Needing Help - Plainfield,IN

I also breastfeed, and in the first week I felt my milk supply was low. I talked to my doctor and learned that there is a supplement called "more milk plus". You can get it at a health food store or there is a wonderful store in Lincoln called Milk Works. They also carry it and have a doctor 3x a week who knows so much about breastfeding. I went to her just recently and got tons of help. Hope this helps you.

I had supply problems for a while. I tried the oatmeal, the mother's milk tea, fenugreek, etc... When I talked to my physician, he suggested blessed thistle and it really worked for me.

Best of luck to you.
S.

There is also an herb called Fenu Greek that helps.
I had to pump for my child do to a cleft and I had to take it. It makes you smell like maple syrup, and hubby wanted pancakes more, but other than that, there was no adverse effects. You can get it anywhere Walmart, Target, etc...
S.

I skimmed the responses and didn't see if anyone mentioned La Leche League. They have wonderful BF advice, forums, FAQ's etc...

www.lalecheleague.org/resources/assistance.html?m=0,0

I certainly hope that is helpful to you!!

I have heard the beer thing too, although I never tried it. I had a lot of problems with breastfeeding (I couldn't produce anywhere enough milk, even with pumping every hour and meds) and eventually had to give it up. My doctor and came to the conclusion that there were 2 main factors; my son was an ineffective suckler (we discovered this because he had me start pumping when my son was 3 weeks and he took forever to feed on a stage 1 nipple and would tucker himself out trying to get the milk...at 5 weeks I put him a a stage 2 nipple and supplemented with formula per the doc and things went much better, he gained 5 pounds between weeks 5 and 6, after only gaining about half an once each week between weeks 2 and 3). The second thing was that I came down with mono about a month after he was born. I was completely exhausted ALL THE TIME. If you aren't getting enough rest, it can make a HUGE impact on your milk production. Make sure you are taking naps when you can and getting as much sleep as you can (baby permitting! LOL!). I hope this helps!

M.

Try standing in a hot shower..That may allow your milk to flow more freely. Don't feel like a horrible mother, it's nothing that you are doing that is causing this. When I had my first daughter I had a really hard time tryin to breast feed her too. I was so full though, but nothing would come out. I tried to pump and the same thang happened..I gave her what I could, but had to also give her formula. It just happens that way sometimes.Everything will work out, don't give up and don't be hard on yourself.

I'm not sure if this is right but I would try to let your little one nurse longer at each feeding as this should stimulate your body to produce more milk and the bottle could be causing a little nipple confusion. perhaps if you let your baby nurse until you are more then drained of milk your body will produce more. of course you may have sore nipples again. and if the baby is on a schedule you probably should add more feeding times to make sure enough milk is given. after all breastmilk digests faster then formula because it is specially made for the baby, which means more feeding is needed. personally I hated the pumping machines...I had to have my daughter their to look at while I pumped and it still didn't work well.

I really feel for you L.- I know what it is like to want so badly to try to do the right thing by your daughter by breastfeeding her, but to struggle with supply. I went through the same thing when I worked while breastfeeding my oldest son, it is very hard to not feel like it is somehow a reflection of the quality of mothering you are doing- don't let yourself fall into that trap like I did. Don't beat yourself up, but do what you can to assure that your supply is all that it can be, and then just let whatever happens happen. I worked a lot with the lactation consultants at Community North, so if you have lactation consultants you can contact (perhaps at the hospital at which you delivered), I highly recommend that.
Are you stressed or tired from working? That can affect supply, as can the stress of worrying that you are not providing enough milk for your daughter. Try to not let your desire to breastfeed overshadow all the wonderful things you are undoubtedly doing as a mother, and if you are not able to continue breastfeeding, then be proud of what you have been able to do until now- many mothers give up much sooner, or do not try, you are to be commended for the milk and the time and the energy that you have already given her. However, do not give up until you get in touch with a lactation consultant- they are wonderful! Their help kept me breastfeeding easily a dozen times over two babies, and I have no doubt I'll contact them again from time to time with my third baby who is due in March! Good luck, I'll say a prayer for you.

L.,
Dont give up. How old is your daughter. You sound like you are having all the troubles I was having. I ended up going to see the lactation consultant at the hospital to make sure I was latching on correctly and to see if she was getting enough milk. It was a relief. When I went in they weighed her naked. Then they had me feed her. Then weighed her again to see how much she gained. In only five minutes she had taken 2.5 ounces! I think you should take advantage of the fact that the service is still free and go seek their advice. They are great people and have helped me alot. I hear that next year they are going to be charging for this service so get it while you can!! I went to St. Lukes. I imagine Mercy has the same type of program if you have a hospital preference. Good luck to you! Let me know if I can help you anymore...... I would be glad to.

