I just kept on trying everyday multiple times a day before he was hungry and fussy. Your not going to get as much milk if you keep pumping, your supply will drop...after a while. Are you pumping every 2 hrs, because that is a MUST if you want to produce enough milk.