Re: Breast-feeding and loss of milk

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Hi Amy,

This is the general concept for breastfeeding: Breast milk is based on supply and demand. The more a baby nurses (demands) the more milk will be created. Granted, there are exceptions to this. It also helps to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods and get plenty of rest.

If you do want to continue breastfeeding, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't. You didn't mention if you were on a birth control pill. Some types have the potential to negatively affect milk supply, especially if the supply was not completely established beforehand.

Here are some tips from Dr. William Sears (pediatrician) for increasing milk supply: 1) Seek assistance - consult a lactation specialist to review positioning and latch-on techniques 2) Get support - Contact the La Leche League 3) Avoid negative advisors - in this case, your doc's staff 4) Check you *nest* (homelife) - are thing too busy? what can you set aside to allow more time for breastfeeding? 5) Take your baby to bed - nap nursing and night nursing are powerful stimulators of milk procduction (I agree completely. My 10 mos old daughter sleeps with us and she has access to the "ole Mama Buffet" 24 hours a day. It's amazing how many times during the night she snuggles up to me and latches on. I will practically explode if she doesn't nurse every 2 hours or so). 6) Try to increase the frequency of feedings 7) Think baby, think milk - this stimulates your milk-producing hormones 8) Sleep when baby sleeps - you need your rest too :) 9) massage your breasts before and during feedings 10) Try herbal teas - use fenugreek seeds or Mothers Milk tea and there are more ideas.....buy, or check out from your local library, "The Baby Book" by William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN

Another thing, try not to judge your milk supply by how much you can express into a container. Breasts hold more than you may think plus more is being made all the time.

I will forward your message to a lactation consultant who frequents this site and see what she can add. I applaude your effort to bet your baby back on the breast more. It will take some effort but you know the rewards will be great for both him and yourself. :)

Please write if you have more questions!

Sincerely, Mary Shoup Pregnancy & Birth Coordinator mary.shoup@obgyn.net

• Next message: dr.: "Re: oligohydramnios and possible treatments"
• Previous message: Kelly: "having a 2nd rh-incomp preg - yes or no?"
• Maybe in reply to: Amy: "Breast-feeding and loss of milk"
• Next in thread: Rachael: "Re: Breast-feeding and loss of milk"