My baby is two weeks old. I wasn't able to nurse him, so I pump my milk and feed him from the bottle. Just couple days ago, I had a LOT of milk. I was able to get 4 oz. from each breast every three hours and I was leaking a lot between that. Yesterday I noticed I could hardly get 3 oz. and today it is not even 2 oz. What is happening, is my milk drying up? Is there anything I can do to increase it again? Can it be happening because I don't get more calories than I used to?
2007-02-10 09:01:07 · 13 answers · asked by Matahari 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I have been pumping exclusively for my baby for almost 4 months and it's going great, so don't let anyone discourage you or tell you that it can't be done. You didn't mention what pump you're using but I had to swich from the Medela Double Select electric pump to the Ameda Purely Yours after about 3 weeks because my supply wasn't great and I needed a better pump. So first and foremost, make sure you have a really high quality pump. Drink plenty of clear fluids (but don't force yourself to drink), eat a reasonably balanced diet, get as much sleep as you can, take your prenatel vitamins, and make sure you're calm when pumping. Watch tv to distract you so you're relaxed and not focusing on how much milk you're producing. Use breast message and compression to completely empty both breasts every time. Increase frequency for a few days to stimulate your body to produce more milk. Pump for 10-15 mins. every 2 hours, regardless of how much you get. It's a pain but you only have to do it for a few days to see results. At 3 months my supply started to dwindle again and I was barely pumping enough for 1 day's supply, let alone enough to store for when I go back to work in a few weeks, so I started taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. 3 of each 3x daily helped give me a boost and now I have a few days worth of milk stored up for when I'm at work. I also eat oatmeal every day because I was told by several people that eating oatmeal helps boost supply.
2007-02-10 14:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by sks42683 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pump doesn't "nurse" as efficiently as the baby does, so your milk will often dry up if you pump exclusively.
Try breastfeeding again. Maybe it'll be easier now that the baby's mouth is larger.
Some things that will help increase your supply: oatmeal, Brewer's Yeast supplements, Fenugreek supplements, mother's milk tea. Also, make sure that you're getting adequate fluids and adequate rest. Sleep when the baby sleeps!
2007-02-10 17:51:30 · answer #2 · answered by Amy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your drinking alot of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and make sure your eating a healthy balanced diet. Try to relax while pumping it may help to massage your breasts before you pump and lay a warm wash cloth on your breast to open up your milk ducts. Try to look at your baby when your pumping or a picture of your baby to help you relax. If at all possible try to get your baby to latch on it may take a few times but I had the same problem pumps just didnt work as well as my baby actually nursing. If you notice pain and swelling you could have a blockage.
2007-02-10 17:10:03 · answer #3 · answered by Sherrie D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pumps are not as efficient as the baby at emptying your breast. One huge reasons is that the pump cannot stimulate the nipple stimulation you get from your baby's latch.
That said, Fenugreek and pumping more often and for longer sessionsshould help some.
But if at all possible, keep trying to get the baby to feed from the breast. From experience, I know that it is so much easier than pumping.
2007-02-10 20:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by C&B S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because pumping is never as good as a baby, and if you aren't using the right pump and it isn't working at peak efficiency you are going to have problems.
Can I ask why you can't nurse?
Here is some info on increasing your supply while pumping:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
2007-02-10 17:22:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try capsules of Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle (take both together). They boosted my milk supply literally within hours! They really work! You can find them in health food stores, and they are totally natural and don't cause any harm to you or the baby. Women have been using those two for centuries!
By the way, drinking more water is a myth. You should drink to your thirst, not extra.
2007-02-10 17:04:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader. These women can help you solve your problem. Depending on why you couldn't nurse, they may even help you get your baby back on the breast. Just call someone and ask for help. If you have WIC, there is a breastfeeding office there.
2007-02-11 00:15:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because pumping isn't as effective at producing hte hormones you need to pump more often.
You didn't say why you couldnt breastfeed but if you can try to put him on the nipple that will encourage milk production more effectively.
2007-02-10 17:06:08 · answer #8 · answered by cigaro19 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your milk will decrease if you are not eating at the minimum of an extra 500 calories a day.
2007-02-10 17:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
your not pumping enough your body will keep producing milk if u keep feeding the less u pump the less u make
2007-02-10 17:22:13 · answer #10 · answered by angel2eyes01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