Breastmilk Problems

You may not be eating enough, you could have a thyroid problem (traditional thyroid tests are useless), you could be stressed. I would suggest contacting a LaLeche leader. You may be dehydrated. There are many factors.

G.

A couple suggestions: I personally took fennel and fenugreek. They seemed to work, at least for a short period of time. (I was going back to work, and keeping up with pumping and breastfeeding got hard, as I wasn't breast feeding as frequently as when I was home, so my supply went down)

Some of my friends say eating more oatmeal is also supposed to help.

Good luck!

Try pumping and drinking lots of milk or soy milk. I used to have that problem then I started pumping then more milk came down. Feed him like that.

I couldn't produce _any_ milk and found out I had "hypoplastic breasts" - the medical term for not enough milk ducts. I felt horrible and it was so traumatic we chose not to have anymore kids. Most mothers consider breastfeeding to be an Olympic competition and will make you feel horrible for using formula. Don't feel badly! It's not your fault. Just pump whatever you can and use formula. Your baby loves you anyhow and it's nobody's darn business how you feed your own child. GOOD LUCK.

I have a similar problem with my son. He seems to be a typical high need baby. Always eating, always wanting to be held, always crying with expectation if one of those 2 things aren't happening. He usually will eat once an hour. (He has almost doubled birthweight and is only 2 1/2mos.)

Anyway, let me ask you, what kind of breastpump are you using? I would suggest you invest in a good one. A good breastpump is worth it's weight in gold for a breastfeeding mother. I had a crappy one with my daughter and was unsuccessful at supplementing with expressed milk every now and then. She would never take a bottle. I learned after that ordeal, and exclusive breastfeeding isn't an option, as I am working now. So after much research, I purchased a Medela Pump in Style. It takes next to no time to pump at all, only 5-10 mins/session. During that time, I can usually pump around 5-6 oz. If your daughter is taking bottles, she may just be getting frustrated. They have to work to get the milk out of a breast, whereas with a bottle, it is a steady flow. Just a little trick, but if you want to continue to breastfeed even with a supplemental bottle, stick with the newborn or size 1 nipple. It isn't necessary for the size of the hole in the nipple to get bigger as they get older as the size of a breast nipple doesn't grow as your baby does.

Also, there is an herb that you can take that helps aid in milk production. It is called Fenugreek. I personally take Fenuthyme. It is the feugreek and thyme also. It is also good for sinus problems, which was why I bought it in the first place.

Sorry this is running so long, one more thing. If it is that you are just not able to keep up with supply and demand, don't get frustrated. It happens. It isn't anything that you are doing wrong. I suggest contacting a LLL consultant. I have a card from one from when I left the hospital with my son. I would be willing to give you her number. Also, remember that no matter how much it is, as much of your milk that you give your daughter is good for her. Don't worry, I myself have gotten overwhelmed when it seems like my son has been attached to my breast for 10 hours straight. Just keep feeding her. The more you breastfeed, the more your body will produce. Here's a thought, if you have to use a bottle of formula, try and pump during that time also. The more you stimulate, the more milk you will have. Even if it still isn't enough, that will be one less bottle of formula you can give later.

Sorry again this has run long, my mind goes a hundred miles a minute and my fingers can't quite keep up all the time. Good luck, and no matter what, keep your chin up. If you stress too much about breast milk, you can actually produce less.

My best advise would be to do what women did before formula and breast pumps. Back in the days if you had a milk production problem and could not afford a milk nurse, you did the natural thing: let your baby suckle on your deflated breast for as long as possible. This will stimulate harmones in your brain to make more milk in the breast she is suckling on. It only works if you let her suck for an hour an empty breast. Also, go to the health food store and get "Mother MIlk" herbal tea. It contains herbs that increase milk production. It worked for me. Good luck.

F.

