I've heard alot of talk about how breast milk can dry up my son is 7 weeks old. When I left the hospital the nurses said I had enough milk for twins. My milk supply is still wonderful. However I've heard that breast milk drys up for some women. Is there any way to prevent it? And When doest breasat milk start to dry up if it will dry up at all? Please don't answer with I don't know or good question. Thanks.
2006-08-26 15:22:55 · 17 answers · asked by Sondra 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
IT won't dry up as long as you are nursing him. Even after he stops nursing it will take about 6 months for it to completely go away. Breast milk is a supply and demand sort of thing so the more he nurses the more milk will be there for him. Around 6 weeks and 3 months they hit a bit of a growth spurt that makes them want to nurse constantly and that sort of makes you think they aren't getting enough but they are. You're doing a great thing for him. Best wishes
2006-08-26 15:27:13 · answer #1 · answered by colorist 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am currently breast feeding. So long as your baby is eating from both breasts atleast 6 times a day. It works on supply and demand basis. The more baby eats, the more you make. You need to be consistent in bf-ing until he is 12 weeks that is when your milk supply is established. If you are really worried about drying up, take a nautural herb called fenugreek, you can get it at GNC
2006-08-26 15:26:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Just so you know, the information that you've put in your other post about giving your baby cereal at 7 weeks and bottles of water and forcing him to hold out until 3 hours to eat are all things that WILL end up damaging your supply. If you want to keep breastfeeding, read my response in your other question. You are doing everything that is going to lead to an early end to your breastfeeding experience.
Also.....there are some women who should NOT take the fenugreek mentioned by others above. If you want more info, contact me. AND....nursing and/or pumping are the FIRST way to keep you your supply.....adding herbs should NOT be a first step.
2006-08-28 11:17:31 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a supply and demand thing. The more you nurse or pump, the more you'll produce. I have never heard of it "drying up" for no reason. Unless these women are introducing formula sometimes during the day and not pumping when they give formula. Anytime you are unable to feed your baby, i.e. you are out and about and someone is watching your baby, you should be pumping, and it also should be around the same time that your baby would normally be eating.
2006-08-26 15:32:20 · answer #4 · answered by Lady25 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your milk supply should stay up as long as your son nurses often. I wouldn't supplement his feedings with formula, let him nurse often, it tells your body how much milk to make for him. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
If you think your supply is drying up, if for example your son isn't gaining weight or is losing weight, you should talk to your doctor about it, there may be a reason that can be corrected.
2006-08-26 15:52:07 · answer #5 · answered by S. O. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is possible for some men to lactate, it's just not very likely. In lay mans terms, men have nipples cause in the womb we all start out as females, it isn't until the activation of certain genes that cause a flush of either testosterone or estrogen that make the final determination of male or female and by the time that happens, the cells that make up the nipples have already begun to form.
2016-03-17 03:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay very hydrated, I had to take an herbal suppliment that the lactation specialist recommended, I also fed him every 4 hours even in the night and it slowly caught up to what he needed. THe herb is Fenugreek. I think I took it 4 times a day with a large glass of water every time. GOOD LUCK, it's worth it once you get it to flow!
2006-08-26 15:31:35 · answer #7 · answered by Mommyof3 BGB 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Always keep something to drink handy while you are nursing, and eat plenty of protein. The others are right unless you develope a health problem you produce milk as long as you want to.
2006-08-26 15:31:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't have kids, But, I have heard that you can keep making milk as long as you continue to breast feed. Have you ever heard of kids in foreign countries that are breast fed till they are like 12...yeah, I know it's gross - but I saw it on a talk show a long time ago.
2006-08-26 15:26:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
From what I understand your body will continue to produce breast milk as long as there is a need for it. If your baby continues to suckle then your body will continue to produce it. Congratulations on the new baby.
2006-08-26 15:28:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