J.

All the advice from previous responses were good, but I just want to stress that you should speak with a lactation consultant. We have the Nursing Station here in Louisville, KY and that has been the biggest help for me. With the lactation consultants in the hospital being so busy, a LaLeche League volunteer told me about The Nursing Station and they are the reason that I am still breastfeeding today! I also suggest to drink as much water as you can get your hands on, and relax.. I know that's easier said than done when you are worried about your supply, but you have to do it! I'm not sure about the beer thing, but water works! You can also get the Fenugreek pills or More Milk Plus Pills which contain Fenugreek. The teas are a big help too. What type of pump do you use? If you don't have a good pump that could be a problem as well. My supply dramatically decreased when my son was 4 months old but it was because my pump was going bad. I took the More Milk Plus pills, drank teas, and bought a better pump and we are still nursing and he is 6 1/2 months old and I work full time. Another resource is www.breastfeeding.com. This is a great resource for any nursing mom. The site is packed full of information and provides you with the support that you need. Great job for being so determined to breast feed and keep up the good work!!

I know what you are going through. I has aspirations of nursing for a full year and pumping while i was at work. I went back to work when Hannah was 6 weeks old. She is 5 months now. I was having the same problem you are. She ws wantinf more than i was producing, especially in the late after noon and early evening. Pumping was ok for a while, but you can't pump on demand like nursing, especially at work. You are lucky though, you get to work at home...I work at Great clips. Keep trying though, drink lots and lots of water, use some sort of flavoring if you have to, or juice. You just need to replinish what you lost while you were sick and what your child is depleting when she nurses. Supplementing with formula is not a bad thing. I helped me satisfy her when I didn't have enogh milk of my own to satisfy that some times ferocious appitite. It also allows daddy and other family members to feed her too. I nursed for 4 months and have since completely switched to formula...nestle goodstart(it's the gentlest, least expensive, and least gas producing). But I am canfident that I gave Hannah a good start and still have bond that only she and I share.

This may sound silly to you and others, but I swear by it. My pediatrician even says it works. Drink one beer a day. ( if you drink) It made me produce so much milk my daughter would sometimes choke on it, because there was so much so fast. Good Luck.

I know that it is easier said then done, but stress greatly impacts milk supply. The more you worry about it, the worse it gets. I too experienced declines in my supply, but eventualyy with some time, it came back (at one point in time, my left side quit producing for a week!) My suggestions are to pump at least every 4 hours if you are not nursing her, drink at least 3Liters of water a day (I tried to drink a water bottle with every feeding), try a product called Mother's Milk Tea (you can get it at No Name Nutrition, Whole Foods, or Wild Oats), try eating at least 1 bowl of real oatmeal a day (the real stuff, not the instant stuff), and offer her the breat frequently. My son is now 17 months old and still nursing, and we went through many trials. Just try to relax and think positive thoughts. Another suggestion would be to call a lactation consultant at the hospital. I know the things I listed from many phone calls to them! Good luck

I've had the same issues with producing enough milk for my 4 month old daughter.

First, I'd suggest calling a local lactation consultant; they offer superior advice and know past successes from other mothers.

I've been advised by my local lactation team to (and it works) pump for 5-10 minutes after each feeding. You won't express much milk (unless you experience another let-down), but it will signal your body to produce more milk. You should only have to do this for a day or so before you notice an increase in your milk supply. I am now pumping once a day (after a feeding) and have a sufficient milk supply for my daughter.

Give it a try and I'm sure you'll have the same success.

Good luck!
S.

Call your local hospital and see if they have a lactation specialist on call. I would also take your daughter to her Dr for a weight check. If she is gaining fine then your milk supply is fine. Sometimes babies go through growth spurt and do something called cluster feedings. It seems like you can't satisfy them! But they are getting plenty, just growing :) Also do you nurse on both sides? Maybe try nursing longer one one side before switching. I've gotten it to where my daughter only takes one side at a time. Have you heard the terms Foremilk and hindmilk? The foremilk is thin and comes out quickly to give the baby instant satisfaction. The hindmilk is thicker, full of fats and all the other good stuff and is what fills the baby up. If you don't nurse long enough at each session she won't get the hindmilk. There are plenty of things to try but I wouldn't give up nursing unless she isn't gaining. How old is your baby? You can email me at ____@____.com if you would like any more help or tips. I'm currently nursing my fourth baby. Oh, one more thing to try is relaxation during the nursing so you have a good let down. Sometimes when I'm rushed and stressed it seems my daughter nurses more. But when I take the time to either cuddle/nurse in bed or just sit on the couch and take big deep breaths and imagine my milk coming down she gets a better feed.