I had similiar problems when my daughter was only a few months old, I felt like I could never satisfy her. Two things that helped me were drinking LOTS of water, and I mean LOTS. And also not switching sides every time I fed her. Let her nurse on the right side and get her to suckle as long as you can because your body is supposed to produce it based on demand. Then let her supplement with a bottle. At the next feeding use only the left breast and it should be more full because it hasn't been used in so long. This will also give the right side more time to fill and so on. Once I started doing that I never had another problem with my supply and I could be sure she was getting the hind milk every time. Also, if she ever falls asleep at the breast and you have the time, you could let her suckle while she sleeps to tell your body you need more supply. I hope this helps!!

Hi J.,

This may sound.. almost mean... but you could try to stop feeding her from a bottle. She may have learned that if she puts up enough of a stink, she gets a bottle, which is easier to work than the breast.

Also, try mother's milk tea, or supplements such as Mother's Milk Plus. Some babies go on what is often referred to as a nursing strike, which could be what you are experiencing. One recommendation is to walk around her topless, no bra, no shirt, and keep her close to you as much as possible. That will make you more accessible to her and remind your body that you are making milk for your baby.

Ensure that you are drinking enough fluids, and getting as much rest as possible. If your period has returned, that can alter the taste and sometimes even the quantity of milk produced during that time.

For me, I actually found that pumping *REDUCED* my milk supply by a ton, so I stopped doing that unless I knew we were going to be separated for long enough that she would need to eat without me. Your body knows the difference between your baby and a pump, and it won't react the same. Although, you might find pumping for just a moment or two (just long enough to get the milk flowing) is a big help - pump on the side you are starting to nurse on just until milk comes out, and then get her latched on. Once she is nursing, it should help let-down on the other side. And sometimes just massaging your breast right before nursing is helpful too.

Also, try not to wear bras that are too tight, or underwires - sometimes those can inhibit milk production.

Just my .02 among many other responses. I hope it's some help to you :)

I would see an IBCLC! Increasing milk supply is an individual assessment and the reason for low supply should be identified. The sooner, the better as this can be a time sensitive issue.

Drink plenty of fluids and if at all possible immediately stop giving the baby formula. Like the other response said, I agree that it is a supply demand thing. You body will catch up. Just hang in there. I would try pumping even just a little if that's all you have time for. The more demand, the more your body will produce. Personally, I have less milk when I am dehydrated. I also have to take a deep breath and relax my shoulders as the baby start to feed. It seems that if I'm tense, it takes longer to have a letdown. I hope this helps you. Hang in there. :)

dont feel so bad, for whatever reason your not producing enough milk it doesn't matter because its not your fault. I never had any desire to deal with the turmoil of breastfeeding and so i decided not to. My daughter is now three years old and in perfect health and is actually very advanced for her age to the point that she is going into a gifted program at her school (before even starting pre-school). I feel that breastfeeding is way overrated and to feed a child formula is fine and no one should make you feel like you are less of a mother because you supplement a liitle formula. Also as busy as im sure you are with school and what ever else you do maybe breastfeeding just isn't for you like it wasn't for me ( I was anxious to go back to work so I didn't want my baby to be completely dependent on my breast to eat). Do whatever is right for you and it's really not as big a deal as you are making it out to be.

Hi, I may be late to your response since I just joined the group. First of all, babies go through growth spruts at 2mo. & 4mo. So you need to increase your supply by pumping in between feeding if possible. Things that may increase your supply, try nursing after a hot shower or massage your breast before you nurse.

Try not to judge your milk supply by the way your breast feel or by the way your baby responds to the bottle. It does sound like your baby does like the fast flow she gets in the morning and from a bottle. Babies have a tendancy towards taking the easy way out. Your breasts don't empty. They secrete milk like you make saliva. The more you breastfeed the more milk your breasts make. In the morning you have extra build up. As the day progresses your breast make milk as you need it but doesn't have the extra build up that creates fast flow. It is normal for your breasts to feel "uninflated" at this stage of nursing. They are adjusting and milk on demand rather than storing up.

Now lets see if we can improve your situation. Some things to try. Feed baby before she is demanding to eat. Watch for alert happy moments when she starts sucking on her fists and feed her. She will be more patient when she is less hungry. While building up your supply (if really needed) Feed more frequently. Breastfeeding more often will increase your supply better than pumping. If you could just crawl into bed and nurse her of and on for 24 hours you could increase your supply. Make believe you have the flu. Turn off the phone and the whole world if needed.

