How can i increase my supply of breastmilk?

Question

My baby is 7 weeks old, and i have been a little lazy in breastfeeding, giving her a bottle of formula on occasion. I now want to go back to breatfeeding exclusively, is this possible? I breastfeed her for half an hour to an hour but she still needs topping up with a bottle after. Should i cut out the bottle and just feed her for hours on end, and will this increase my milk supply again. I really dont want to give up breastfeeding but if she's not getting anything theres not much point if i cant increase my supply.

Also, i have never been able to express, if i squeeze my nipple with my fingers i get a couple of jets of milk, then some drops, but when i try to express, nothing at all comes out. i have a manual expresser, would it be a good idea to but an electric pump, would this work better and help me increse my supply also.

Please help!!!!

Answer 1

If you are trying to increase your production, the trick is to pump the side you are not feeding on.  So yes, get an electric pump, and pump side two while you feed on side one, then switch.  you are trying to trick your body into thinking you are feeding two infants.

Answer 2

Dont buy a fancy expensive breast pump if you want to breastfeed exclusively, Night time feeding is best for boosting supply, skin to skin contact is good, and its great for bonding and also it releases oxytocins, which is the happy chemical in your brain. try this for a few nights, but no longer than half an hour to forty five mins, your baby will have had its 3 course meal by then!!   Also dont wait till she is hungry and crying because she wont get all what she needs because she will be upset. You may want to begin arranging the time when YOU want to sit down feeding baby.  

Answer 3

Yup, nurse more often, no need to do it hours on end though. Use an electric pump for sure. It's MUCH easier! Highly recommend Medela pumps. Pricey, but worth it.

Answer 4

First..your milk supply will only increase if there is an increased demand from your baby. Giving formula decreases the demand from your baby. Im not sure how you know that she wants a bottle after you nurse...does your baby say mommy give me a bottle? New babies have a constant desire to suckle and be held, but it doesn't always indicate hunger. You may only be able to express milk with a good pump. Increase your supply by putting the baby to your breast frequently and sleeping with your baby helps with being able to do this. It only takes a day or so to get the supply back up & NO bottles at all

Answer 5

What makes you think she isn't getting enough? Are you sure she's not sucking just for comfort? Some women just can't express milk. That does NOT mean you aren't making any! Babies are much better at getting milk out than pumps.

The best way to get your supply up would be to take a "nursing vacation." Lay in bed with your daughter for a day or two. Stay topless and let her nurse whenever she wants and for however long she wants.

More info on increasing supply and getting off formula at kellymom.com .

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-su...