I am breastfeeding and losing Milk Supply...

Question

My question is how do I get my milk supply to increase? What can I do or take to increase this milk supply?

Answer 1

Firstly - are you really sure you are losing your milk supply? Are your b*****s becoming smaller, are they leaking less, do they feel empty? If yes and your baby is a bit older this is fairly normal, and many mothers mistake it as losing their milk supply. Really it is just your b*****s adjusting to your baby's intake of milk, and so are no longer overproducing.

If however your baby seems unsatisfied after feeding then this might be the time to then think that you are not producing enough milk to satisfy her. Drinking lots of water can help to increase milk supply. There is also a tea I believe, or something called fenugreek (not sure on the spelling).

Also do not base your milk supply on how much you can pump out of them, as this is also not a valid way to know how much you are producing. Pumps are not as effective as baby's at getting the milk out, and often nursing mothers have problems getting their milk to let down to a pump.

As long as your baby seems fine, and isn't making a fuss constantly, or seems content after feeding, and is wetting at least 4-6 nappies each day and pooping well then there isn't cause for concern. You should consult a specialist with your concerns for your milk supply, and ask them what they suggest. Alternatively call your LLL local number and ask there for suggestions/support.

Hope you work this problem out, Good Luck

Answer 2

Eat allot of OATMEAL along with fresh milk with a pinch of salt and a spoon of sugar ,get them all boiled together and drink it YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE AFTER A FEW HOURS AFTER DRINKING IT .

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT WHILE BREAST FEEDING YOUR BABY IS YOU MUST NOT BE TENSED OR WORRIED .BE HAPPY WHILE FEEDING YOUR BABY TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND SHAKE YOUR SHOULDERS AND CLOSE YOUR EYES AND THINK OF HAPPY MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU CAN REALLY IMPROVE YOUR MILK SUPPLY.

YOU CAN ALSO SQUEEZE YOUR BREAST IN A CIRCULAR MOTION TO IMPROVE THE MILK SUPPLY.

FIRST OF ALL THE ABOVE IS" BE HAPPY WHILE FEEDING YOUR BABY"

Answer 3

ang3lb was right that you shouldn't worry too much if your baby seems content after a feeding and seems to be doing well in general. However, I don't agree that pumping can't tell you how much milk you're producing. An electric pump is excellent at giving you an idea of what your supply is.  Also, she said that it might just appear you are losing your supply and really your b*****s may just be getting more efficient. That could be true. But you know your body best.  

If you have the time and energy, pump your b*****s between feedings b/c the more they are stimulated, the more milk you will produce. An electric double-sided pump is best though since it saves time and is much more efficient than a manual pump. But a manual will do if you can put up with it.

My best suggestion though is to take herbal supplements - Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. (Although watch out, Blessed Thistle is supposed to increase appetite - lol). I also heard of Mother's Milk Tea but I haven't personally tried it. I took Fenugreek when pumping and bottling.  If I pumped and got 3 oz and then took two Fenugreek capsules, three/four hours later I would get 5 oz. It really works.

Also, drink lots of fluids, drink as much water as you feel comfortable drinking. And have lots of soups and juice as well.

*Edit* Fenugreek didn't make me smell like Maple Syrup. I bought the more expensive brand from a health food store. I did buy a cheaper brand once and the capsules smelled like maple syrup and didn't work quite as well. I still didn't smell like maple syrup though. But I've heard that comment before.

GL

Answer 4

not sure if there is anthing you can take to increase it! if your babys only just been born and you are new to breastfeeding or your babys just started to eat more it can be hard. your body will start producing the right amount of milk depending on how much your baby feeds it just needs a little time to catch up. try swaping the baby from one breast to the other and he/she should be able to get a good feed. if your still worrying that your baby isnt getting milk you might need to use a little formular milk to keep up with demand but try and breastfeed really as much as possible or your boby will not catch up with the amount your baby is having.

Answer 5

Do not take any antihistamines like Sudafed.  They will dry out your sinuses while drying out your milk as well.  There is a natural herbal supplement that you can take that a lactation consultant told my friend about and I even used for a while and it worked for me.  It is called Fenugreek.  It will make you smell like maple syrup though.