With your busy schedule this might not be possible so you could feed her while at the computer, watching TV, anytime you get a chance to sit down. Put her to the breast. If she gets impatient use breast compression to keep the milk flowing. Be watchfull if she starts slowing down and would normally get frustrated start breast compression. For explanation on how to do breast compression search "Dr. Jack Newman" handouts.

Congratulations! Listen, you are a great mom and doing the best for your baby. There are many easy, little adjustments you can do... why don't you call the lactation consultant Andrea Syms-Brown at www.babyinthefamily.com ? No kidding... I've had 3 babies and only had problems breastfeeding with my 3rd one. Andrea came over to my house as soon as I called her (in tears, I was) and within 15 minutes I changed my position, a few things I was doing. I began relaxing, and I continued to breastfeed for 1 year! Take the time. Everyone can give you a few ideas, but I honestly think that sometimes we need to get someone completely objective and professional! Everyone loves Andrea! Good luck mama!

Hi,
I have heard that drinking a lot of water and eating oatmeal help to produce more milk. I do know that the water does help from experience but I have never tried the oatmeal. Also, the more she does feed, the more milk you will produce, so try to get her to feed as often as possible and your body will catch up.
Good luck!

Hi! No worries! you can turn this around!

Your baby is getting annoyed at the breast because of your suppressed supply (you knew that already!). When a baby goes to breast, they expect to get high volume, high flow milk FIRST (this is the "foremilk" that satisfies her thirst). As the feed continues, the flow of milk gets slower, creamier and smaller in volume (this is the "hindmilk" or dessert milk that satisfies her hunger).

When a Mamas supply is temporarily supressed, the baby goes to breast and hits "dessert" first. Most babies get pissed off because they are "thirsty" and need a drink first. Well-meaning Pediatricians often suggest "topping the baby off" with a bottle in the hopes that all of the fighting and side switching that the Mama has already done will somehow increase her supply. What you end up with is a stressed out Mama (stress interferes with milk production and release) and stressed out baby who may spend a lot of time struggling at the breast, or may eventually refuse it all together... no fun for anyone!

So here is the plan: you are going to switch the supplementation around. For those feeds that you have been offering a bottle AFTER, start offering the bottle FIRST. If you usually offer 2 ounces, try starting with 1 or 1.5... this high flow will satisfy her thirst first, and she will be more likely to stay on the breast afterwards for her dessert. When you put her to breast, let her suckle until she starts to slow down, then switch sides... go back and forth like this until she is "drunk". If you are finding that you still need to top her off, offer a little more as a pre-feed next time.

SLOWLY you will decrease the volume of formula that you are giving as a pre-feed, and the baby will make up the rest at the breast. By the time you are down to a half ounce or less, you can start to omit the pre-feed altogether.

This works beautifully! Just give it some time. If you find that you still top-off occassionally, pump briefly shortly after that feed to stimulate that extra supply.

Good luck!

I am an IBCLC by the way... been there, done this with my first child!

J. there alot of woman in this situation. I was one of them I tried breastfeeding my first child I did it for a couple of weeks but I was having the same problems as you and my daughter was always hungry and wanted to eat every 2 hours. There is nothing wrong with you sometimes some of us don't produce as much milk as others. But look at it this was at least you are giving her some and always have the extra bolltle so when your baby is finish with your breast you give her the bottle after. Have you try putting warm terry cloth on your breast that helps. I would say breast feed in the morning then give her the regular the milk for the rest of the day. At least the baby got some of the nutrients from you. Don't worry everything will be alright and try not to stress is not good for you and the baby. I know is hard but relax and you will see that everything will work. Good luck with the baby and your classes.

M.

