i have been breast feeding my baby for 3 months now and i am happy with the outcome. lately whenever she drinks she seemed frustrated that there is not enough milk for her. whenever i pump (which is in the morning) i only manage to get out around 50ml so I have this feeling that my milk is decreasing. i was wondering whether i should supplement by giving her a bottle of formula once a day, just to help her along. she has around 4 to 5 wet/poopy diapers a day and seems very content on the whole, except when she wants to drink and keeps pulling at my nipple cause it seems she wants more. I would like to know whether my milk supply will be effected if i give her formula once a day. thanks
2007-03-01 02:05:07 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Pumping is not a good indicator of supply. Some women just can't pump well. And a baby who is latched on properly will always get more than even the very best pump.
Sounds like she has plenty of wet diapers and is happy. The "pulling at your nipple" may be just her being interested in the world around her and distracted. Or it may be that your letdown isn't quick enough for her. Try relaxing when you nurse. Imagine the feeling of your breasts becoming heavy and warm with milk.
Nursing more frequently will boost your supply if you are having problems. The more you nurse, the more you'll make.
Check out the section on supply at http://www.kellymom.com
2007-03-01 02:35:04 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes,your milk supply will definately be affected! it is up to you to supplement but if you want to only breastfeed do not worry about having enough milk, pumping gets different results than nursing. babies go through growth spurts-this is what could be happening to her now. the more you just breastfeed the more milk your body will produce. i made the mistake of supplementing from birth with my 3rd and now i am giving her 6 bottles a day 11 months later. i also breastfeed about 10 short times a day. if i didnt supplement my milk wouuld of come in faster and there would be no need of the formula. just have her nurse on demand and within 48 hrs. your milk should of increased to the point were she wont seem as hungry. good for you for keeping it up for so long so far. i would also recommend you get a name of a breastfeeding consultant. in my town in massachusetts they come to your house for free and help you. a good book also is called "so thats what theyre for! breastfeeding basics" by janet tamaro
2007-03-01 03:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by Stacey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you supplement with formula it will only make your milk supply go down even more, unless you also pump when she takes the bottle.
i've been told that the best way to build up your supply is to drink plenty of water and let the baby nurse whenever she wants
2007-03-01 02:33:36 · answer #3 · answered by TN girl 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had the same issue with my baby- the dr suggested nursing him then supplementing with 1 oz of formula after each feeding to satisfy his appetite. I also replace one nursing with a bottle each day to give myself a chance to pump and stock the freezer a little. But check with your dr because you want to make sure you are giving her the right formula
2007-03-01 02:48:30 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer A 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If your worried she isn't getting enough offer her the other breast! But if she is feeding every 3-4hrs I wouldn't worry it may just be she isn't getting it fast enough for her liking!
2007-03-04 22:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by Yummy Mummy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
great answers so far! :)
Also, she may be going through a growth spurt, and if she is its really important to keep nursing her as much as she wants.
My son used to pull off every other suck durring his growth spurts, it drove me MAD!
2007-03-01 02:50:24 · answer #6 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