K.

Hi L.!
I know breastfeeding can be stressful, especially when an illness prevents you from producing as much as you did before. But don't let this be the reason you give it up. Keep feeding her from the breast and suppliment with formula (formula is NOT the enemy!!) I breastfed for 4 1/2 months and never produced enough to satisfy her (I kept having to take antibiotics for UTI caused from the cathiter from having an epidural!) I regret quitting so soon. Even though she wasn't getting everything she needed from my milk (we supplimented with formula...successfully), I loved the bonding and closness I felt with my daughter when she breastfed. Ashlyn is a healthy (has never been sick) 15 month old who tolerated formula well. So give formula a chance but keep breastfeeding! Who knows...your body might just start producing like before. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby girl!!

First off, I hope your feeling better! I feel for ya, I have bronchitus irritating my asthma..no fun! It's hard to be mommy and be sick too.
I think it is awesome how hard you are trying to breastfeed. I nursed my son for three months and found he was getting colic off of me for some reason, so I quit, but I nursed my daughter for longer. From all the lactation specialists I saw, they all said the more you nurse, the more milk will come. Your body eventually will think it is feeding for more than one child, and so your milk will come in strong. Pumping too is great to make your body think it needs to work for more. You are doing all the right things with eating right. A prenatal vitamin will help to give you energy too. They are great, I love taking them still.
I hope anything I said helps. I hope you feel much better soon!

Don't give up!!!!!!! You have made a decision to give your daughter the best nutrition that is available. Every feeding that you give your daughter is a great source of food for her and is a truly amazing experience for you. You have made the right decision for both of you. Your body is adjusting to your and your daughter's schedule. How old is your daughter? You are doing the best thing you can by pumping at work. If she eats every 2-3 hours, you need to be pumping every 2-3 hours when you are away from her. You can also increase your supply by pumping more often. I had to do this and sometimes I would only get 1 oz. You have to think that is 1 more oz for my baby and IT WAS WORTH THE TIME IT TOOK! I know pumping is no fun. I just finished breastfeeding my son after 13 months. I worked outside of the home, so I had a different schedule to deal with. Do you think she is truly hungry every time she wants to nurse? I know my son would nurse 24/7 if I would have let him, just for comfort. Have you asked your Dr. if she is gaining enough weight? If she is healthy and gaining the right amount of weight she may be using milk as a comforting thing. That bond between the tow of you is like nothing else. She may enjoy the closeness as much as the milk. I hope this helps. Please feel free to message me back. I want all nursing mother's to succeed. If all else fails…call Heidi with Breaststart Lactation Services ###-###-####. She was awesome when I had tons of questions.

First, I would try calling the lactation consultants where ever you delievered. They always seem to be willing to help. Second, depending on what area you are in, there are Le Leche League meetings this week and and next they are VERY helpful and supportive of your efforts. To find out about meetings in your area go to http://www.lalecheleague.org/Web/Indiana.html and click on whatever is closest to where you live, assuming you are in Indianapolis. You'll have to back track a little out of that page if you aren't in the city. Third, you can try using a manual pump in between feedings to bring up your production.
Good Luck!

L.,

First of all not being able to keep up your supply does not make you a horrible mother! I had trouble keeping up with my first daughter too. I gave up after only two months.

With my second daughter I was able to keep up better. However it seemed like if I was not feeding then I was pumping and I had no time to do anything else! It may have just been a time management issue on my part...juggling breast feeding, a husband, the house and a pottry training two year old plus all the things that come along with a new baby. I barely had time to shower.

My point is...you aren't a bad mother because you can't keep up your supply. All you have to is love your child. As long as she's fed id doesn't matter where it comes from.

However...if you really want to keep up with the breast feeding the best thing to do is keep at it. Sometimes it takes a while to get your supply going if you have been under any type of stress like the flu. It helps to pump after she finishes nursing. This will sort of trick your body into thinking it needs to start producing more milk. It may seem like you get nothing out but even if it's a few drops you are still stimulating your milk ducts.

Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. I know how hard that can be but it helps. There is a tea called Mother's Milk that you can usually find in the organic foods section of the grocery store. It helps generate milk. I didn't see a huge difference but it did improve. I have a fe family members who said that their supply increased dramatically. Try that. It tastes like fennel or anise.

When I was having trouble with my first daughter the hospital had me tape a thin tube attatched to a siringe of formula to my breast. This way she was getting fed and stimulating the breast at the same time. Sounds odd but it worked!