Don't give up! You should stop giving her bottles and encourage her to nurse as often as possible. The more she nurses the more you will produce. There is a product called fenugreek, that you can get at GNC (I belive) and it will help increase your supply. Its easier for babies to get milk from a bottle then a breast wich is why it takes less time for her to eat from the bottle. Also I have a fast let down and before my daughter got used to it she used to pull off and scream too, so it might not be the fact that she isn't getting enough, it might be too much. After her 1st week she should have 5-6 wet diapers and 3 or more dirty diapers and that means she's getting enough. Get in touch with you local LLL (www.lalecheleague.org) they can help you, and visit kellymom.com for more info. Don't give up, I almost did a few times in the first few weeks but my daughter is pushing 4 months and is still exclusivly breastfeed. Its perfect for them, and gets easier after a few months. Good luck

One of the things that my midwife suggested was to drink a non-alcoholic beer a day. The hops or barley (I can't remember which one it is. But non-alcohol beer only includes the one you need) will help increase your milk production. Also there are some great teas out there that help as well. I got one at the natural food store near me and it was called Mother's Milk. The herbs are suppose to help increase milk production as well.

hi, just want to pass the same exact advice my lac. consultant told me after having 3 weeks of problems:
DRINK LIQUIDS! drink all day, all night,drink till you can't drink anymore, than pee, and drink some more!
worked for me:) good luck

You said you tried to pump, but it takes to long. That would have been my first answer I would have given you. But if that can't work for you, you can always try to keep having the baby take your breast. I know she's gets frustrated but the more you keep her trying, the more your body realizes to up your milk production. You can also try, when she's done with the first breast make sure you burp her. Then put her to the second one. When she starts actting frustratted, burp her again and then talk to her for a few minutes. Or change her diaper. Anything that takes her mind off eating for a couple minutes. If she lets you divert her attention for a few minutes (without screaming her head off, then try to give her the breast you started her on in the begining. Usually even those 2 to 5 minutes you start to have more milk again. Atleast it usually works for me and my very picky little girl. If you still have problems and it doesn't work for you try to call a local WIC office. They are usually very helpful when it comes to help with breastfeeding. This my third child breastfeeding, and it seems it doesn't get any easier. My last daughter I nursed for 11 months. Just remember, even if you do end up having to give supplements, you're doing great and one of the best things you can for her!!!!

Hi! I just wanted to write and say I had the same problem.. but my daughter started losing weight and her hair and I did give up.. nooone had an answer why I just didn't make enough milk.. but as long as you have a healthy and happy baby, thats all that matters! Who knows how nature and our bodies work.. and I'm amazed they do so well most of the time.. try to stop worrying and enjoy your baby! As long as she's growing and healthy and has a full belly and is loved and happy.. your doing a great job!

Have you tried changing your own diet? See what the La Leche League has to say on the subject, because it is possible that, unbeknowest to you, your diet is affecting your milk production.

Hi J.,

I feel for you, I was lucky not to have breastfeeding problems in the beginning but I have some issues now. You said you pump; what kind and how often? If you are using a hand pump you can pretty much forget it; even the Avent one is not nearly as good as an electric pump. Here's what I did with the arrival of my latest baby:

1. Get a double electric pump. I used the Purely Yours by (Ameda, and I got it for free from WIC as a student. They can really help if money is an issue and you qualify.

2. Pick a time of day an hour after a feeding when you actually have the time to pump. This way your breasts have a little time to recoup and fill up again. (If your fiancee is home by all means enlist his help with your daughter for fifteen minutes or so.) BE PATIENT! For the first week or so, you may not get much milk out at all, but as your body adjusts to the suction and the new "feeding" your breasts will produce enough extra milk every day at this time to pump. Then, you can store it up to six hours on the counter, eight days in the fridge or three months in the freezer (longer if you have a deep freezer; consult WIC or La Leche League for more info on the storage times). You can then use this pumped milk in place of formula for the times when you feel your daughter is still hungry after you nurse her.

3. Most importantly: BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR PUMPING! I made the mistake of stopping the morning pump routine when my son was three months old because I was home and the milk was piling up in my freezer. I thought I would still be able to effectively pump--Little did I know that when I went back to work and one-half of my double pump broke I wouldn't be able to get enough milk stored up again to solely breastfeed him. When I did eventually get another pump, we had already started feeding him some formula and my milk supply was way down, and I didn't have the time or the patience to pump it back up again. So, even if you have to dump the milk down the drain because you can't use it fast enough or you run out of storage room (whatever), DON'T stop your daily pumping routine!

