Help with Milk Increase

Eat oatmeal every day! It really helps! Also, drink lots of water. The yahoo group "Pumpmoms" has some great advice on ways to increase milk supply. If you go to groups.yahoo.com and search for pumpmoms you can join. I have gotten lots of great advice from this group.

I rented a hospital grade breast milk pump to increase my milk supply. Check your local listings for pump rental locations.

Drink lots of water. Your body may be dehydrated. Make sure you are eating enough. It's easy to want to cut down and lose that baby-weight, but you actually need to eat more calories when you are breast feeding than you do when you are pregnant. Fenugreek and the lactation aiding teas containing it, such as "Mother's Milk" by Traditional Medicinals, are very helpful. Also, make sure not to stress too much. Stress is another factor that can reduce you milk supply. If Jr. is doing frequent smaller feedings, try to adjust his schedule to incorporate larger feedings longer apart. If he doesn't take to this readily, try pumping right after he is finished to send the signal to your body that a greater volume is needed. That's about all you can reasonably and safely do. My sister tried domperidone, but it was expensive, had to be ordered from New Zealand, and didn't do anything for her. Good luck! Hope something here helps...

More Milk Plus (blend of fenugreek seed, blessed thistle, nettle leaf, fennel seed) by Motherlove is a great supplement that many lactation consultants recommend. The website www.motherlove.com has lots of info and the people are very nice and helpful if you call too. I recommend the capsules rather than the liquid tincture just because of the taste but they work the same. Goat's Rue is another great and very potent herb (also available through Motherlove - but most of your local health food stores should either have it or be able to get it for you). Goat's Rue is what adoptive mothers often take if they want to be able to breastfeed their adopted baby. Someone also recommended marshmallow root to me when I was having challenges. Didn't do much for me but she said her grandmother who was an herbalist told her to try it and it did the trick overnight and she had A LOT of milk. Nature's Sunshine is another company I'd recommend and they have marshmallow root and also a combo supplement of marshmallow and fenugreek. Domperidone works wonders I've heard (I think that's about the only thing I didn't try!) but it's kinda spendy and you definitely have to order it online because it's not available in the U.S. Check out Dr. Jack Newman's website www.drjacknewman.com for more info on it and lots of other great breastfeeding help. Good luck and hope one or more of those will do the trick for you. They should!

hi L.:

i haven't seen how other people have responded to you (and i was away this w/e so just seeing this now) but acupuncture and herbs can definitely help with low production. i would suggest finding an acupuncturist specializing in women's health/pregnancy/postpartum near where you live. Acufinder.com can be helpful b/c you may read practitioners' profiles.

Best of luck to you,

D. Bowden

D. Bowden Acupuncture
2601 Mission Street, Suite 201
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I was advised to use fenugreek by a very experienced lactation consultant at LPCH at Stanford. She suggested fenugreek from a specific pharmacy, as she knows where it comes from and what goes into it. Medical Plaza Pharmacy 1101 Welch Road, Palo Alto 94304 ###-###-####

I used it after my milk dried up when I was ill. Instructions are on the bottle and I took nearly the maximum suggested (6 capsules 3 times a day). I also pumped after my daughter fed and every 3 hours for about 4-5 days to get it back. It worked, but I had to stay on top of it there after, especially when I went back to work. I was able to keep my milk up until she was 11 months old. Also, fenugreek is an herb that is frequently used in cooking in some parts of the world. Best of luck to you.

I am a mother of one beautiful two year old, and the supplement called fenugreek is supposed to help increase production of milk. I had tried it while I was breastfeeding my daughter, as I had surgery previously on my chest. I am not sure where you shop but know that Raley's has it. Hope that it helps.

believe it or not beer and water help....

Maybe you might want to try some herbs that truly can work: blessed thistle, mothers milk tea, fenugreek.Or for a last resort ask your doc for Reglan.Reglan generally works quickly. You can google all of these for more info. They all worked for me. Increasing feeding should also help your supply increase..it didnt work for me but I know lots of woman that had great results by increasing feeding.There are so many things you can try. Hang in there. Good luck. Breastfeeding is great.

Have you tried eating lots and lots of oatmeal? I had a friend that that really worked for. You can also check and see if a doctor will get you a Rx for domperidone.

Jen D.

Yes, your milk supply WILL come back! And there's no way you'll dry up if your baby so strongly prefers you to the bottle, so trust your baby too.

