I'm not sure what to do?

Question

I just had a baby 2 and a half weeks ago and I'm breastfeeding. My daughter is having 6-8 wet diapers like they say and she is having what they say she should have for bowel movements she had 4 poopy diapers yesterday. The problem is she is eating for long periods of time she will feed for 40 minutes sometimes and she wants to eat again right after. How can I increase my milk supply so I know without a doubt she is getting enough milk.

Answer 1

From what you said, it seems like she's getting enough food, but just taking a lot of time to do it. When my daughter was born, I read a book by La Leche League which offered some really good advice about increasing milk supply and feeding newborn babies. It's called The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

It said to feed from both sides at every feeding and to use a pump after each feeding to stimulate the breast to produce more milk, even if nothing comes out. It also said to feed on demand. Eventually, your breasts will catch up to you daughter's needs.

The book also suggested supplementing your baby's diet by cup feeding with formlua if she's really not getting enough food.

It will get better, just hang in there!

Answer 2

Your baby may not be actually eating during the whole 40 minutes. Most of the milk is eaten in the first 5-10 minutes. From there on, she's probably just snacking.

The way to tell if your baby is eating enough is to have her weighed at the doctor's office. Weight is a big indicator in the baby years of health.

If your baby is gaining the right weight and pooping and peeing enough, try stopping her "feedings" when you don't hear anymore real swallowing. She may be using you as a pacifier. Talk to your doctor, though for the best information.

Answer 3

If she is eating like that your milk supply will increase on its own. Her diaper numbers sound good. She is getting enough to eat. My son was the same way. As long as ahe is gaining weight and soiling diapers appropriately don't worry.

Answer 4

Your baby is probably eating for 15 minutes per breast and uses sucking for comfort the rest of the time. Try to get her off your breat after 15 minutes of vigorous eating and switch breasts. Offer her next meal in 2 hours. The more often you breastfeed the more milk you will produce but don't let the baby use your nipples as her pacifiers. Good luck - it gets better.

Answer 5

Everything you described sounds perfectly normal. Some babies eat very slowly. She's getting enough wet diapers. When you go to her next check-up, as long as she is growing at a steady rate, then you are doing fine.

Answer 6

i have the same problem, so what WIC told me to do was pump after feeding even though you may pump out nothing but it increases milk supply, i didnt try this but instead just asked to get formula for the times i feel like theres nothing there and breastfeed at nights. make sense?

Answer 7

I won't worry as long as your baby is content. My daughter Lisa Mae was the same as your baby is now. She loved to nurse. It gave her time to be close to me. By feeding your baby on demand feeding your milk will increase by itself. Then you will notice your baby will get into a routine of eating every 4 hours. Most babies tend to suck on his hand when they are hungry. Sometimes babies cry just to be held. As time goes on you will learn when your baby is hungry or just want to be held. God Bless and Good Luck.

Answer 8

Fenugreek, an herbal suppliment will help you produce more milk. You can find it in health food stores.

The only draw back is it makes your persperation smell like maple syrup.

Answer 9

sounds to me like she is maybe draining you dry try to give her a suplament before or after i think you need time to produce milk

Answer 10

just keep on trucking! your doing fine. but i know it gets frustrating. drink a ton of water. you should get it down by the first month. remember water!!