I suddenly have a low breastmilk supply after only 3 weeks. Any ideas on how to increase supply?

Answer 1

At 3 weeks after birth it probably isn't a low milk supply it's a hunger spurt! Unless you are noticing lower output because you mainly pump. I would just recommend extra rest, extra drinks, and extra feeding until you catch up to your newborns extra hunger.

If you are a pumper and there just doesn't seem to be as much the extra rest and drinks may help but you need to examine your diet? Are you taking any hormones or medications that might affect your output? If you've made any changes in the last week just identify them and ask your doctor if they might be a factor.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

My supply became a little low around that time because even though I was breastfeeding exclusively, my period returned after 3 weeks. My supply decreases a little now when I ovulate. A lactation consultant recommended that I take Fenugreek. I was sceptical about taking herbs, but this really works. I've been taking it for months now with good results. If you go to vitacost.com, they have it at a great price. But I would also do what these other ladies suggested, in making sure that your supply really has decreased. Most hospitals have a lactation consultant that you can call at no charge.

Answer 4

Why do you think you have a low supply? Many times a mom will think she has a supply problem when she is actually going through something normal. For example, if your baby is 3 weeks old then he is probably going through a growth spurt right now. He'll have another one around 6 weeks. This is a time of frequent nursing as he trys to boost your supply to meet his new needs. The best thing you can do is to nurse frequently on baby's cues. During a growth spurt, baby may want to constantly be nursing for 2-4 days.

Answer 5

You may just be noticing that your breasts don't feel as full. This is normal, as they are only engorged feeling until your supply gets into a routine with your baby. If you are truly having low supply than nursing your baby more often is the best thing for you. Your body makes milk on demand, so the more you nurse your baby, the more milk you will produce. :) It's wonderful how our bodies work this way. Some other good things for helping milk supply is Mother's Milk Tea, and Alfalfa Capsules. The alfalfa works wonderfully!

Answer 6

The best thing ever, is to nurse the baby more. Let baby nurse when he (she) wants, even if its for 2-5 mins every 30 minutes. The more baby nurses the more milk you will make.
If your supply still seems a little low try Mother's Milk Tea, oatmeal, and molasses.
I didn't really like the tea, but oatmeal and the molasses worked for me. You can eat the oatmeal anyway you want, just plain, flavored, or in cookies (I prefered cookied :D ). With the molasses I would mix a large spoonful in a glass of milk a couple times a day. It smells kind of like maple syrup and looks almost like chocolate milk.
Within a couple days I was back to normal.

Answer 7

You probably don't have a low supply, but you are probably noticing the difference between engorgement (when your milk first came in) and now your body is only making what your baby eats.

I had the same question when I noticed this, and went to my lactation nurse who explained it.

If you're concerned and want to increase your supply, pump your breasts after each feeding to completely drain, therefore telling your body to step it up a notch.

Answer 8

First your supply is only low if your baby isn't gaining properly or isn't making enough wet diapers. I strongly suggest you read this.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#supply

However, it is very important if you have concerns that you see a lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader (free http://www.llli.org ) immediatly as the number 1 cause of low supply under 6 weeks is improper latch, problems with the baby, or scheduled feedings. Please go and get real help, have someone watch you feed and discuss how often you feed. No one online can assess your latch or whether your baby is tongue-tied. You need real help, in person.

Answer 9

Are you sure your supply is low?

3 weeks is normally the time when the breast adjust to your childs nursing schedul and dont overproduce anymore. Therefor you wont feel full and swollen like you did before,

As long as the baby doesnt seem hungry after nursing, you are fine.

If your supply definitely IS low then try mothers milk tea (herbal tea meant to increase the milk supply).. Vitamin shops like GNC have it

Answer 10

There are certain exercises for this. Put your back straight against the wall. Then position both arms in a T form ( the shoulders and upper arm straight and the lower arm elbow to fingertips dangling). But they should be against the wall too. Then both hands moves up and down. The upper arm should be steady , only the lower half , from elbow to tip of fingers should do the movement. When you bring the hands down (elbow to fingertips) the palms would be facing the wall. and when you bring this up , the back of your palms should be facing the wall. Do this while maintaining the T shape . Remember to do this exercise against a wall. You can increase the frequency and number as you get used to it. This is believed to enlarge the breast.