Seeking Advice on Lactation/latching Issues with 1 Month Old

My doctor told me it was fine to drink one beer a day and also to drink the malted ovaltine. Hope this helps!

T. W.

My milk production dropped when I didn't drink enough water...hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Hope this helps!
D.

My daughter is 4 mos old now. We had problems with breastfeeding when she was born and I also had concerns about how much I was producing. Even when I felt totally full, I was only pumping about 2 oz. per breast. When I called multiple lactation consultants they said that this was normal. I understand it isn't easy and is painful. Lansinhol(?) was a lifesaver for me. One of the ways I heard of to help milk production was to have a beer. Something about the hops helps I guess. I know it probably isn't a way a doctor would recommend, but it works. Good luck

doing supplemental formula from a bottle was the beginning of the end of breastfeed for me and my daughter. here is somehting i learned after i was done with breastfeeding:just because you only pump a few ounces does not mean that you do not have enough milk. a more reliable gage is looking at your babies signs she is getting a enough: several wet diapers through out the day, gaining weight, and seeming satisfied after a feeding. if i were you i would stop with the supplements of formula and nurse your baby every2-3 hrs. the more stimulation you get the more milk you will make. if you feel you must supplement use a suplemental nurser instead of a bottle that way you will get breast stimulation and your baby will get what she needs.you can wean her of the formula as your milk supply increases. as far as the herbal supplements are concerned, with the fenugreek i know that you have to take way more than is suggested on the bottle for it to work(like 3 caps 3xs per day) i am wondering if this is the same with the drops you are taking.also drink an insane amount of water. just when you think you have had enough, drink some more. you may be running to the potty alot but it is super important to stay hydrated. those are all the suggestions that i have. check out www.kellymom.com they have soo many helpful tips on that site including info on using a suplemental nurser(you can oder these on the internet) and i can get you the name a reputable company if you need(i ordered one through them myself) best of luck to you for a great breastfeeding experience,N.

My first question for you is: Have you contacted a lactation consultant through La Leche League in your area?? If you have not PLEASE do so as soon as possible. They can be of sooo much help. One thing that I have learned through my years of nursing 5 children is alot of rest is needed, good diet and tons of healthy fluids. Avoid pop, high sugar drinks and caffienated drinks as well. Also, Breastmilk is a supply and demand process. The more the baby nurses the more milk you will produce. So if you are supplementing then your milk supply will be diminished by that amount/time. And, not having a feeding schedule and allowing the baby to nurse at will, and for aslong as she desires should boost your milk supply as well. I hope this helps. and don't forget to contact La Leche League. They are wonderful group of women and have alot of great information and support. Keep up the good work!

First, a bit of my background, so you understand where I'm coming from.

My daughter is 9 months old, exclusively breastfed, and it took some doing. I was in pain for the first month because, though she had a great latch, it was wrong for my body and it made my nipples scream in pain.

I never cracked, have never had any typical nursing issues, and after those first 3-4 weeks, managed to get her latch adjusted to suit me and we've done fine since.

I tried to pump when it hurt too much to have her nurse.
I was very frustrated with how little I could pump.

Here's what works for us:
Number one - stop watching the clock.
Number two - trust your body and stop trying to rationalize or think about it. Your body will produce what your baby needs if you don't get in its way and your baby will tell you and tell your body what she needs.

Your baby gives off signals that your body receives and responds to. However, when you get in the way you run into trouble.

I chose not to use formula at all. I had one can on standby in case something went horribly wrong with my nursing ability, but never thought I'd actually need it. There were a few times I sorta entertained the idea that I could just mix up a bottle for her because my nipples hurt so much those first few weeks, but my husband reminded me each time of our intent. I think the main thing that kept me going was knowing that I didn't want to put the chemicals into my baby and didn't want to lose sleep as a result of the tummy ache the formula would give her.

We here can all tell you what worked for us, but if I were you (and I was reluctant at first too) I would go to the following web page(s) and talk to someone on the phone. LLL really does work.

http://www.llli.org/help_form
http://www.lllusa.org/COWY/CO.html

Sore nipples are caused by an improper latch, not how often you nurse. They can still be getting milk but be a little off center.

I am currently nursing my 4th child. I am hardly ever able to get much milk from the pump, but all my kids nursed fine. I went to Wee Steps when this one was 5 days old - they weigh the baby, then you nurse, then they weigh the baby again. She was getting 6 oz. in 10 minutes. Much more than I can get with a pump. A baby's suckle is much different than most pumps, Medela has a model that more accurately mimics a baby's fluttering pull.

My first had a hard time latching on then I used the shields, so with each of the others I started using the shields about a month before my due date.