If this still doesn't work for you and you have to supplement some formula, you will still be nursing her so she will be getting some of the benefits of breastmilk.

And remember, if you do have to give up the breast for the bottle altogether, don't beat yourself up about it. Either way as long as you are still as loving, caring and nurturing (as I can tell you are) she will be a happy, healthy baby. Millions of women out there can't/choose not to breastfeed for one reason or another, and their babies turn out fine. At least you gave it the old college try, right?

Good luck and let me know how this turns out,

M.

P.S. Could you also be having latching problems because of a flat or inverted nipple? Ask your pediatrician or consult with La Leche League.

Hi Jesse,
You can try mother's milk tea. The health food store at the manchester parkade sells it. It works quickly and helps you produce milk. You might also make sure that your baby is latching properly and that the tounge isn't getting in the way. You could also try one of those nipple covers that you put over your nipple. If you stll have problems, find a lactation person (not your doctor) to offer advice. Sometimes they see something that the doctor hasn't. Good luck, H.

In my opinion, the worst thing you can do is stress out about it. I had the same problems, and i know many women who nurse their babies, and the babies are not satisfied completely and may need an ounce or 2 of a bottle to top them off. First, please remember there are formulas out there that are VERY close to being as good for your baby as your own milk. I had trouble with one of my breasts not producing enough milk. I could only feed my daughter from one, and then give her a bottle. As long as you are able to give your baby some of your own milk he/she will get all the good stuff they need. I don't know if you've ever heard of LaLeche League, they are a group of women who are determined to help you figure out any problems you may be having with nursing. They helped me a lot. They have meetings or you can just call them with any questions you have. They are very helpful and they are all over the country. Here is their website if you want to give them a try maybe they can help you figure this out. http://www.lalecheleague.org/ I KNOW how frustrated you are. I have been there. But, hang in. Your baby will be fine no matter what route you have to take. I hope this has helped you.
S.

I did have trouble with my son losing weight and they told me to start supplementing with a bottle. Once I did that, it took me about 24 hours for him to latch back on correctly. I found it frustrating and tried pumping to produce more. I was also trying to pump for his twin sister who was still in the NICU. The whole "the more you pump, the more you produce" thing did not work out for me. I ended up just breast feeding in the morning when I was the fullest and did bottles thru most of the day. If I felt really full I would try to feed him but for the most part pumped a little off and stored it. I used my milk first in the bottle and filled the rest with formula. "Breast is best" so they say, but if you don't have it you can't use it. The idea is to try and remain calm and relaxed. Be in a quiet room when you are nursing, use warm compresses to stimulate you, possibly play soft music, and skin-to-skin contact does help. Take the babies clothes off as well as yours and they seem to concentrate more on nursing. Believe me, I wanted to more than anything be able to say I breast feed my twins, but in todays world we can not sit on the couch all day shoving their mouth on to us. The fact that you've been patient this long is more than some people can say. I gave it a good whirl for 3 months then went back on birth control and my supply started to dwindle even further. The key is to relax, which I know is hard, especially when you are tired and trying to work with someone that refuses to work with you. Good luck! She's gotten the most important part of your supply, the colostrum, so it won't be the end of the world if you must resort to formula...even it seems that way now.

Hi Jesse
This is going to be a little long but I feel that I can give you a lot of information. I breastfed both of my girls exclusively.

Breastfeeding is not easy. It is VERY time consuming. And you need to have patience and gets lots of rest and sleep. So please sleep when your baby does. Everything else can wait.

First you need to make sure you are eating and drinking enough fluids. LOTS of water and make sure you drink you milk as well. You need to eat right. Lots of small meals through out the day. This will make sure you don't get dehydrated and your body will have enough for you and her.

Second you need to relax. If you stress your body gets overwhelmed. And also the baby senses that and makes her uptight amd more challenging.

Third Stick with it. Your doctor is completely right with the milk being high up. The most nourishing milk is the upper milk. And the baby does need to work on her sucking to get it to release.

