expressing milk?

Question

how can i increase my supply? i am not breastfeeding at all..baby is 4 weeks old

Answer 1

The more u express, the more the glands will produce milk. Try to have roasted Dil seeds in small quantities (1 teaspoon) thrice-4 times a day. It really helps. Also porridge made from wheat flour with jaggery in it. Generally u need to eat well..... veggies,fruits etc.

Answer 2

Oatmeal 3x a day
Yeast supplements
Fenugreek
Mother's Milk Tea (available at many health food stores)
Let your baby suckle, even some of the time.

But you should go see a lactation consultant. They will help you with your problems. There are breast massages and other things you can do, as well there are prescription drugs.

Also, I don't want to seem like I am a nag and I don't know why it is you aren't breastfeeding; but many moms have had success starting breastfeeding late. They say anytime before three months has a good chance of success (80% or something)

If you want help starting to breastfeed your local La Leche League will help for free. You can find your local meeting at:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/ab.html?m=1 (there is a drop down list at the very top of the page where you choose your country).

Also, I have helped another mom switch back from formula to breastmilk. You do not need anyone's permission to breastfeed. If you don't get it quite right the worst that happens is your nipples will hurt (and eventually crack and bleed if you persist). It won't stop you from learning how to do it properly and you *may* find the baby knows how.

Breastfeeding isn't always easy in the beginning, in fact sometimes it is very hard, but in the long time it is easier and better (for you and baby) than pumping. If anyone told you that you can not nurse because of flat or inverted nipples they lied to you. If they said your baby had a "low suck reflex" or whatnot that may have resolved by now, if it ever really was a problem at all and not just rushed staff.

If you want more information on getting baby back to breast, even part-time which will greatly increase your supply feel free to e-mail me.

Best of luck and you are doing a great thing for your little baby.

Answer 3

Have you been exclusively pumping? Or are you trying to start breastfeeding after not removing the milk at all?

Either way, remember that breastfeeding is supply and demand. The more you nurse or pump, the more milk you will make. As long as baby is latched on correctly, baby should always get more milk out than you can pump as the pump is just "man's best imitation" of what baby does.

If you have been exclusively pumping and you're looking to express more milk, the first thing I'd ask is what kind of pump are you using? Hopefully a good double electric, preferably a rental pump for exclusive pumping. How often are you pumping? For a 4 week old, I'd suggest you pump every 2 hours around the clock with one longer stretch w/o pumping at night (say 5 hours). Pumping more often if more effective at boosting supply than pumping longer. Also, make sure all your pump parts are correctly connected. If the flow of milk slows or stops, remove the horns and reposition them on your breasts. This can help to get a second letdown and empty different milk ducts.

If you are trying to start up nursing at the breast, see if baby will still latch on. A La Leche League Leader or Lactation Consultant will work with you on this if you have problems. The LLL Leader will help for FREE and may be willing to come to your home for such a young baby.

Talk to them about the possibility of using a SNS (supplemental nursing system - tubing that you can give baby expressed milk or formula through while nursing at the breast). This will make sure baby gets a reward at the breast while you rebuild your supply.

Consider taking fenugreek. This herb is excellent at recovering supply for most moms. The typical dosage is 3-4 capsules 3x per day. There are a few people who shouldn't take fenugreek, so be sure to read the link below to make sure it's OK for you to use.

Answer 4

The best way to increase your supply is to nurse often. Nothing beats the babies sucking motion. A pump will help,but not as well. You can take FENUGREEK and BLESSED THISTLE together, they are herbal pills found at the Health Food Store, and have been recommended by my midwife. Eat well and Drink LOTS of water. Good Luck and seek help from a lactation consultant to ensure proper latching and for more advice.

Answer 5

It seems anything can not help increasing milk supply. Just pumping increases a little. Then being in good health.