The one I'm nursing now started out with an improper latch, she was still getting enough milk but my nipples hurt so bad I was in tears every time she nursed. It took some time for me to learn how to readjust her latch and then it was just fine. Every once in a while we'll get lazy and she'll latch on wrong and I'll have a sore nipple for a few days then I go back to taking her off the nipple and having her re-latch until we find the proper position.

It is true that not producing enough milk is a rarity. It has become more common because our diets have changed so much - more people drinking caffinated drinks and refined sugars. Cut out caffiene and drink 8 - 10 glasses of water per day(I usually have a glass while I'm nursing to help me remember). Some people will put warm compresses on their breasts before nursing/pumping to stimulate let down.

Milk production is a supply and demand process, so the more you nurse/pump the more you will produce. I don't know how well suppliments work. Billions of babies have gotten enough nurishment in much worse conditions for thousands of years before there ever was formula. When it was a problem for the mom to nurse usually another lactating women would nurse the baby.

(BTW) A midwife told me that a LDS client of hers who uses natural planning stimulates milk production often - has the baby nurse a couple minutes in between feedings so that she could stave off menses for a year or so.

good luck to you - I know how painful it is. What helped me toughen up my nipples was to dip a black tea bag in hot water, squeeze the excess out and place them on my nipples - it felt soooo good. Has to be black caffinated tea - its the tannins that help. And after each nurse I would apply lanolin to my nipples.

A.,

I've seen so many moms go through this. They think they aren't making enough milk, they start supplementing, then baby either refuses the breast completely because the bottle is easier, or their milk supply slowly dries up. Mom winds up blaming herself, and everyone tells her not to worry, she "just couldn't do it."

Milk production is supply and demand. If you daughter eats formula, she is not demanding that amount of milk from you, so your body will not make it. You mentioned that she is 6 weeks old. That is a classic age for a growth spurt. It may be that she was nursing like mad to increase your milk supply. You are partly right, you WEREN'T making enough milk, but that doesn't mean that you can't. If you really want to nurse her, you have to back off the supplements. Could you contract with yourself to give her two days without supplements? Most women's milk supply takes a day or two to catch up. That's why babies often nurse like crazy for a few days before a growth spurt, to bring in milk, then slow back down when your supply adjusted. Maybe you could slowly cut back the amount she is supplemented, instead of stopping cold turkey. Supplement one less ounce at each feeding. Also, you mention that you are getting milk from the pump AFTER you supplement your daughter with formula, so obviously you still have milk that she is not getting. I wouldn't put any kind of time limit on how long she nurses; just let her nurse. Feed her on demand, and let her nurse for as long as she wants (Within reason. I always detatched my daughter after about a 45 minutes total, or she would nurse for hours on end.) It is a myth that your baby will get all the milk she can within 5 minutes or 10 minutes, or any other set amount of time. Also, do not try to schedule her feedings, or "stretch" the amount of time she is going between feedings. Breastmilk is easy for baby to digest (which is a good thing!) so they need to eat often. The current wisdom is baby should eat every three hours or so, but many moms need to feed their breastfed babies every two hours, sometimes even more often. This is NORMAL, and it will stretch out as baby gets older.

Pumping CAN help increase your milk supply, but for many moms it does not. Many women simply do not respond to a breastpump. The fact that you are only pumping 1-2 ounces does not mean that she only gets one to two ounces when she is nursing. No matter how good your pump is, baby is ALWAYS better. There is a complex chemical reaction involved in milk letdown, and it is tied to your emotions and your relationship with your baby. That's why pump manufacturers tell you to think about your baby or look at a picture of him/her when you pump. Remember that pumping is a poor second to breastfeeding. (I mean for increasing your supply.) Anytime you can nurse your daughter instead of pumping, do it.

Just put your daughter to the breast as often as you can. If you are struggling with soreness, talk to a lactation consultant or a La Leche League leader and get them to look at your positioning. (You can find a local LLL group at http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html. All their services are free. They are extensively trained and they have also all nursed their own babies.) Some soreness is normal, but it should go away within 30 seconds after baby is latched on or so. Improper positioning can also decrease how much milk baby is getting from the breast - no supply problem, just a mechanical problem with removal. The best thing you can do is get someone to check your positioning and baby's latch, then just let her nurse. The more she nurses, the more milk you make. It really is that simple. You don't have to pump if you are at home with your daughter. You may or may not get help from herbal supplements. Just keep your daughter close to you - a sling can really help with this - keep her naked as much as possible against your naked skin. Skin-to-skin contact has been proven in several studies to increase baby's desire to nurse as well as mom's milk production. Beyond that, just nurse her and trust your body and your baby.

Best of luck,
S. L

Remember that you must be DRINKING WATER, lots of water in order to produce milk. Each time you sit down to nurse have a full glass of water with you that you can drink while your baby's nursing.

