I am currently breastfeeding my 14 week old son and one week ago had to go without nursing him for almost 24 hours. During that time I could not express my milk and got really engorged. I pumped finally and fed him right away but one week later I still feel like I don't have as much milk as I did before. He is now waking twice during the night to eat instead of once and is eating every 2 hours during the day. Is it possible to get my milk back to the way it was or will it never be the same? Thank you so much for any advice that you might have!
2006-11-18 07:22:09 · 12 answers · asked by ♥♥♥♥♥calimama♥♥♥♥♥ 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It is doubtful that one day of not breast feeding would cause any permanent differences. Chances are good that he is going through a growth spurt right now and is drinking even more than he was before. Your breasts will adjust to his demands. Relax and know that your breasts will provide your child with all the milk that he needs. If you are still worried, talk to your doctor. The doctor can verify that he is growing well and developing normally.
2006-11-18 07:34:51 · answer #1 · answered by explorerkade 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I promise you that the 24 hours did not change you much. You son is probably going through a growth spurt. Which means he needs more feeds and more milk. Your body will naturally increase and decrease production according to baby's feeding habits.
I would not recommend going 24 hour without pumping. The pain you will be in is not worth it. Pump the milk and store it for days when you want to go shopping alone or leave him with someone so you an hubby can have personal time. Make sure the milk is stored in air tight bags in the fridge for up to 2 days or the freezer for up to I believe 30 days. Just for a personal note...When the milk is in the fridge the fat will separate and float the the top. Don't worry about it. Trust me I threw lots away thinking it at went bad until I talked to a doctor. Just warm it under hot water in the sink - shake - and all is well.
2006-11-18 15:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by Summer H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is supply and demand.....the more you nurse or pump, the more you'll make.
Try having a "nursing vacation" for about two days. Have dad take over cooking and housework for two days. All you do is self care and nursing. Take baby to bed with you. Have lots of skin to skin contact. NURSE NURSE NURSE. After 2-3 days of this, you'll usually notice a boost in supply.
Consider fenugreek if increased nursing doesn't do the trick. Make sure to read the link below to find out more about fenugreek, as there are a few people who should not take it. It's very effective at helping to boost supply though. Take 3-4 capsules 3x per day. You'll start to smell like maple syrup if you're taking enough.
Oatmeal can sometimes help to boost supply too. Eat oatmeal for breakfast every day.
2006-11-18 16:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can pump in between his feedings so that it will, over the course of a few days trick your body into thinking it needs to make more -- and you'll have some milk saved up in case of another problem. I'm still breastfeeding my 7 month old and applaud you for doing it too!!!
2006-11-18 15:32:48 · answer #4 · answered by Ducky S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your production will increase. This may or may not be the result of you missing a day of breastfeeding. Sometimes the baby just gets to the phase where he or she needs more and so nurses more. This will increase your milk production and eventually the time between nursings will increase again.
2006-11-18 15:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
24 hours of not nursing isn't going to cut down your milk supply. More then likely your baby is having a growing spurt and that is the reason for all the feedings.
mother of 5 breastfed them all
2006-11-18 15:34:32 · answer #6 · answered by JS 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you eating enough and drinking plenty of water? I would recommend younurse him as much as he needs, and express once a day as well, until you feel that it is what you are used to. Expressing first thing in the day is easiest, try feeding him on one breast and expressing the other at the same time if you can.
2006-11-18 15:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by sins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well since he want to eat more frequently you should be producing more milk if you're breastfeeding those hours! So, stimulate and feed him and empty your milk everytime. Even if he stop keep pumping and then you can save that for later! here's alink with more info!
GOOD LUCK!
2006-11-18 15:35:06 · answer #8 · answered by vetsmom_rgv 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your probably not eating enough or eating the right foods. lots of protien whole grains and dairy, you also have to drink lots of water 8-10 glasses a day. i had the same problem and when i changed my diet my milk production increased. Eat small portions alot through the day try not to have junk.
2006-11-18 15:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The more you nurse, the more you will produce. You're production should go back up to where it was and will increase as the baby starts eating more.
2006-11-18 15:25:45 · answer #10 · answered by Jessica_Bessica 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