Author Topic: Recommendations on getting milk supply up?  (Read 1513 times)

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Offline lilfrankie

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« on: October 08, 2005, 20:20:47 pm »
I have a 12wk old dd who has reflux and won't eat much. Because of this my milk supply has drastically decreased. I used to be able to pump 4-6 oz after every feed. Lately I have tried pumping after each feed and there is maybe 1/2 oz of milk coming out! I know that it isn't my dd emptying the breast because I rented a baby weigh scale and she is only taking 1 oz at a time. I have consulted the lactation specialist who recommended pumping, increasing fluid intake, and taking herbs. I have been doing that for two weeks and nothing is happening. Any other recommendations- I am so frustrated and worried.

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Offline Katet

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2005, 21:46:35 pm »
My supply went down after my ds spent some time in hospital.

What I did was keep pumping for 5-10mins (getting nothing more than 1/2oz that whole time) mostly I was pumping nothing out, but the actual pumping does stimulate the milk production & after 3 days I started to get more.
dc1 July 03, dc2 May 05

Offline lilfrankie

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2005, 21:50:49 pm »
Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear about your ds in the hospital. I hope all is well now. I have been trying to pump it at least 2 times a day. I wish that I could do it after every feeding but things are too crazy during the week. It has been helpful to have my husband around on weekends to help.

Offline Erin (redstarfalling)

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2005, 00:30:04 am »
It's hard not to worry about stuff like this, isn't it?  How often are you feeding?  I know with reflux you have to feed small amounts more often... What herbs are you taking?

This has some good suggestions about supply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html

Also from Kellymom.com - here are some suggestions for reflux:
- Aim for frequent breastfeeding, whenever baby cues to feed. These smaller, more frequent feedings can be easier to digest.
- Try positioning baby in a semi-upright or sitting position when breastfeeding, or recline back so that baby is above and tummy-to-tummy with mom. 
- For fussy, reluctant feeders, try lots of skin to skin contact, breastfeeding in motion (rocking, walking), in the bath or when baby is sleepy.
- Ensure good latch to minimize air swallowing.
-Allow baby to completely finish one breast (by waiting until baby pulls off or goes to sleep) before you offer the other. Don't interrupt active suckling just to switch sides. Switching sides too soon or too often can cause excessive spitting up . For babies who want to breastfeed very frequently, try switching sides every few hours instead of at every feed.
- Encourage non-nutritive/comfort sucking at the breast, since non-nutritive sucking reduces irritation and speeds gastric emptying.
- Avoid rough or fast movement or unnecessary jostling or handling of your baby right after feeding. Baby may be more comfortable when help upright much of the time. It is often helpful to burp often.
- As always, watch your baby and follow his cues to determine what works best to ease the reflux symptoms.
 
How's her weight gain, BTW?
Erin
Mother to Megan and Samantha


Offline lilfrankie

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2005, 16:55:48 pm »
Thanks Erin!
Those are some really great tips! Yesterday I nursed every 2 1/2 hrs. Last night she was up every 2 but pt/shush worked really well to put her back to sleep after she nursed. I am taking a product called More Milk Plus by Motherlove. It has fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, and I think caraway? Anyways, I have been taking it for 2 weeks, 2x's/dy and it doesn't seem to be helping. Her weight gain isn't spectacular but at least she's not losing! Friday the 30th her weight was 10lb 15oz, and Friday the 7th it was 11 1b 4oz. The doc increased her dose of zantac to 2ml, but from reading on the boards it should be less. I am wondering if the high dose is making her lose her appetite. She hasn't had great bm's- none since Friday. Her latch isn't great- I saw an occupational therapist last Friday who gave us some excercises to do with her to strengthen her muscles which has helped a bit. I think that I may decrease her Zantac dose a bit and see if it helps.

Offline Erin (redstarfalling)

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Recommendations on getting milk supply up?
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2005, 16:59:58 pm »
I don't know anything about using Zantac, so I can't comment there.

As for the latch - just keep trying - everytime her latch is poor, just keep restarting - she'll get the hang of it!  For weight gain:

0-4 months        5-7 ounces per week †
4-6 months        4-5 ounces per week
6-12 months   ‡ 2-4 ounces per week

† It is acceptable for some babies to gain 4-5 ounces per week.

‡ The average breastfed baby doubles birth weight in 5-6 months. By one year, the typical breastfed baby will weigh about 2 1/2 times birth weight. By two years, differences in weight gain and growth between breastfed and formula-fed babies are no longer evident.

And for the herbs, you might want to try fennel and blessed thistle supplements instead of the tea - some people find they work better:
Fenugreek :     3 capsules 3 times a day
Blessed thistle :    3 capsules 3 times a day, or 20 drops of the tincture 3 times a day

Keep me posted!
Erin
Mother to Megan and Samantha