Remember that you must EAT HIGH QUALITY foods that provide the nutrition needed for your body and your baby's. Do NOT rest on the tale that your body will take from you what the baby needs--that's only true if you have it to begin with and only for as long as you have it to take.

Remember that you're STILL GROWING A BABY just as your were when you were pregnant so CONTINUE those suppliments.

Remember you NEED REST! Part of the purpose for the way our bodies work, for breastfeeding to to help ensure the mother isn't too active for her body's ability to repair itself. When we sleep, our body does all the repairs and building from the damage we've created throughout the day, if we've injured ourselves, contracted an illness, or given birth, there is an extra significant load of work...and if you're not resting or taking it easy enough in the first few weeks following birth, your body isn't able to do all the functions we ask of it as well...producing milk can be one of the things your body puts on the chopping block if it's feeling overwhelmed.

Mental and emotional stress puts strain on your body, too, so it applies to the above statement.

NOW, it's VITAL you remember the basic growth spurt schedule: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (3 months), 6 months, 9 months, 12 month, etc.... These are times when your baby will require more feeding from you for a few days in order to build your supply...don't mistake this time for you not providing enough for her.

Remember, babies breastfeed for more reasons than simple hunger. They also nurse for comfort, boredom, overstimulation, pain, etc... Many Moms start supplimenting because they misunderstand their baby.

Remember that what's you're able to pump is NOT and indication on what you're baby is able to demand from your body. The baby has a completely different method of calling and extracting milk from the breast than a pump. You and your body also know the difference. Your body is so perceptive about your baby it will raise it's temperature to whole degrees when you hold her AND increase the antibodies in your milk when she's ill in anyway, including a simple cold.

Remember, adding anything to your baby's diet will reduce the demand she places on your body. She will nurse differently and your supply will dwindle.

For your nipples, allow them to air dry when you nurse. Be sure you're placing her properly on BOTH sides. Many times we Moms have it down perfectly for ONE side and the other we do differently because we try to use our dominant hand for both sides. Pay close attention to how you're latching her on, when you get her on successfully (meaning she's nursing well AND you're comfortable) do the exact same thing on the other side--be diligent about ensuring your really are doing the same exact thing--we've all made the mistake of not making sure.

Also for your nipples, Remember to refrain from pulling her off. If you want to take her off the breast, place your finger in her mouth beside your nipple prior to pulling out. Babies have a bite-down reflex that can bread havoc on those sensitive nipples.

Binding the breasts is a method used to cut milk supply, so make certain you're not wearing a bra that's too tight and that you're not sleeping on your stomach.

Nursing on demand is the best way to keep up a good supply. Remember that a strict rigid schedule doesn't allow for sick babies, growing babies, or distressed babies to get what they NEED (not want)and can allow you to deminish your milk supply. Remember that when you're following the basic 2-3 hours that it's from START to START and NOT from FINISH to START--many a mom confuses that and believes she's not producing enough when in actuality she's right on par.

Remember, too, that breastfed babies do not follow growth chart exactly because those charts are based on formula fed babies who metabolize thier food differently. So you're looking for STEADY growth and developement instead of LANDMARKS on the curve. You're looking for your baby to be on track to triple her birth weight around her first birthday...don't confuse the chart with actual progress--they may not match exactly and you're still producing enough milk.

Good luck to you Honey,

This may sound crazy, but women in my generation would drink beer to increase lactation. Now I'm not advocating you become a lush, because that wouldn't be good either, but there was something to this. It certainly helped many women.

K. R.

Ask your Doctor to prescribe Domperidone for you, mine did it over the phone so I did not even need a Dr. appt. Domperidone causes an increase in the production of prolactin, which is a hormone that stimulates the production of breastmilk. It is very effective and has a low risk of side effects, you may get a headache or dry mouth but that is not too common, it does NOT have the same mood changing side effects as Relgan does, which is so important! It is safe for your baby too, in fact some babies take Domperidone to treat excessive spit up problems, your baby would ingest less than a baby who has had Domperidone prescribed to him. Also, talk to a lacation consultant or educator to make sure that your baby has a good latch, feeding her from a bottole can mess up her latch and make her "lazy" when it comes to feeding as she will expect the milk to gush out like it does from a bottle. Be aware that the more formula you feed her the less milk you will produce. So try breastfeeding more instead of going to the bottle, even if you feel like your breasts are "empty" when she is nursing it stimulates more milk to be produced. Don't give up, breastfeeding is worth the effort and it will get eaiser! Good luck!