Fourth if you are going to pump too you need to be on a schedule and get her on one as well. Lets say start at 12p.m. ok. Nurse for 15 mins on both sides. Put her down and rest drink and eat. At 1 p.m. pump for 15 mins on each side. Then nurse her at 3 p.m. Bring a glass of water with you all the time. And never topoff only refill. Follow this schedule all day. Every three hours nurse a hour after you nurse pump. Pump for as long as she nurses.

Resting is the key. You need to have strength for your body and mind. Try to stop using the formula. She will get to used to that. And remember pumping is not the same as your baby nursing. It helps but can't substitute for your child.

Nobody tells you how hard nursing is. I commend you for really trying to do it. Most women give up. It is an awesome bond with your child. And helps pop your body back to that pre-pregnancy size ;) I wish you all the Luck. I hope this helped.

Hi J.,
Don't give up! You may want to try giving her a few ounces by bottle before the breast so she isn't so hungry and her frustration level isn't so high. Then she will probably have more patience nursing. If you have access to a lactation consultant, call her. Either the ones from the hospital where you delivered or your insurance company may offer an in home consultation. Many pediatricians have lactation consultants on staff as well. Although it would be difficult, you may want to try giving a little formula first then put her to one breast while pumping the other. The body should start producing more milk then. Again, it is a lot of work, but try pumping both breasts at the same time between the feedings later in the day. Stick with it, your body will come through for you! Really try to talk to a lacation consultant if you can.

I nursed both my daughters to 15 months and worked, so I understand how difficult it is to keep up your milk supply, but it is worth it.
M.

depending on what kind of pump you have, you should feed her or pump every three hours to increase your supply. Try the La Leche Leauge they are ever so helpful. Good Luck!
P.S. Be diligent about the every three hours.

hi J., and congrats on your little baby!! if you are truly determined to breastfeed, then you will suceed. you really have to ditch the bottles, and at 7 weeks, you should try to do it asap. it sounds like she is taking a lot of formula through the day, so you may have to do it a bit at a time, but it is your first priority. like lots of the ladies here suggested, you should have a "nurse-in", just you and her in bed nursing as much as possible around the clock. you will be surprised how fast this will boost your supply, our bodies are truly miraculous, you were designed to do this, and it will work. you need to drink lots and lots of water, NO caffiene, try to feed yourself well and sleep, though i know it can be impossible. if you have people offering to give you help, take it, let them take care of stuff for you while you just focus on the two of you. relax while nursing, read something, watch stupid funny tv, whatever. eating real oatmeal with maple syrup (the cheap fake kind, it has fenugreek in it) was a huge help for me, i noticed a difference right away. and try to relax before and during nursing, it makes a difference. remember to always finish the first breast first, the hind milk is what keeps her full and gives her most of the fat she needs. its more important than getting both sides, though if she gets full after the first side, you should try to put her on the other side even if its for a couple of minutes, just to stimulate it, for now until your supply is up. if she falls asleep nursing, wake her up a couple of times and put her back on, you can flick the bottoms of her feet, wash her face a little with a warm damp washcloth, or take off some of her clothing. pumping will help too, but never in place of nursing, you can do it in addition to nursing, like if you have to stimulate the other side. even if you dont get much at first, its ok, 5 min of stimulation will help increase your supply. just nurse as much as possible (without letting your nipples get too sore), and if both breasts arent being stimulated by her at least every 2-3 hours or so, use the pump also. massaging your breast while nursing will help, a warm compress before nursing will help let-down. **mastering the art of nursing while laying down on your sides, tummy-to-tummy, can be a lifesaver** obviously, just be sure she cant roll anywhere. and yes, it definitely can seem like 24/7 in the beginning, especially while you are trying to get your supply back up, this is normal. exhausting, but normal. my kids both nursed almost around the clock in the beginning, they were big, i dont know if that matters. while i was getting my supply back up, actually it was at about 7 weeks, too-(after the bottles that everyone told me would be just fine really screwed us up), my son nursed almost every hour for up to 45 min at a time! just dont try to do anything else, focus on the two of you and it will pay off faster than you think. best of luck and hang in there, as my husband likes to say to me..."you are a bountifull provider of nutrition for your child!!" the breastaurant is open, and you will do it! take care, D.

