How do i increase my milk supply?

Question

my7 week old son went into hospital last wednesday with bronciolitus, while he was there they stopped me feeding him (im breastfeeding) now that he's out he's being a bit fussy on the breast and crying because hes hungry, makes me feel like i dont have enough milk, even though they provided me with a breast pump to express while he was on nill by mouth.
should i give up ad just put him on the bottle or persiver for as long as possible? i also have some fenugreek here dose it work?

Answer 1

Try and persevere if you can because Mum's milk is by far the best. He has just got a bit lazy because it hard work sucking on a breast, it is easier to suck from a bottle. Keep on feeding him yourself as much as possible and express any left over with the breast pump to top him up with the bottled breast milk when he gets tired of sucking on you. Don't know about the fenugreek, just make sure you drink plenty and have regular meals.

Answer 2

To increase your milk supply you have to breastfeed or pump milk more often and for longer periods. Your milk replenishes every 90 minutes, so you can also pump in between feedings. Try pumping for 5-10 minutes longer than normal. It usually takes about a week of doing this to increase your supply.

Also, if the baby won't latch on right away it could be because he's too hungry to wait for your milk to be let down. You can wait until you feel your milk let down before putting him on the breast. Sometimes just thinking about your baby will release your milk. Or, you can give him a little pumped breastmilk in a bottle and then switch to the breast, so he's not so hungry and frustrated if he's not getting it fast enough.

You might also try Avent bottles. The nipples are more like breastfeeding (not the shape, but how the baby has to suck to get the milk - it's more work, like the breast). If you can't get him to breastfeed, you can still give him pumped breastmilk. The end result is the same, he's getting the best nutrition possible.

You can also contact the hospital and ask if they have a lactation specialist to give you some guidance over the phone or in home. Good luck.

Answer 3

fenugreek works, so does a chilled mum. He could be starting a growth spurt, when he will need more milk than usual too, which just makes it seem like you haven't got enough milk. He's about the right age for this. In truth, he will demand more because he needs it, and the constant demand will actually increase your flow. Takes a day or two but seriously, stuff your self with high calorie foods and drink plenty of fluids - about a third of a pint/hour minimum. Doughnuts worked for me. A glass of wine for you when he has settled for a couple of hours will work wonders for your ability to relax and really, really, stuff the housework, it will need doing just as much in a few days when he is back to normal. Some of it may be comfort too, he's just had a horrible time and wants his mum. Give him a bottle of formula if you're knackered, as you shouldn't feel you have to wear sack cloth and ashes over this. It is best to breast feed but if you need a break and express instead, that shouldn't be something you beat yourself up over. Your boobs will refill. I still lactate and I gave up months ago! Just dont be guilt tripped into anything if your worn out.

Answer 4

I had the same thing with our son!! He was back in the hospital for several days at 6 weeks old. Yes, my milk went down a bit, but I got it back up by taking fenugreek seed pills from the heathfood store. It will increase your supply and also make your pee smell like maple syrup since it's what they use to flavor maple syrup.
Also, drink lots and lots of water and try to make sure each breast gets empty after each feeding by using a pump.

Answer 5

I have been through this as well,keep pumping every 2 t 3 hours and keep trying him on the breast.If he had an ng tube for feeding it can make his thoat very sore,as well as just being sick can also turn baby off breast feeding but just keep trying.Your milk supply is just fine.Be sure to drink lots of water and eat healthy!!This is very hard to do....the whole pumping,drinking,eating yada yada,I have been doing this for 4 and half months now,its very time consuming but by far the best for your babe,your babe will take back to the breast,if for some reason he doesnt,your not the only one out there,my son gets my breast milk via bottle.You may pump more than he will drink right now if you keep it up(even through the night)but you can freeze it it milk storage bags.Good luck and best of health for your son.

Answer 6

Persevere if you can. The more you allow him to suckle the more milk you will produce, it might take him a few days to get your supply to increase to satisfy his hunger, but it really is worth the extra bit of effort.
But... do not feel you have failed or you are a 'bad mother' if you decide to change to bottle feeding. Your son will thrive by whichever means you choose to feed him.
Happy mum = happy baby.

Answer 7

When I was breastfeeding my doctor recommended for me to drink a glass of chocolate drink called Mama Care every meal. It is enriched with milk producing vitamins and minerals. Aside from that try drinking a lot of fluids.It helps increase the production of milk in your mammary glands.

Answer 8

eat really well-i was told nutrition is key,kept very hydrated,no caffeine,try fennel tea-it is supposed to be good for lactation, lots of rest for you and keep him next to you so that he is reassured by your smell and feel of your unperfumed skin,he has got used to bottle but allis not lost my friend had to have an operation very soon after birth and she didnt feed between days 3-7,but she persevered-stay calm and strong though,no baby will starve themselves..... try him even when he has had a little feed- a while later when he isnt too grumpy,so that he gets very accustomed to you and breast again..
if your nerves really cant take it and he is wearing you out and you feel that it isnt worth it as you arent getting any sleep thats different,give it your best shot but dont be a slave to it if you are exhausted.
7 weeks .....yum......congrats x

Answer 9

Drink plenity of water and milk, 10 glasses a day minimum. I think he still too young, you should make an effort. As he sucks, the amount of milk you produce should increase as well.

Answer 10

Drink lots of water...keep trying as long as you can...you could also supplement with formula if you are too worried about him being hungry. But unless he's not gaining weight...he'll figure it out. My son was jaundice so he was given one bottle of formula a day while I was breastfeeding. But make sure you breastfeed first so you don't dry up. Good luck.