You are working so hard! I am so impressed with your devotion--you deserve a trophy!
That said, I cannot give you a trophy, but I can echo some of the comments you've already received. I highly recommend you contact a La Leche League Leader in your area to give you some personal help. All their services are free of charge, and you will probably get a few ideas to try that will encourage you. Here are a few things I do know:
Something I learned from my experience with LLL are the ideas of "finish the first breast first" and "watch your baby, not the clock." Human milk changes consistency during each feeding. The first milk that comes out is thin, high in water in protein, called foremilk. As Baby keeps nursing or you keep pumping, the milk changes into the rich, creamy, high-fat hindmilk. Sometimes babies send signals of being unsatisfied after nursings because they are switched too soon, and did not get enough hindmilk to really feel full and satisfied. Switching breasts used to be recommended for all moms, and now it's suggested as a way to maintain interest for a sleepy or preemie baby. I have heard switching suggested as a way to increase supply if you switch back once again to the first breast, to allow both breasts to receive stimulation but also Baby to get plenty of hindmilk.
I know some moms who have had great success with the prescription drug Reglan. It is most effective when taken during the first six months of lactation, which may mean you're a perfect candidate for it. I do know it can have some negative effects on mood, so consult with your doctor or midwife and see if it woudl be good for your--I have heard some NICU lactation consultants say Reglan worries them when already discouraged/depressed moms of preemies start taking it. BUT, it is supposed to help boost milk supply and its something you only take temporarily.
Domperidone is also considered effective and is available through Canadian pharmacies. I think there's more info about it at www.kellymom.com, and certainly at www.llli.org.
You may also find breast compression helpful. You simply hold your hand in that shape of a C and gently compress your breast and hold it there for a count of 10 to 20 while you nurse or pump. Then release the compression and shift your C-hold to another position on your breast and hold it again. Many moms find this helps them keep milk moving out of all ducts so they all receive proper emptying and stimulation to produce more.
Since you say your nipples are sore, I wonder about thrush, too, but I also wonder if the flanges of your pump are fitting you properly. You can get different sized flanges for most models of pumps to accomodate larger or smaller nipples (because seriously, hardly anyone is "average") and it makes a huge difference in pumping comfort. Using a slow-flow, wide-based nipple if you decide to use a bottle, and also avoiding pacifiers and other artifical nipples as much as possible can help keep your latch issues from coming up again or getting worse and making you sore. . . Baby's lower lip should be flipped out like a fish, and I'm sure you already know. Sometimes a lttle teeny tug on her chin can make it flip out without having to release her to start a latch all over again.
Swallowing is a reflex, so just because Baby will take more doesn't mean she wasn't satisfied. While you of course want to make sure she's receiving enough calories to grow properly, the extra formula might backfire on you because she will be too full to nurse vigorously and give you less stimulation at the breast to produce more. That's something to consult with someone about in person, who better understands your medical background. LLL says "all baby's sucking should be at the breast" for at least the first several weeks to help establish and maintain supply. Of course, you can expect to have frequency days when Baby is going through a growth spurt and just wants to nurse all the time--typically, a mom's supply catches up to her baby's demand in about 24 to 48 hours if she just allows baby to nurse extra and regulate the best fit.
I hear mixed reviews about Mother's Milk teas and other tea mixtures. It is hard to get a precise dose in a tea, so many moms say it's easier and more effective to use capsules for any herbal supplements.
For pumping, I know the rule for increasing supply is to pump for 2 to 5 minutes after you see the last drop of milk. Not what you want to hear while you're already working hard and pumping, but something to consider.
Prolcatin hormone levels are highest in the very early morning hourse, so some moms like to keep their babies near them at night and nurse in bed while snuggling early in the morning to take advantage of that extra hormonal stimulation opportunity. (And seriously, nursing while lying down sounds more relaxing than more pumping, if you can manage it with the nipple shield. Some babies can even be persuaded to take the breast alone without the shield if they are sleepy and snuggly enough.)
Finally, (I'm not clear on if you are nursing twins or not, so sorry if this is not relevant) you might like the book "Mothering Multiples." It talks a lot about nursing twins (or more) and offers a lot of stretegies you won't find elsewhere. It's published by La Leche League and has been recently updated. You can order it from their Web sit eor perhaps find it at your public library, or, if you contact a local LLL Leader, you can borrow it from their group lending library for free.
And it's very true that taking note of poop and urine output is a more reliable measure of Baby's intake and satisfaction than quantity of milk pumped-- a top-of-the-line pump has nothing on a well-latched baby for getting milk out of mom!
Talk to a LLL Leader (find one at www.llli.org) or a supportive, certified lactation consultant for help with drug and herbal doses, and hang in there! You are amazing! Someday your story of hard-won nursing will be like a old war story of something you overcame through love and persistence, and you and your baby will reap the benefits of your breastfeeding relationship for the rest of your lives.
Best wishes--keep us posted!