When I was breastfeeding, I needed a ridiculous amount of water. I am sure you are already drinking water, but I saw a difference in my milk production when I drank 12 to 14 cups per day. Also, I seemed to make more when I worked out. Good luck to you, and good for you for hanging in there with breastfeeding!
M.

i have breast fed my 2 sons for 12 months each. i was a full time mom.in my country,( i am asian) for you to have more milk and also can pump extra is to make soup with a lot of ginger and vegetables.you will have a good supply and besides tha baby will not be cholic because of the ginger.
try it, shoud you have more questions please e-mail me ____@____.com the way i have 9 siblings and were all breast fed and everyone is healthy and so my children.

have a good day!

joycepanelo

Hi L., YOU'RE NOT ALONE sweetie!
I had the same problem. In fact, you're probably going to have a heart attack when you hear what I did to increase my flow. First let me start with I know how tired you are. Nursing is a full time job in itself. You are a very special and caring lady to have done it this long. :)
The doctor told me to nurse more often. I almost had a heart attack when she told me this, but I did it and more and more milk came. Of course you want to make sure you are nurshing yourself as well with plenty of food, water, and rest. YES, rest is a key factor in nursing. HUbby will have to give baby a bottle that was pumped in the middle of the night. :)
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
N.

Drink more water. It works

Take a breath, drinks tons of water and try a dark german Beer. My Mother had a heart attack and we almost lost her. My milk dropped down so much and my baby needed more milk. I tried the pumping more after he feed to increase the milk and I called the Doctor and he is the one that told me about the "Beer". I don't drink beer or anything like it but I was willing to try anything! It worked! With in 24 hours my milk was back and so much more! I drank one beer the first day and 4 oz. each day after for four days. It needs to be a dark German Beer and the taste is very strong! When you are stressed your body does wierd things! I will be thinking of you!

Try to drink ALOT of water, also when you say milk supplements, have you tried the mother's milk tea? I think the alfala in it help a bunch, good luck!!

Nursing often (not so much how much you get out) is what increases production. If you pump, dont pump right after you nurse, but wait a while. Try nursing every hour. It usually takes 2 or three days for milk production to increase, so try very frequent nursing for a few days.

There are also teas, you would need to drink 4 teabags full a day or make your own. You can look up online a recipe for tea that increases milk production. The prepared teas are at most healthfood stores. It is just more expensive to buy it prepared. But the brands are Yogi and Traditional Medicinals.

A great place for questions about nursing is la leche league. Please go check it out! http://www.llli.org/

When I needed to increase my milk supply I did a couple of things. I would pump after every feeding. My baby was sleeping through the night but I would set my alarm at 1am and pump. I took Fenugreek - an herbal supplement, and I drank a couple of beers throughout the day. Also, when I would pump I would sort of meditate - close my eyes, breathe deeply, be in a quiet environment - go to your happy place! Good luck!!

Mother's Milk Tea really helped me! I think I drank about 3 cups per day. I know everyone is different but I had several times when my supply was really low and then it would bounce back when I started nursing frequently again.

fenugreek can be a bit faster than mothers milk
drink LOTS of water
eat protein a couple hours before you pump
REST, REST, REST
nurse or pump frequently

Drink a beer. Just one, something with the yeast helps bring in your milk. My milk started to slow down in production, and that is what my Uncle, who is my Pediatrician, told me to do and it worked like a charm. I nursed my son for 18 months without a hitch. Good luck and good job!

I know this may sound funky but Malted Milk worked for me. if you can throw it your milk or make a milk shake. I used to just make chocolate milk with the Carnation Malted milk. I found when my water intake was low my milk production lagged too. Good luck!

Ive heard that spending a few days in bed with your little one letting him nurse as much as he wants. Rest, lots of water, and the Mothers milk a few times a day.
Good luck!

Ask your OB about a RX for domperidone. You can get it locally at the SV Pharmacy or at some online pharmacies. Many of the moms in my breastfeeding support group have found it cheaper online and in Canada. They say it helps in 24-48 hrs. Even with normal feedings...pump and/or feed at least 8 times a day to increase your bodies production. Lots of water and some folks swear by oatmeal.

Hi L.,
...I couldn't resist telling you this though I know it may sound strange, odd & even hysterical (especially coming from a stranger), but my honest advice is to have your husband play with them...(your breasts), A LOT! It works.
Best of luck & fun.
L..

I've heard the herb Fenugreek is known to help increase milk supply. You can get it at a place like Vitamin World. Other than that I'd just keep pumping and nursing and drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Good luck!

Sorry to hear you were in the hospital--hope everything is well now. My advice to increase your milk supply is drink lots of water and feed, feed, feed, just like you did when your son was first born and you were establishing your milk supply. Keep your son from having formula and feed every two hours or more if he isn't satisfied and at least once at night. It's a lot of work for both you and your son, but it will only take a 2-3 days for your body to respond and start producing the amount of milk your son needs. Then you can return to a more normal feeding schedule for a nine-month old. Good luck!