Finally...Call a lactation consultant. Your local hospital should have information on that for you.

Sorry this was so long!

Hope this helped you.

Remember if you do decide to put her on formula it doesn't make you a bad mom. After all she has to eat right?

Good Luck.

-M.-

how old is your baby girl? if she is 5-6 months then she could just be ready for cereal to supplement with breastmilk. if she is younger than this, could it possibly be that some medications have interfered with the production of your milk? maybe also try making sure that you are taking your prenatal vitamins until you are finished breastfeeding and keep track of how many calories you are actually eating. i am nursing my 4th child and i am still amazed at how much we NEED to eat and drink to keep up our milk supply. with my second child i didn't eat and drink the way i needed and my son had to stop nursing at six months because my supply could not meet his demand. i am currently on weight watchers weight loss program and doing quite well, but i don't think i would be eating as much as i am if i didn't keep track of how much is necessary. anyway, hope this helps!

My daughter is 16 months and still nursing so I'd like to think I kind of know what I'm talking about...
Drink drink drink. Lots of times when you pump you don't get anything a baby is always more effecient at getting all your milk out. Keep putting in extra pumping. I use Mothers Milk tea (you can get it at GNC) and I've found that it increases my supply. Don't supplement-that will just decrease your supply more. You don't say how old your daughter is but if she is on solids just give her more solids to get you through the rough patch in the afternoon. The more you nurse-the higher the supply. It works on supply and demand. Don't give up and relax. I think that is the most important piece of advice. I would also try feeding on both sides. That might help her hunger. Both sides in one sitting.

I second most of the advice already given, but I just wanted to say that NO mother is a horrible mother if she doesn't breastfeed for x amount of time, or if she doesn't breastfeed at all... I couldn't breastfeed after 6 weeks (I pumped exclusively b/c my son has a pretty thick tongue tie that can't be clipped until he's 6-8 months, due to the fact that they want to use general anesthesia) because I had to get back on my depression/anxiety meds, and I refused to feel bad about it.

ANYHOW (sorry to ramble like that), talk to your daughter's pediatrician and get his/her input - they often have good advice, too. But if you have to supplement w/ formula, then you have to. What's important is what is best for your daughter, and what keeps her healthy.

I nursed both of my kids for nearly a year, working part-time out of the home. Anytime my stress levels increased, my milk supply dropped, which always caused more anxiety, which made it worse - RELAX!!!!!! The more you try to force it, the harder it will get. Your body is probably drained from fighting illness, lack of sleep, regular life-stress, and new baby - treat yourself well - eat that extra piece of cake, take a walk BY YOURSELF, try to get away a little - the breath of "me" will help let the stress mellow - that was always the biggest help for me. Supplement vitamins, "healthy" eating, and plenty of liquid will not overcome the body's "stress" reaction - TAKE "ME" TIME!!!!! It's hard, but the best thing you can do for both of you.

IF YOU WERE TAKING ANY MEDS(INCLUDING ANTIBIOCTICS, OR ANTIHISTIMINES) THEY WILL CUT THE MILK SUPPLY. IF PUMPING BETWEEN FEEDINGS, MAKE SURE YOU DO IT AT LEAST 15 MINUTES ON BOTH SIDES OR THEY ARE NOT STIMULATED ENOUGH TO PREDUCE MORE MILK.

First of all, don't feel like a horrible mother!! At least you are giving it a try and doing your best to give your daughter what she needs. Many women don't even want to think about nursing. Second, the most important thing is that your daughter gets the nutrition that she needs and if that means having to supplement with formula, then that's what you need to do. I don't think working will decrease your supply, but getting sick with the flu can dehydrate you. You need to drink more than the average person. If you find that you do have to stop breastfeeding or need to supplement with formula, don't worry!! Enjoy her while she's so small. When you give her a bottle, you can still hold her as if she's nursing or spend some alone time with her. You've already given her a good head start as far as her nutrition and immunities go. So relax and enjoy her! Good Luck!

