how can i increase my breast milk?

Question

i nurse as often as the baby wants it but it never seems to be enough for him, i am also pumping between feeding but it doesnt seem to increase.

the baby is 3 weeks old and will nrse for 30 minutes and still crys because he is still hugary

Answer 1

There are a few things you can do it increase your milk supply. First how old is the baby? If he's a week or younger, your body is still working to establish it's milk supply. Growth spurts seem to occur in the 3's.... 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, 6 months ect.

You need to be drinking at least 8 (8oz.)T glasses of water & 3 milk servings a day. The most important is the water though. You also need to try to reduce your stress level (sounds real easy doesn't it when your baby is hungry and you don't have milk.) Have you tried taking a hot shower before nursing? Sleep is also very important (again I know, sounds really easy.)

Now as a worse case senario, there is a medicine you can ask your dr. for to help increase your milk supply. I had to take it, but it makes you very sleepy and takes 3-5days to start working. When I started taking it, my milk was way too much, I was leaking all the time and would get 8 oz when I would pump AFTER the feeding! So I would try to avoid it if I could.

I wish you breastfeeding success, you should be proud of yourself for even trying. Congrats on the baby.

Answer 2

One thing that first mommys must realize if they didn't tell you in the hospital is that your breasts aren't udders like a cow! What I mean by that is your breasts produce just enough milk. In other words, to keep it going you just have to keep on pumping. And also how long have you been breast feeding? Remember, this is milk, it's not a steak dinner, so keep in mind that babies have to eat about every 2-3 hours. You're doing the right thing so don't think you're lacking in your efforts..Another thing is if you're using a manual hand pump could be the thing too. An electric double breast pump works wonders!! I had a stock pile of milk when I used that because I could just plug 'em in and I breakfast lunch and dinner in one cycle. But there's really nothing you can do to increase the production because your body produces enough at a time and if you think about it it's a good thing because if you had a backup of a lot of milk,,, goodness your boobs would hurt big time... so just keep up the good work and if the baby is like a few days or weeks old, then just keep trying and you might see a change, but don't give up girl if you don't. (You can contact a lactation consultant as well if you still need help) Good Luck

Answer 3

This is exactly how my first baby behaved. We had many long nursing marathons--hours at a time. One day she nursed for 13 hours in a 24 hour period. When I allowed her to stay on the breast for long periods of time, the supply increased. I also doubled my water intake, made sure to take a shower every day and eat three meals plus snacks, and I took Fenugreek seed capsules (either three twice a day or two three times; I don't remember). It was very frustrating, but very worthwhile. It is so important (and very hard) to remember to take care of yourself. Just remember that your body can make enough milk for your baby and then some. Also remember that pumping is not the same as feeding and that your baby knows how to get more milk than the pump gets. Are you swaddling baby and using a sling/Snugli? This is hard, but you can get through it!

Answer 4

How old is your baby I wonder?
If your aby is putting on wight then he is getting enough milk.
however you can try getting a nurse to check that your baby is latching on properly and stripping the brest of milk properly.
you can try swapping sides more than once during the feed. Keep pumping between feeds.
Drink more water.
your baby may be having a growth spurt and need more at the moment,your supply will catch up.
Breast milk digests quicker than formula and that is why B/F babies feed more often.
there are herbs you can take to increase the production of milk, but I would try all the other tips you will be given here first.
Again, if your baby is putting on weight then he is getting enogh milk,even though it doesn't feel like it to you.
join brestfeeding mothers if in asutralia or leleche in US.

Answer 5

1- Drink a lot of water and fluids, soup
2- Feed your baby every 3 hours. It's the time your breasts need to refill
3- If u can't breastfeed, then u can pump every 3 hrs too, as if u were nursing
4- Just by putting ur baby on ur breast, this increases the lactation.

Bon appetit for ur baby

Answer 6

How-Dee!!
You have to make sure that you are eating enough, but MOST importantly you have to drink constantly.... I think the caloric intake is like 2500 for a nursing Mom, but you need to keep something to drink with you at all times, & I mean literally... I am speaking from experience k?
Good luck, & good job!!
:o)

Answer 7

Make sure you drink plenty of water... stay hydrated... use both sides evenly if possible... if baby is still hungry don't be afraid to supplement with formula occasionally... or just check with dr. to be sure he is gaining weight... if so, all is well! Good luck!

Answer 8

this is natural they will feed sorry you may heart but the Babbie will get all the an tie bodies for a good life to come { as a father to my kids thank you [] you helped the kid with all the Any bodies for the future [ i wish that a lot more will do the same ] on be haft of fathers like me THANKS

Answer 9

drink more milk and also take your vitamins. also water can help. just keep pumping and keep feeding believe me sooner or later you will be a regular milk machine. good luck and have patience.

Answer 10

Try this link and find a local meeting. They will probably be best able to help you! Hope you find your answers :)

www.lalecheleague.com