Author Topic: increasing milk supply  (Read 1709 times)

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Offline *happy*

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increasing milk supply
« on: December 10, 2013, 21:07:16 pm »
a quick question for my friend....how do you increase milk supply?!?!ive always had the opposite problem so i'm not much use to her!!!
so far, i've told her to offer the breast every 2 hours (she had been feeding every 4), swap breasts during feeds, eat porridge, drink fenugreek, pump after a feed & continue to pump for a few mins after the last drop, skin to skin, use heat after a feed....anything else?!?!






Offline MasynSpencerElliotte

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2013, 21:43:32 pm »
How old is her lo?
Heidi




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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2013, 21:47:00 pm »
He is a month.
But was 7wks early,c-section,started with tube-feeding,
Bottle of bm,then breast.
She feels it's taking way longer to feed him&to get
The same amount expressed.






Offline *happy*

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2013, 21:50:03 pm »
Ps-sorry!did i post in the wrong place?doh!making you earn your money!






Offline weaver

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2013, 21:57:38 pm »
Has she tried compression feeding?  May help with flow.
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&id=8:breast-compression&Itemid=17

I drank fenugreek steeped in hot water (a bit yucky) but you can also take tablets.  Oats apparently are a top tip. High protein diet and frequent feeding are probably best to increase yield.
*Anne*, loving mama to a honeybee (2010) and a sweetpea (2012).  BF for 4 proud years.


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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2013, 21:59:09 pm »
Thanks hun.am texting that onto her right away!






Offline MasynSpencerElliotte

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2013, 22:10:07 pm »
Lol, thats okay...being new at this I like the practice! Twas in the faq section...

Hmm with a baby that young and a preemie I would suggest she find an LC for help, check his latch, tt etc.
Heidi




Offline rksnyc

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #7 on: December 29, 2013, 07:31:36 am »
A few more suggestions...
Water!!! Drink lots of water!
Try More Milk http://www.motherlove.com/product/530-More-Milk-Plus.html
Lots of skin to skin
Nursing in the bath (as long as it's relaxing and not stressful for mom)
Oatmeal
Beer (seriously when my son was in the NICU the lactation consultants suggested it) lets not get drunk ;) and a good dark beer)
Also, a nursing vacation. Spend 2 full days home, in bed with LO. Lots of cuddles, skin to skin just nursing lots and resting lots. No chores, no visitors, no stress. Have a partner bring food, water etc. Help with diapers. Just relax and nurse.
Best of luck!

Offline *Ali*

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2013, 08:24:06 am »
If she can express the milk then it is obviously there. It sounds more like, if there is any problem at all, it is with the transfer of milk rather than the milk supply itself. She should be careful trying to artificially increase supply if she doesn't have a supply issue as she could end up with excess foremilk and LO won't be getting the right levels if fat and nutrients etc.

I would also check with an LC about lO's latch, positioning and potential tongue tie.
Cadan Dec 2009 and Colby Aug 2011


Offline weaver

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #9 on: December 29, 2013, 11:57:32 am »
Just to second the beer idea - maybe it's the relaxation factor but it definitely works
*Anne*, loving mama to a honeybee (2010) and a sweetpea (2012).  BF for 4 proud years.


Offline *happy*

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2013, 22:16:27 pm »
aw girls,ye are so good.thanks for all those tips.i'm learning them so that i have them to hand in case i ever come across the issue again.
i met her this afternoon.
She has decided to switch to formula.she seems happy with her decision-i hope she truly is....i'm not so sure.xxx






Offline Erin M

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #11 on: December 31, 2013, 04:55:50 am »
Ugh, it's so hard!  I hope she is able to move forward to not worry too much!

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Re: increasing milk supply
« Reply #12 on: December 31, 2013, 06:16:09 am »
He is putting on plenty of weight,so i think that's easing
her guilt a little,kwim?!