Don't give up unless it's to much on you. Your doing great and if the doctor says she gaining weight things are good. Do not stress. It will be over before you know it and then you'll miss the time together nursing. I did all my three girls and was real lucky. I always remember thinking I was missing out with meals and family time when I nursed but I would do it all over again. It's your first baby and cherish every moment.Stay strong and Good Luck.

well, i had that problem, except my son has hypoglycemia(sp) and a fast metabolism, i was producing enough, he just went through it too quick, i literally couldn't shower without him being hungry, his pediatrition(again sp)suggested making a tiny bit of baby rice cerial with the brest milk you pump, and give him a few spoons (or however much they'll take) before you brestfeed, and i went a few hours between feedings. And he seemed to be overall a happier baby. you have to leave the rice cerial very watery at first of course, only slightly thicker than the milk, but it did mericles and he's half my height already at 3! if you have any other questions, feel free! and lots of luck with congrats on not giving up :)

I had a lot of problems with my 3rd kid and breastfeeding, I actually hired a lactose specialist to help me, but she always told me that worry and stress can hurt you milk supply, so just try no to worry aboutit, give her the breast whenever you can, your breast will make as much as your baby needs. I have a lot of friends who work and breastfeed and they did ok. I dont' know how old is your baby but trust me with time everything will adjust, Just hang in there, I prayed for you. I know how hard and frustating breastfeeding can be at first, but the more you do the easier it gets. Hang in there. :)

I had a very difficult time getting my milk supply up. My doctor prescribed a medicine (I'm sorry I can't remember the name - I think it starts with an A - your doc will know). Anyway, it worked. I was only on it for 7-10 days, just long enough to get over that hump. Please forgive me for not providing the name. I can tell you that the drug is meant for something else but it was discovered that it induces lactation as a side effect and that women that adopt have used it to breastfeed their adopted child. Ask your doc. Good luck!

Relax,the more stressed you get the less milk you'll produce, drink lots of water and play enjoyable music when your breastfeeding, or read to your daughter, this will all help produce more milk by helping you to relax.

Have you tried taking fenugreek. It is a supplement that you should be able to find in the grocery store. And drink lots of fluids (water). This can increase your supply. I know how frustrating it can be. My son was really tiny and didn't grow when he was born it was a huge struggle. Do not feel like a failure. The best advice I can give you is seek help from a lactation consultant. Milkworks (in southeast Lincoln) was my savior. They have support meetings and really helpful staff. They even take insurance if you need one on one consulting. They might recommend a different pump, they have them for rent/purchase. Good luck. if you need anything you can e-mail me
____@____.com

I just wanted to agree with all of the other previous posters and say again if you supplement with formula, it will only worsen the supply issue. It's not a bad thing to supplement, but if your goal is to fix the supply issue, it will only make it worse.

Work, by itself, will not effect supply. The stress that comes along with work might. Is your work very stressful for you? Do what you can to minimize stress. Eat enough and drink enough. I've also heard that eating oatmeal every day can help.

I know it's hard when it seems your baby isn't getting enough. Is she gaining weight and having plenty of wet diapers? If so, just keep her at the breast as much as possible. This weekend, when you don't have to worry about work, try to keep her at the breast as much as you can. Stay with her and nurse her every hour. If you can do this for a couple of days, your supply will go up and you can go back to a more normal nursing schedule.

Good luck,
J.

No you are not a horrible mother! You are doing a great job. It is supply and demand baby! Here is something you could try. . . try pumping for 5 mins after each beastfeeding session. I have 5 mo. old twins and that is what I did to help build up my milk supply in the early weeks. My mother called a LaLache league leader from my area and she sent me some wonderful info.

If there are occasions that I don't feel like the are satisfied. I will just feed them more often when they are hungry. I will feed them every 1.5 to 2 hours if I have to. Your supply will catch back up and you can go back to what you were doing. I know if I drink too much caffiene that kinda gets my milk supply low, that is the only thing I have had problems with so I watch that. Stress can affect your milk supply too.

When my kids seemed like they were starved. I didn't beat myself up, I just gave them a small amount of formula to help out, but I tried not to do it too much because I knew the more I let them nurse the quicker my milk would catch up. Good luck you are doing a great job.

Are you getting enough water? Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses a day. Also, some of the nursing teas at Bloomingfoods might help. Oddly enough, Guiness beer has been proven to increase milk production. My email is ____@____.com if I can help in any way. My daughter is 18 months and still nursing so I'm a "pro" by now :0)

First of all, you are not a horrible mother. You are a great mother doing the best you can for your child.

There are lots of things that can mess with your milk supply. I suggest calling a Lactation Consultant at the hospital where you delivered. If your supply really is low, they can help you in many ways. There is even a medication your OB/Gyn can give you to help boost your supply that is safe.

Also, you don't mention how old your daughter is. Is it possible she's getting old enough that she may be needing some rice cereal to supplement the nursing? Again, lactation or your pediatrician can help with that.

If you didn't deliver locally, I think the Lactation Consultants at St. Vincent Women's Hospital will still help you. There number is in the phone book, or you can just call the main hospital operator.

One question for you that is probably totally obvious, but I made this mistake myself. Are you nursing on both sides until she pulls herself off at all feedings? Once I started doing that, my supply really increased.

Good luck,
K.