Dear J.,

Has your baby ever breastfed well and not needed supplement? Did you have problems with sore nipples in the beginning? Sometimes milk production goes down because baby has a feeding difficulty (breast attachment-latch-is not good, baby has poor suck due to tongue tie, short jaw, etc). In the first couple of weeks milk production is more hormonally driven and babies who have difficulty with suck can "get by." But when the breast milk production is not stimulated well by thorough breast emptying in those first 2-3 weeks, milk supply goes down. You said you really want to breastfeed and you still likely can get a full supply, but it would involve pumping, if only for a short while to tell the breast you need more milk. Supplementing baby at breast with the formula would also help. If you must use bottles, then pace the feed; sit baby upright and bottle feed with the bottle horizontal so there is milk only half way in the nipple. This slows the feeding which is more like the breast which does not have a constant flow. Babies get used to the faster/constant flow of a bottle and look for that at the breast then; they also tend to take more milk than they need when bottle feed for they "drink or drown" with constant flow. I need to have more details about your nursing, frequency of feeds, how breastfeeding was those first 2 weeks, start of supplementation, etc. Rental of a hospital grade double electric pump is advised and a doable pumping and feeding routine can be worked out. There are herbal remedies and medications as well that can increase milk supply but one still must "empty" the breast well, and if baby can't do that then pumping is necessary. Please let me know how I can help more. I am a private practice, certified lactation consultant and if I got a call from a mom like you, would most likely do a home visit to assess the whole situation and offer plan of care and ongoing guidance.
Hoping to hear from you.
B. L.

First let me say it is not unusual for demand to get ahead of supply. Giving any formula is defeating the situation. Pumping in between feedings will help stimulate the supply. Hang in there. Also drink plenty of fluids and relax. Both lack of fluids and stress will affect the supply. Good luck. If still having problems contact your nearest La Leche League (go on the web to locate a chapter near you). Good LUck

A. the post partum doula.

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much to help increase your production, but I am responding to let you know that you are not alone! I have had problems producing enough milk with both my children. With my first I was supplementing from the beginning because he was eating every hour!! He weaned from the breast completely at six months. Oh yeah, and I can't pump either. I get NOTHING when I pump, even if I wait four hours when I know that the baby can get some. With my second it is a little bit better. I don't know if it is because I am at home more (I was finishing my masters with my first) or what, but I only have to give him one supplement a day...a four to five ounce bottle at night to help him sleep through the night. Both my kids gained fine and I felt that I was still giving them the benefit of breastfeeding, even if they needed a little extra. I plan to try breastfeeding my second even longer, though I know that I will have to probably increase the amount that I supplement as he grows. One suggestion I can give you is trying Mother's Milk Tea. My sister is doing it and says that she notices a difference. I bought some but can't bring myself to commit to it because it tastes like licorice...but if you don't mind that, that is the only suggestion I have. And I hear you about the pumping...it takes forever and with two kids I am lucky if I even get to sit through breastfeeding without being interrupted. Good luck!!

You Know What,That Happens Around The 5th Or 6th Months Of The Baby When You Start Feeding Solids To Them,
At Least In My Case.
You Know What Can Start Making You Produce Milk As Fast As The Second Day Of Taking?
Fenu Greek.
It Worked For Me!
The Fenu Greek I Was Taking When I Did Was From The Sundown Brand.
Not Sure If It Still Selling.
But It Did The job.
My Chest Look Almost Like The Cows _____!
So You Know.
If You Feel OK About It,Give It A Try.
Wish This Is Helpful To You.
LUCK!!

Try drinking more liquids during the day, that was what my doctor recommended when I was breastfeeding.