I had a little trouble with both issues with my son and this is what I was told. If not producing enough milk, look at your diet. I added 1 square of Hershey bar once a day. It richens milk, but more than that gives the baby diarhea. Avoid fast food of any kind. Not good milk producing food, no soda, drink plenty of fluids including juice, milk, water. Lots of water (my dr told me to drink a 16 oz glass while nursing). I found the following really added to my milk production: Homemade noodles, potatoes, cheese, meats of course are great, try not to fry as this causes gas. If these don't help, you may have to consider weaning and using formula.

I haven't read the other responses, so I'll be brief since I am probably repeating information. :) Drink lots of water, try not to suppliment, just let the baby nurse as long as they want. My understanding is that your breasts can actually make milk very quickly and if you let them nurse long enough they will get more. You can also get More Milk Plus from a health food store like Whole Foods - it helps enormously with production (way more than Mother's Milk tea). And of course La Leche League is a wonderful resource - you should check out a meeting.

You should be so proud of yourself that you are trying so hard to breastfeed your daughter. Relax, and know that you are a wonderful mother!

I just want to let you know you are not alone in what you are going through. I had very similar problems in my early weeks of feeding and spent a lot of time crying over it. My tips are basically just a summary of all the others.

1)Skip the supplementing and let your baby nurse the remaining 1-2oz. from you (she'll probably even get more out than the pumping) if she nurses long enough you may even let down again.

2)Use Fenugreek capsules. The tea doesn't have enough to be of any real benefit. However with the capsules, I only use them as needed rather than taking 2 pills 3 times a day. Once a day works for me. I do that for about a week, then take a few days off and start again. It's been a HUGE help.

3)Don't get frustrated if your daughter nurses a little more frequently in the beginning. If she's not getting enough at one feeding she may demand a couple extra feedings a day for a while.

It's work but it pays off in the long run. And what a gift it is for women to be able to provide for their babies in such a wonderful way!

Some women never get very much milk when they pump, but htat doesn't mean that they aren't producikng milk. Have you tried to just nurse? Tru 15-20 minutes per side, and then wait a while before trying a bottle, she might not even need it. If you still have 1-2 ounces after feeing her for 10 on each side, then she isn't draining you, so let her nurse until she says there's no more.

Hi, A.. Hang in there and keep trying! Be sure that you are getting enough to eat and enough water to drink. Your body needs good fuel to produce milk. I know that after having a baby we are all anxious to get our old bodies back, but remember to eat enough: we are supposed to eat 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding (that's even more than we were supposed to eat while pregnant!). Also--and this is hard with a newborn, I know--try to get enough rest so that your body is not too stressed. Contact LaLeche League or the hospital where you had your baby, and ask to speak to a lactation consultant. Keep going--you're doing great! You are strong and wonderful to keep pumping and keep trying--you go, girl!
S.

You need to have your baby nurse even if it hurts. Try either letting milk dry on nipple or I liked to use lanolin and put it on when the baby is done nursing, you can get it from the hospital I think. And only nurse, your baby will stimulate your breasts and you will produce more milk. Bottle feeding takes away from the amount of time you nurse. And instead of the baby feeding 10 min each breast, have them finish one breast then offer the other. And then the next time you nurse start with the breast that they didn't finish.

And of course eat healthy, drink water, and sleep! Try laying in bed with your baby and nursing, then you both get a nap. It works great for me. It stops hurting I promise!

I know it's much easier said than done but try to relax and try not to worry so much about it and the other moms are right about pumping not being a good judge of how much milk your baby is getting.

With my son I hardly nursed a week. One night I was in tears crying that I was doing something wrong and that our son wasn't getting enough to eat and it was so painful that I didn't even want to feed him. I was a mess. So my husband ran out got a pack of bottles and formula. When he got back and gave the bottle to our son, not only did I feel like a looser of a mom but also totally relieved from stress. I was flooding out our appartment, between my tears and the sudden release of milk.

With my daughter I wanted to nurse for at least 6 months. I made it to three with out bottles, but by the end of month 4 she was on formula. She was just one of those babies that always ate. when she wasn't sleeping I was feeding her every 10 to 20 mins. Sometimes I still feel bad for not makeing my 6 month goal, but then I start telling my self that I did WAY better w her than I did my son and 3 months is better than not at all.

The key for me was to relax and not to stress about it.

As far as the pain, if it's hurting really bad, then it could be a latching thing, maybe he's not on just right. Other wise you and baby could still just be getting use to it.

