I'm Breast feeding and not producing enough milk, what can I do to produce more breast milk?

Answer 1

First of all, are you sure that you are really not producing enough milk? You cannot judge your milk production based on what you can get from a pump -- your baby is much more efficient at the breast than a pump is. If your baby is happy and within a normal weight range, and is wetting plenty of diapers a day, then chances are you really are producing enough milk. Many moms fear that they are not producing enough milk when they can't get much from pumping, when they think their baby nurses too often (such as every 90 minutes to two hours), or when they think their baby nurses too quickly (5-7 minutes).

Of course, if you are trying to pump exclusively, this is a difficult task because of the fact that breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system and your pump will not be able to get as much milk as your baby can. If this is the case, then the most effective thing you can do is get a hospital-grade pump that is designed for mothers who pump exclusively. These pumps will get much more milk from you than a regular pump.

If you are physically able, the very best thing you can do to increase your supply is to nurse often and on demand, as much as your baby wants to nurse, and for as long as your baby wants to nurse. Do not give your baby pacifiers or bottles, as this will satisfy his sucking needs or possibly even cause nipple confusion. Try to relax, drink lots of water, take warm showers right before feeding your baby, and get plenty of rest. It takes your body a day or two to increase milk production after your baby has increased his sucking (which is why the baby sucks more before he is actually in need of getting more milk).

If you still need more help increasing your milk supply, you can try some herbal supplements. Fenugreek is supposed to be quite effective. Mother's Milk tea and Milk Thistle are also helpful.

Whatever you do, do NOT supplement with formula as this can make your body produce even LESS milk as your baby nurses less often. It can also cause your baby's tummy to get upset!

If all else fails, take a pregnancy test. My milk production dropped off severely when I conceived the second time, and it also makes the milk taste different. My daughter weaned herself at 11 months (despite my desperate efforts) exactly a week after I conceived. I tried EVERYTHING I just suggested, and worked with LLL to no avail!

And whether you are able to solve the problem on your own or not, I highly recommend you contact your local La Leche League. They are friendly, knowledgeable, available 24 hours a day, and best of all FREE. Having a contact like this could save your breastfeeding relationship with your baby, should this problem persist or a new problem arise.

Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed and I hope I helped a little. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about breastfeeding; I'd love to be able to help!

Answer 2

You definetely should keep a written record of how much you're pumping per session(example, morning pumping session pumped 1 oz from left breast, 1/2 oz from right breast)...tell your doctor the amount. they should know how much your baby actually needs. If it's not enough, see a lactation specialist, they can tell you about lactation aids that you can use to supplement your baby while you still try to breastfeed. Consistent pumping (pumping at least 15 mins for each breast, every 2 to 3hrs)...it's alot of work, but if you really are serious about breastfeeding this is what you'd have to do. I ended up doing a routine where I was pumping, then a few minutes later attempting breastfeeding while supplementing baby with the pumped milk at the same time while breastfeeding (using a lactation aid that involved feeding tube), and I was taking domperidone pills. After he turned about 4 months old, I no longer needed to pump. I stopped with the domperidone at around the time he was 5 or 6 months old. My baby is now 1 year and 3 months...I am still breastfeeding, but only at night and morning since I'm back to work...just want to let you know that it is possible....don't give up

Answer 3

Eat more, drink more fluids--probably more than you would like--and breastfeed more often; make sure Baby empties both breasts and if s/he doesn't, then you might need to express the milk yourself or use a pump; your body will pretty much know how to produce ENOUGH milk to feed your baby, so don't worry!! But fluids for YOU are very important, and cut down on your salt and DO NOT drink caffeine at all. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Feed you baby on demand. Breastfeeding is supply & demand. Also make sure you take your prenatal vitamins and drink alot of fluid.

Check with your local la Leche league, some people just can not produce enough and need to supplement.

Answer 5

your body produces milk in a supply and demand ratio, so try feeding your baby more often, or if you have to, pump your breasts in between feedings to make your body think that your baby needs more milk.

Answer 6

Drink whole milk; eat veggies and fruits; and keep trying to put her to the breast. The child stimulates your milk glands better than anything else.

Answer 7

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced meal I also heard oatmeal helps. Also try pumping.

Answer 8

you can try pumping more but if that doesnt work like in my case then you gets some meds to help you produce more like reglan.