Breastfeedng

My baby did the same exact thing from 2-4 months of age. In the afternoon & evening she would fuss after 1-2 ounces. It didn't matter if it was breast or bottle (breast milk). My daughter's problem was acid reflux. She didn't show the common signs, she didn't spit up much. I realized it when she choked one night in her sleep after eating. I just had to have lots of patience--I would feed a couple of ounces and then let her have her pacifier for awhile before trying to feed again. That seemed to work. She just ate often. I also kept her upright for 20-30 minutes after eating. I ended up pumping and giving her bottles since I was feeding her all of the time. I have a really good milk supply and didn't notice a change in my supply. However, her doctor did tell me that exclusive pumping can cause a decrease--but not for me.

Hello new mother,

I am a mother of six children who breastfed all of them. If your baby is gaining weight when you take her to pediatrician visits, wetting enough diapers, you feel the (let down) milk coming out of your breast especially when she first latches on then you are doing the best job for your baby. Never think you have no enough milk cause everybaby has different need and it is formulated for your specific baby's needs. If you need to increase your milk supply go to GNC or any drug store and look for Fenugreek pills they are the best for mothers milk. There is also in the natural section of a grocery store an herbal tea called Mothers Milk it if formulated for breastfeeding mothers, try those options. Wish you best of luck with your newborn.

I never made for the pump what I made for the baby. If your baby is sleeping for a six hour stretch, is gaining weight, and seems happy and satisfied, than I would say that she is getting plenty. If you are in doubt about how much she is getting, make an appt with a lactation consultant. They can weigh the baby before she eats and then after to assess how much milk she is taking in.

Your milk supply adjusts to what your little one needs... from what I know you only need to wake the baby till it is back to it's birth weight or when you first bring them home from the hospital.

Pumping for me was a lot harder then nursing... it took a while to find the right way to do it for me - I still am not able to use my pump to it's fullest & am only able to do one side at a time eventhough I have a double pump. For me to get 4 oz out of each side - it would suprise me. I have hear that if you have something that smells like you baby it can help you to let down or even a picture of them. I did find that if I read and didn't pay attention to what I was doing - I'd get more milk then if I watched it.

If you are worried about your supply, you can pump if you want to or let her suckle more. I also liked eating oatmeal & it did actually help increase my supply. I ate instant flavored oatmeal for bedtime snacks and breakfast & also liked eating oatmeal cookies at lunch time.

But depending on how old she is - she may just be fighting going to sleep at night. That might be the "fit" she is throughing when she is nursing - it may have nothing to do with your supply at all.

Try to take care & congratz on the baby.

Your milk supply decreases in the evenings. I really don't think that you need to get up to pump. Sleep any chance you can for as long as you can.
Good luck!

How old is she? As they get older your milk changes, you may have less, but it is more concentrated. She would let you know if your milk was low. Drink and eat a bit more if you're worried about it. Pump FIRST thing in the a.m. before her first feeding, then eat your breakfast before her first nursing of the day. I donated milk to a milk bank for over a year, if you have more pumping ?'s please ask.

Relax!

For the most part, your body will produce what your baby needs. As long as you are drinking enough fluids and have a healthy diet, you should be okay.

Good Luck!

The first and most important thing about breastfeeding is to be confident in your ability to feed baby. Your body and baby work wonders together. As long as you follow baby's lead you will do great!

Your body will adjust! That is just one of the amazing things about breastfeeding. You don't need to wake up to pump unless you want to have extra to store in the freezer.

Why do you think you don't have enough milk? You don't say how old baby is. That would help us help you figure out what stage she might be at. Is baby cluster feeding for a few hours at night? If so that is perfectly normal and probably helping her sleep because she is getting lots of the great, fatty hindmilk.

As far as pumping goes, I learned a lot when my son was a preemie! Pumping is never as efficient as baby is. But you can still get good at it. The biggest thing that worked for me while I was trying to build a supply while my son was in the NICU for 6 weeks was to be in a relaxing space and as silly as it sounds, visualize my milk beginning to flow, like little flood gates were opening. Sounds silly but it would actually get a let down going. If you are stressing about pumping you won't get much. Relaxing is the best advice I can give.

Our body has a way of producing what we need. It works on a supply and demand method. If she is nursing less, you will produce less. This is not usually a problem unless you want to have extra milk to bottle feed with. If this is the case, or if you feel as though you are not producing enough milk, pumping will solve your problem. Chances are though, if she is nursing before bed and then sleeping for 6 hours, you have enough milk to supply her needs.
I notice a lot of moms recommend natural or herbal remedies. I wouldn't try any herbal or natural supplements without consulting your doctor first,especially if you or the baby have any medical conditions, even ones you may not be taking medications for.

Your body will get used to your baby's schedule and demand. Make sure your drink water and take vitamins. I'm breastfeeding my 5th now and I've always adjusted to my kids no matter what they did. Good luck and congratulations!