There's lots you can do.....Goat's Rue, alfalfa, more B vitamins, lots of water, and acupuncture worked really well for me. Let her suck whenever she wants (even if she's not hungry and just needs some sucking time). Also, I would try and take the bottle out all together. If she nurses every two hours around the clock for 48 hours your milk will come back in full force. You'll be tired, but she'll be fine. Just drink lots of water. Your body has the ability to let down every twenty minutes, so she will get enough to eat. If you keep giving her the bottle you take the risk of her preferring it because the milk is easier to get out.

Hope it all works out!!!
J.

drink more water.
switch sides more often.
pump BEFORE you nurse her - so she's getting the hind milk.

Just wanted to say that you are amazing! I know it is a lot of hard work - I did a lot of that with my first baby. Way to go!!! I am sure you will find some great advice and more ideas on here.

I don't know your particular habits or lifestyle, but be sure you are drinking TONS of water...especially with summer heat issues surrounding you. Eating yogurt may help increase your supply as well. Don't stress yourself out about it, just do your best. There are worse things than not being able to provide enough milk for your baby. The most important thing is to enjoy your baby and not to stress out about not having enough milk. Do what you feel is best for you and your baby.

Also, what kind of pump do you have? Sometimes if your pump isn't doing an adequate job, it isn't worth the effort. I have had a couple different kinds, but they don't all work the same.

I see you tried Wish Gardens milk enrichment, this really worked for me with my daughter. However,with my son (3 1/2 mos old) I used Wish Gardens Goat's Rue, that really kicks the milk in. You can find it at Vitamin Cottage, or you can check out their website. Be careful, this can really engorge you. Good Luck!

you have received great responses and i am happy that we have this great community!

Lace by Louise (in Bountiful and Riverton) sells breastfeeding supplies and was able to help me when i needed a different size for my pump.

LLL is amazing, the group up in the city is having a breastfeeding cafe for two weeks at the main library all open hours and they are there to help moms and give info, so come on in!

lastly, I used domperidone with my first, you can get it compounded at jolley's pharmacy. they have a few locations here in the valley. however, insurance does not cover it, so it can be a little pricey, but typically you only take it for 8 weeks. few women take it for the entire nursing.

breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. it was hard for me up until about 8 weeks, and then it is smooth sailing after that. it is a beautiful way to connect with your baby. you are doing a GREAT job!

(and if you have any questions about LLL or want someone to go with, send me a message).

THere is a drug call Domperidone, it is a stomach drug and completely safe for lactation. One of the side effects is increased lactation. If a man takes it he could even lactate. I used it after 2 of my babies and it worked great, it was actually the first time in my life that I became engorged. I tried all the herbal stuff and not much helped but this drug did.. I don't know how comfortable you would be taking a medication while breastfeeding but I assure you it is safe or they would not have given it to me... I get all crazy about any drugs in my body so I made sure with the doctor, pharmacist and even online.

The other thing that I did was breastfeed first for as long as they wanted to which was usually 1/2 an hour per side and if they were still hungry then I would just top them up with a bit of formula. I only used the domperidone until my milk supply was really good and then went off of it.

Hope that helps

SAHM of 4 sons who all had Failure to thrive as newborns, all are happy and healthy now... it takes time but it gets better.

I had problems nursing both my kids, and I tried everything. I did the supplements, the malt (that's what you drink the beer for...), pumping, and with my second I tried the supplemental nursing system, which is friendlier than the pump. http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeedi...

I also consulted LaLeche. Be careful, please. They are well intentioned, but they believe that everyone can make enough milk with only very rare exceptions(believe me, I have read everything out there). Make sure that you are talking with your pediatrician through all of this as well. My daughter drastically lost weight when I tried to nurse only and had to be supplmented.

I breast fed at every feeding for both kids until my milk dried up (even with active nursing) at about 4 months with each. It is most important that your kids are well nourished and that you tried. Obviously, BF is ideal, but it is not true that everyone can do it. If that is the case with you, allow yourself time to grieve if necessary, but take comfort in knowing you did what you could.

Good luck!

Have you tried changing the funnel on your breast pump? They come in different sizes--you can buy a larger one on amazon or at a breast pump store. if your nipple is pressed against the side of the funnel, you'll produce less milk and feel more sore. the fact that your nipples are sore makes me think you might need this.

I can totally emphathize with you on this. With each of my three girls I had trouble with milk supply. I spent a lot of time on the phone with lactation consultants from the hospital, and joined up with the La Leche League in my area. I am currently breastfeeding my 8-month old, and am taking a Fenugreek supplement. I started out just taking the dose recommended on the Fenugreek bottle, until lactation told me it wasn't a therapeutic dose. I take 2 pills, 4 times each day, and if I need to I increase a pill on the last dose (I would recommend calling your lactation for a recommended dose.) With my first daughter, I actually took a prescription. I believe it was Reglan. It's not something to take long term, but it did help with my supply.
Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!

