milk supply?

Question

can you acually run out of milk? it seems like one breast produces moremilk than the other. they use to be pretty similar before? any thoughts. no stupid comments please. im a first time mom

the baby feeds good on the breast. i dont know if its just in my head

Answer 1

It's very, very rare that a woman doesn't produce enough milk to feed her baby. As long as your baby is nursing frequently, having roughly 8 wet diapers per day, and is gaining weight, you are doing fine!

My own experience is that sometimes one breast WILL be fuller than the other. It may be that I tend to nurse on one side first, and the other side has more milk in it...not sure why. However, every time this has happened, I have found that it resolves itself within a couple of days if I remember to offer the fuller breast first.

If you are concerned that you are not making enough breastmilk, fenugreek is an herb that has been found to increast milk production. You can take it as a capsule, it's in most any health food store. Also, there is a tea called Mother's Milk; it contains fenugreek too, and I've personally used it with success. You can also eat oatmeal every day... it too boosts milk supply. And remember to drink lots of water, that will help you stay hydrated too.

The links I'm sending have lots of great information for nursing mothers... good luck!

Good for you for nursing your baby!

Answer 2

If you're allowing your baby to nurse on the breast regularly (as often as on the other one) than it's highly unlikely that you've run out of milk. Of course your supply could be lower in that breast if you don't let your baby nurse on that one as frequently.

I've been nursing for 6 months now (exclusively) and sometimes my breasts feel like they're smaller or producing less... but as long as you let your baby nurse whenever he/she is hungry... baby seems to be content and gaining weight... then all should be well.

There is no need to supplement with formula like some women mistakenly believe... that will only cause problems by reducing how often you nurse and therefore reduce your milk supply. Our bodies produce all that our babies need when breastfeeding (up to around 6 months when many moms start giving a little rice-cereal mixed with breast milk as well).

Keep up the good work! Breastfeeding is the BEST thing you can do for your baby right now if you're able to. It's not always easy but it's so beneficial. Formula doesn't even come close.

Answer 3

You cannot run out of milk. There are certain things (usually hormonal) that can cause production to close down, but if you don't have one of these, then nursing more often will increase milk production.

What can cause production to slow or stop? Pregnancy, use of hormonal birth control (especially if it contains estrogen and especially if started during the first 2 months postpartum), thyroid imbalance, extreme stress (usually causes a decrease for a single feeding, but if the mother then gives formula, it can become permanent).

Very occasionally, there is something about one breast that prevents it from producing as much milk as the other one; usually a mother unconsciously prefers nursing on one breast. Some women prefer using their stronger arm to hold the baby; others prefer to have their stronger hand available to do other things while nursing. And some babies may have a problem that makes it more comfortable to lie on one side than the other; she/he may come to nurse more often on the breast that lets her/him lie more comfortably. (This can usually be "fixed" by moving baby over to the less preferred side in the *same* position so that her/his head is on mother's lap with the rest of the baby on the mother's side. But if you think this is the cause, see your pediatrician--it could be an ear infection or something else that requires medical help.)

Answer 4

NO!! Milk in women is like a lifetime supply. Even though one is bigger than the other mean that it time to switch breast. Also, you should also put your baby on formula milk so it will not addicted to just one type of milk. Breast milk is healthy but when the baby get an certain age, then it will no longer be able to breast feed and it will not like whole milk 2%. But good luck with your baby and waking up early in the morning. :)(;

Answer 5

The less you nurse your baby, the less milk you will produce. However hydration and how well you feed yourself can affect your milk production. If you feel like one breast is smaller than the other it very well may be that your milk supply is evening out to your baby's needs. Like a lot of mom's are telling you about producing enough is true, but if you feel like your baby is not getting enough, you could pump a bit more to increase your supply a bit but that may not be at all necessary. Try not to stress and make sure you eat healthy and often, but there's no need to over indulge. Make sure you stay well hydrated and enjoy your baby. God bless you both! No you don't need to supplemment unless you know for a fact that your baby is not getting enough, and for you to know that your baby's pediatrician has to tell that the baby is clearly not growing properly and needs to get supplemented. I recommend that if you have to go that route, that you stick with goodstart because it's closest to breastmilk and gentle for their tummy. I'm sorry but I can't stand all those other formulas out there that have proven to be very harsh for their little systems, not that they can't be good. But I strongly stand by Goodstart, again good luck

Answer 6

yes you can run out of milk, but to prevent that you need to feed more often on the breast that makes less milk. try to start your feedings on that breast. your breasts may produce different amounts now because you feed more on one than the other. make sure baby is getting enough to eat. i dont think you need to supplement with formula as long as your baby is feeding well and getting enough milk

Answer 7

Yes you can run out..

or have a very low supply..or no supply at all


thats why you supplement with formula or bottle feed all together

or the baby may not take on breastfeeding...

Answer 8

yes you can. have you tried pumping the one with less or starting the baby on that one to try and stimulate more? good luck