2006-10-05 09:15:16 · 22 answers · asked by Daisy 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
There are several things you can do.
The one that is the most overlooked is drink more water. If you body doesn't have the water it can't produce the milk. You need to be drinking at least an 8 oz glass of water 3-4 times a day. I used to carry around a 32 oz bottle with water. And soda doesn't work because it has so much salt in it that your body just pees it out.
Make sure that your baby is latching on. If they don't have the suction then the breast aren't going to get the hint that they need to produce. If your child isn't latching use the breast pump. That one is fairly hard to mess up. You eleminate the human error element.
Pump more. I know it sounds silly and I spent days where I would gratefully hand it 1/2 oz of breast milk to the NICU where my son spent a week. The nurses would just mix the formula with it and feed it to my son. But if you can't get any milk pump or breast feed more not less. Instead of 5-10 min on a side do 30-40 min and the milk will come. I promise.
Make sure that you're not on any medications that will decrease your supply. When I went on Zyrtec my supply went down to nothing. And no amount of extra pumping helped. So check with a lactation consulant to see if she has a list of drugs to avoid.
Also check to make sure you don't have clogged ducts. The lactation expert can help you check.
Congrats on your baby. Good luck!
2006-10-05 13:06:15 · answer #1 · answered by kholbee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
How old is your baby? It can take up to a week for your milk to come in, especially if this is your first baby. Your baby will be fine on colostrum until your milk does come in -- they're designed that way. ;-)
Ways to increase and ensure your milk supply: Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. Oatmeal (in hot cereal or cookie form -- I prefer cookies myself) will help increase your supply. Yogi Tea and Traditional Medicinals both make a good Mother's Milk tea and can be found in many major grocery stores. Fenugreek capsules, available in health food stores, would be the next thing to try. (Interesting tip: When your pee smells like maple syrup, you know you're taking enough.) If you have a serious milk supply problem, there are medications that can help, but give it some time and try the other options first.
La Leche League (LLL) offers good, free advice on breastfeeding and can give you some pointers and help. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can also be of great help.
Good luck!
2006-10-05 16:49:43 · answer #2 · answered by peregrine1123 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Drink a LOT of water - yes, water, not coffee/tea/soda. It helps to produce milk.
Nap with the baby, and feed on demand. Do NOT try to schedule a breastfed baby - that's a recipe for disaster.
Go to a health food store and get Fenugreek. Take double the recommended dose (it's harmless), until your urine smells like maple syrup. That increases milk production.
Eat oatmeal. It also increases supply.
Try to pump on one side while you feed the baby on the other.
Most important - DO NOT SUPPLEMENT WITH FORMULA. That makes you LESS likely to produce enough milk because the demand from the baby is not there.
If you need more help, contact your local chapter of La Leche League (in the phone book), or your local hospital to talk to their lactation consultant.
2006-10-05 16:23:16 · answer #3 · answered by daydreamr68 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How old is your baby? It's normal for it to take 3-5 days for the milk to come in. The colostrum is plenty for those first few days. Remember baby's tummy is the size of a walnut/his fist. Nurse frequently. Wake baby to nurse if it's been more than 2 hours since the last feeding. Nurse at least 12 times per day....most likely more at this age. Have a Lactation Consultant and/or a LLL Leader check your latch.
2006-10-05 18:59:26 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are lots of different things you can do to increase milk supply. First you should drink ALOT of water and make sure you are eating enough. Second you can drink a tea called Mother's Milk Tea. You can get it at health food stores. If you still have problems you can ask your Dr. to prescribe you something to increase milk production. Make sure that you try as best as you can to relax (I know that's easier said than done) stress can affect your milk. Hope this helps.
Dara mom of 3
2006-10-05 20:28:02 · answer #5 · answered by Dara G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may take 2 to 3 days for your milk to fully come in. Otherwise, try pumping every couple of hours. Its a "supply and demand" situation. The more you pump or nurse, the more milk will produce. Good Luck and Congrats on the new baby!!
2006-10-05 16:24:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
how long ago did you have your baby??? for the first few days it is clear clostrum. Then it goes to milk. The best thing to do is let your baby nurse alot. This is the best way to increase your milk supply. If you have problems get in touch with a specialist. Ask your doctor
2006-10-05 16:18:19 · answer #7 · answered by sr22racing 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It took 48 hours for me, but I hear it can take 5 days for some. I assume you are making the colostrum, which will nourish you baby in the mean time. Make sure you are always adequately hydrated. You will make more milk that way. Call your local La Leche League. They are so wonderful and will help you with any questions.
2006-10-05 16:23:20 · answer #8 · answered by WiserAngel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
WIth all 3 of my kids it took between 2-5 days for my milk to come in. The colostrum is something baby needs for antibodies anyhow as far as I remember... Stressing over it WILL NOT help!!! Just have patience and keep feeding the baby when it's time, pretty soon your milk will adjust to babies needs!! Good luck and CONGRATS!!!
2006-10-05 16:19:20 · answer #9 · answered by shexxybiotch 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do not take any herbal treatments w/out talking to the BABY'S doctor. I cannot stress this enough.
Try a warm cloth, or soak in the tub. Sounds foolish I know, but it did help me.
2006-10-05 16:23:57 · answer #10 · answered by Rayne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