Wow! Such a strong response to your request! I would love to read through them all (not because I have any BF issues, I just find the info interesting), but have a 1 month old, too. So, I will make this short... everyone always says Lanolin, but when my second got lazy with her latch and my nipples ended up with sores I used Motherlove's "Nipple Cream". It was like heaven in a jar! Nothing ever felt so soothing. It was instant relief. I can find it at most health food stores. Good luck!

These are all great ideas to help you increase your milk supply. However, I think you are baseing your milk supply on how much you pump. If you are getting 1-2oz after feeding her that is great! Your baby is better at getting milk out then the pump. Don't time her when she feeds is the other thing. She needs to eat for more than 10 minutes per side. At that age my daughter was eating for 30-40 minutes per side. I also had to use the breast shield for awhile.I now almost exculsively breast feed her. Also the more you let her latch on the better your supply will get. It's supply and demand. Good luck I hope this helps.

this was my same experience with my first baby, so i'm curious to see what other responses you get. in my case, i think it would have helped if i was using a better bottle, one with a wide mouthpiece. we didn't have much money so i just got the cheapest bottles at walmart, which have a pretty small base on the nipple. by the time we had another baby i'd learned how important it can be in helping the baby to open wider to use a better bottle so i got the advent bottles. i think they're $3 or $4 each. i think it helped.

Try taking Fenugreek. You can get it in pill form at a health food store. It is supposed o help increase milk production. And if you are interested, taking alfalfa supplements helps make your milk richer in vitamins.
Good luck!

For sore nipples express a little milk and rub it on your nipples and let it air dry. Sorry I can't help with the rest cause I don't know. Good luck! Amy

ps. I always made plenty of milk (my babies are chubby) but was never able to pump more than an ounce. I gave up on the pumping and just nursed.

Ask your dr. about Reglan it helped so much, and many others have said it helps too. Its safe.

Do you want to breastfeed? If it important to you than contact your local la leche leader. Also consult a lactation consultant, it may be expensive but think of all the money you'll save on formula! And i can tell you you should only be breastfeeding, you aren't producing because you are supplementing, it is supply and demand. And i was told I had inverted nipples and succesfully breastfeed three kids exclusively for a year each. i used those shields on the first and realized I did not need them! Could you try just breastfeeding for one day? NO PUMPING, NO BOTTLES! Maybe take a day devoted to just this, get comfortable and relaxed and just nurse all day! An infant this age may only need a few ounces at each feeding, but will nurse more often, say every 90 minutes as opposed to going hours with the formula( Harder for babies to digest). And by the way, nipple soreness comes with the territory, all three kids I had blisters and excrutiating pain for about ten days and then your body adjusts! Again, nurse, nurse, nurse! The pain will stop! I so reccomend giving this a chance, my kids are so healthy and we save alot of money. Oh, and it helps you loose weight! Stick with it, You CAN do it!

I started using Fenugreek capsules (it's not a blend...100% fenugreek) about a week ago and it has improved my production greatly.

I am not going to repeat all the great advice already given but I would like to give you a recipe for lactation cookies that helped me. The brewers yeast and flax seed really help boost my production.

Lactation Cookies

1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
4 Tbs water
2 Tbs flaxseed meal (no subs)
2 Lg eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 C Thick cut oats
1 C Chocolate chips
2 Tbs Brewers Yeast (no substitutions)

Preheat oven at 375.

Mix 2 T of flaxseed meal and water, set aside 3-5 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs.
Stir flaxseed mix into butter mix and add vanilla.
Beat until well blended.
Sift: dry ingredients, except oats and choc chips.
Add butter mix to dry ing.
Stir in the oats and then the choc chips.
Drop on parchmant paper on baking sheet.
Bake 8-12 minutes.

I got the flaxseed meal at Albertson in the area that has the different types of flour. It comes in a couple different forms. Flaxseed and flaxseed meal. Get the flaxseed meal. You can also find it at Natural food stores. These cookies taste really good. I put about 3 or 4 cookies in ziploc bags and they stay really crisp. If you like them chewy take them out of the baggie a couple hours before you eat them. They really help with my milk supply.

Hiya

Try adding more fish to your diet - cod, salmon and sardines (and any other creamy-type fish). There is almost a direct relationship between eating fish and the amount of milk you produce. I know you're not going to find this advice in any book you read but loads of mums in Asia rely on this method to get their milk levels up.

Good luck.

Regards

Drink more water and force yourself to get enough sleep.

I want to echo some things mentioned by others:

1)DEFINATELY see a lactation consultant/LLL leader. They can really work with you to help increase supply.