Hi J., I really identified with your situation. I had a different situation. My daughter (she's 2 now) was a preemie and spent her first 10 weeks in the hospital. I faithfully pumped every 3 hours around the clock the entire time because she was too small and vulnerable to breastfeed. When she finally came home from the hospital she was still only 4 lbs. and she could latch on but she just became tired and frustrated from the effort after going from feeding tube to bottle. At that point I was still pumping and so determined to give her breastmilk but when I started only getting an ounce or two each time I realized that all the energy I was putting into it I could be putting into her and I made the decision to switch to formula. It wasn't easy though. I think I cried for the first two weeks! But, in the end, I can feel good about giving her at least 3 months because ANY breastfeeding is better than none. Also you might want to ask your dr. about Reglan. It is a medication they give babies for reflux but it can also temporarily increase your milk production. It worked for me for about a month or so... Good luck to you. Just remember the important thing is to enjoy this time with your baby - she is going to grow so fast!

I ran into the same problems. I was told to eat more, lots of protein (try protein bars), a herbal vitamin (fenugreek) that I take 2 times a day and lots of water. I was also told to pum at least every 2 hours for 2 days. It helped bring up my milk production to more then what it was. I think what happens is eventually the breast even out for what you need for the baby. I know I had a lot in the beginning and then it just even out. I was also told that stress could have something to do with the decrease of the production. I hope this info helps and good luck.

Your baby and you are a team. The more she sucks the more she will stimulate your supply. If I were you I would stop with the formula asap. By giving her formula she isnt sucking on you and therefore your body isnt getting the message more milk is needed.
It going to take a commitment of a few days of 24/7 breastfeeding to get your baby and your milk in sync. Your baby is going to complain, but after a day or so your milk will catch up.
I had very similar problems with both my kids. But, eventually my milk caught up. I never had to resort to drinking the tea, but I would recommend trying it.
Good Luck, and keep up the Good Work!

This also happened to me. My doctor told me to make sure that I am drinking enough water. I increased my water to about 10 glasses a day, and it seemed to help. Good luck!

I am a mother of three ages 4,3, and 5 months old. I breastfed with all of them for at least the first 2-3 months. With the first one I stopped out of frustration because he refused to take it anymore, the second one I dried up, and this last one I was worried about drying up (he was hospitalized for a long period of time) and thats when I tried one of the best things ever invented. While he was in the hospital, I used the hospital grade breastpump. I dont know what kind of financial situation you are in if you could afford to rent one, but pumping with one of those between feedings will do wonders and it really helped me to establish a milk supply. The added plus was, it pumped both sides at once and it only took half the time. I breastfed him quite sucessfully and had plenty of extra stored in the freezer to use even after he switched to the bottle. Oh yeah, and one more thing, when you do pump, it helps to keep pumping a little bit longer after your breasts have emptied, it helps tell your body to make more.

Hi J.,
I didn't get a chance to read all the other responses.
This may sound strange, but I had a similar problem and someone told me to drink a beer. I did while winding down before bed one night and in the morning my breasts had leaked all over the place. I really produced a lot of milk! I heard it was just a myth, but a friend of mine tried the same thing and it worked for her, too. Not sure if you'd be willing to try it, but maybe as a last resort.
Hope everything works out!

hey J.,
i myself had similar problems with both of my children.. someone suggested to me fenugreek. it's an herbal pill that helps your body produce more milk. it worked for me in the beginning but was not the answer.. one side effect was smelling like maple syrup in the morning when i woke up. Look into it though... I have found that some people will never produce enough milk. i also tried the pumping to get more milk out and also for myself to see how much the baby was really eating. but it seemed like all i was doing was pumping and feeding all day, and i never got to store any extra milk.. don't give up though you've done 7 weeks and that's great some people don't even try that...

Hi, J.!

I breast fed my daughter, too.

I've always heard that the baby's demand will control the flow of milk. If you supplement, that is less time that the baby has on your breast and less milk production. Then the baby gets "nipple confusion" also between the real nipple and the bottle's nipple. There may be some foods that you can eat that will increase milk production - make sure that you are eating and drinking enough also. It may also have something to do with "let down" - when you let yourself relax, the milk will flow more easily.

There is a group called Le Leche that helps new moms with breast feeding. Maybe you can find them on the internet or your doctor will know how to contact them.

Good luck! Let us know what happens!

Deb