I wanted to keep nursing my daughter for at least 18-24 months and my milk supply started to dwindle around 14 months. A good friend recommended I try a natural supplement called "Lactate Support" by Professional Solutions and it was amazing how much milk I produced from it! It truly worked for me without any side effects, and I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to increase their milk production naturally. Here's a site where you can purchase these vegetarian capsules (manufactured by Gaia Herbs).

http://organicpharmacy.org/products/Lactate.Support

When I was pregnant 15 years ago...I was told that beer increase milk prodution. Has to do with the yeast in the beer. You don't need alot, just about 4 oz. I tried once and it seemed to help. Ask your doctor to confirm.

Hi L.,
I hope you are feeling better! It sounds like you are already doing all the things I would suggest. Are you staying well hydrated? That's the only other thing I can think of, especially because you've been sick. You need to drink a ton while breastfeeding. Also, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. I don't know if stress can have a detrimental effect on milk supply, but it certainly doesn't help! I respect that you want to continue breastfeeding, but just know that you have already passed along almost all (or even all) of the health benefits of breastfeeding to your child by nine months. While I hope you will be able to increase your mild supply, perhaps knowing that you've already given your child a wonderful gift will help take off some of the pressure. Also, there's no reason that I'm aware of that your child cannot go straight to a sippy cup after breast feeding. Does he have his front teeth? You might want to ask your ped. I do know from the occupational therapists we had to see when our son was slow to eat solids (very slow!) that sippy cups and bottles use the same oral motor skills. Take care.
K.

Hi L.,

Other than the Mother's Milk tea and lactation tinctures that you can find at a health food store... make sure that you are getting plenty of rest, water, food and peace. If you're stressed that will only hinder your milk production. Try some yoga. Also, I know it sounds weird but apparently a dark beer is supposed to help with milk production. Do an on-line search to see what kind specifically. And only one per day!! I'll also add that my daughter nursed until she was 3 1/2 and passed 1 year I never really noticed my breasts feeling full...but the milk always came and she was always full. Many times there's more than than you think there is and you always get more when baby is actually nursing then when you pump. I hope others have some helpful suggestions as well. Good luck!

HI L.
I take fenugreek and drink mother's milk tea by the gallon and it's helped me. Be sure to drink loads of water and eat well!
Good luck!
N.

Drink lots of water and breast feed him as much as you can. Your body works on demand and supply. The more stimulation by nursing will let your body know he needs more.

Try non-alcoholic beer. That's what they use in Europe (actually they use real beer) and it really works.

Hi L.!
We actually discussed milk supply in my Le Leche League meeting this week! =)

Some Suggestions:
Nurse - Nurse- Nurse! (Keep up with hat you're doing: nurse and pump!)
Non-alcoholic beer (for the hopps)
Drink A LOT of water

*Someone mentioned an herb that she drank in tea, and she swore by it, but I can't remember the name. Maybe if you go to a health food's store, they could give you some suggestions! :-)

I just had this problem, it started when I got really sick, anyway...Increase your water intake. Increase your calories and your protein (cottage cheese, chicken, etc.) Eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday, whole oats, not the packaged instant stuff. To make it taste better I put raisins and cinnamon in it, if you want it sweeter, add honey. This was all I did and it worked great, the next step up if you are still having a problem, take Fenugreek, it's 3 tablets 3 times a day, and Lactation blend, you can find these at stores like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. I think Whole Foods has them as well. You only need to take those for a few weeks. Be patient, it can take a week or two! If your baby seems lilke he is hungry try to supplement formula, but keep pumping! My daughter doesn't like the taste of formula that well, so whatever you can get out when you pump, mix it with the formula, that helps. Good luck, I can't wait to see what happens!

Hi L.,
I think you're doing everything that you can. I would have suggested pumping/nursing more often, that usually helps. I hope it picks up for you.
Good luck!

Take one tablet of Fenugreek (supplement that you can get at places like Van's Health Foods in Livermore) 3 times a day. Pump 2-5 minutes a few times a day After breastfeeding, or pick a couple of extra times during the day (same time every day) and pump 5-10 minutes. Even if nothing is coming out, it will increase your supply.

I have to add, that despite well intentioned advice, all studies show that beer does NOT help with milk supply, and can actually inhibit milk let down. It is an old wive's tale.

I went to a lactation specialist and they perscribed a medication that usually perscribed for stomach problems, but the side-effect is lactation. Some adoptive mothers take it because they want to experience that bond with their new baby. I had low production and it allowed me to nurse till my daughter weened herself at 14 months. The medication is called Domperidone. I think that is how it is spelled.