2)What you pump is NOT what baby gets. Baby's weight gain over time is a better indicator of your supply. My DD lost weight which was my first indeicator that I had a supply issue (turned out I was pg and my body just can't support BFing while pg :( )

3)I liked Fenugreek and it worked for me. It's something I plan on taking in small doses with this one to maintain a healthy supply as I was always on the low end of things with DD. (While it IS in MMTea, it's in such a small dose that if you're having supply issues, it's not aggressive enough)

4)There are presciprions out there that your pedi can perscribe for you to help. I had a good MILK reaction to one, but it was horrible on me emotionally and almost threw me into PPD, so be careful and discuss side effects.

5)Because babies have and easier time gulping down formula, and it's not as filling, they take more formula than BM, so it may seem like she's hungrier than she is when you supplement. All the LC's and my pedi all agreed that supplementing would probably sabbatoge our BFing efforts, and sure enough, when we finally had to supplement after finding out I was pregnant, within a week I had completely dried up. So be careful about supplementing! I'd rather be stuck to the house in a continual cycle of BFing and pumping for a few days than to supplement because it's convienient.

Good luck!! I hope everything works out for you!

I was not producing enough milk for my 4 month old, so I did some reserch and found a herbal supplment called More Milk by Mothers Love. It really worked I only took it for two days and my milk supply was more than enough to feed my baby.

A. K,
Firstly I would recommend relaxing, try not to worry about it. You are having to supplement so she is getting what she needs nutritionally so try not to worry. Secondly, if you don't have a hospital grade pump I highly recommend it. It seems to pump quite a bit harder than the portable madelas. I would also increase pumping time to 10 minutes.
Thirdly, drink lots and lots and lots of water. And lastly you don't really know what she is consuming while she is breastfeeding and only know what you are getting from pumping but usually your body will try to work up to it to accomodate the baby's appetite. However, if you have gone back to work or are having some other stressful issues it may have something to do with lowering your milk supply. As for latching on, one of the ways you can get them latch on better is to hold your breast like a sandwich it makes it smaller for their mouths to latch on to or continue with the nipple guard as your nipple may not be adequate. I also agree that she is probably having a growth spurt and that is why she is trying to nurse so much or that your nipples hurt. It is like that every time they have a growth spurt. Also, as they
all have said maybe you could minimize the supplementinga bit. Just a little advice hope it helps.

Didn't read all the other advice, but...
She is getting way more from a nursing than you are from pumping, especially since she eats first. So feed her for at least 15 minutes on one side before switching, then 15 on the other if she wants. Then back to the first if she is still hungry (this will increase production). Longer time on a side helps her get hind-milk which is more fatty and helps satiate her; and it triggers milk production. Really avoid supplementing with a bottle unless you have to.
Drink a LOT of water. We are told 8 glasses (64 oz) for normal life. Nursing, you need a lot more than that....be prepared to run to the bathroom a lot more, but it will help.
As far as sore nipples, the hospital gave me pure-lan, a pure lanolin product, to put on after nursing and showers. Safe for the little one and for you. And know that you are at about the worst time for that. It will subside soon. You may also want to ask dr about tylenol or ibuprofin - they should be safe and couse ease discomfort.

Okay stop with the formula. Just because you only pump 1-2 ounces doesn't mean she's only taking in 1-2 ounces. Babies are much more efficient than even the best pump out there. AND that combined with the fact that some women just aren't good pumpers (as in their bodies don't respond well to pumps) and it's never a good way to judge.

Supplementing with formula only creates a viscus circle. A) if she's 6ish weeks old it's most likely a growth spurt. By supplementing with formula she's not going to be able to increase your supply for you. Stop all bottles. Nurse, nurse, nurse. Also make sure your nutrition and fluid intake is great.

If you are concerned about how much she's taking in, go see an LC. Weigh your dd before nursing, nurse then weigh again. You will be able to see how much she's taking in.

Also increase the amount of time she's nursing on each side. If your getting 1-2 ounces by pump then she's not getting time to empty both your breasts.

Also for the sore nipples, use lanolin. I personally love northern essence nipple butter. Also after you nurse put a little breast milk on your nipples and air dry.

Do you possibly have thrush? The pain makes me wonder! Check her latch and make sure it's a good latch and it shouldn't hurt. Also lay off on the pump some and that should help your poor nipples!

And breast shields aren't bad! My SIL used one and nursed dd (with the shield the entire time) for 18 months!

I'm confused why you think you don't have enough milk. The baby is so much more effective than a pump & gets more milk out than you can pump. Here's what Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (by La Leche) says: You can be sure your baby gets enough if there's 5-6 really wet diapers & at least 3 BMs, gaining 1.5-2 lbs a month, nursing frequently, and looks healthy.
I agree with another response - stop supplementing so you body can make more milk. Also, you can get free help by calling a La Leche leader.