Breastfeeding question?

Question

I am trying to help somebody and they just had kids and are clearly not drinking enough water. Should they drink when they are pumping or before? Also any tips on improving the output are appreciated.

Answer 1

It is a good idea to have new mom drink 8 8oz glasses of water a day... and eat a balanced diet to help milk production. Most importantly, unless baby is having difficulty latching on/feeding, mom should be nursing baby directly which is much more efficient than a pump. The important thing to remember is demand and supply. The more demand/need (ie baby nursing or mom pumping) the more supply will be produced. Mom should empty her breasts at least 8 times a day... If she pumps at night (12am onward) milk production tends to be highest then and in the early am hours. She might try an herbal supplement called fenegreek. There is a tincture called mothers milk plus.. one dropper in a shot of OJ every six hours... whole foods carries this. Check with doctor first but it is usually safe. It smells like maple syrup...

If using a bottle, use a lower nipple with less holes so the baby has to work harder (if mom intends to keep feeding baby directly when not using pump/bottle) and hold bottle horizontally... so baby is getting formula/not air but level enough that baby is working to feed.

To go back to beginning, have mom drink a glass of water, juice, lemonade, whatever when nursing.... Good luck.

Answer 2

Drinking lots of fluids is always a good Idea. Before during and after. You need to keep well hydrated while breast feeding. As for increasing milk supply breast feeding on demand is the best Way to do this. Pumping in between feedings can help but is not as effective as the baby nursing as it does not stimulate the milk let down as well. Breast feeding is a supply and demand thing. The more the baby drinks the more milk is made. the supply grows with the baby.If your friend is truly concerned about how much milk she is making there are very simple ways to check to see is the baby is getting enough. #1 is the baby growing and gaining weight?
#2 Wet diapers are a great way to tell. There should be least 12 good and wet ones during a 24 hour period and at least one bowl movement.

Answer 3

It doesn't really matter when you drink because it takes awhile for that specific water to come through to your breastmilk. However, if you drink while you pump it will help you remember. As far as increasing output, feed the baby more often and if you still don't feel that's enough or the baby won't suck any longer, pump after you feed the baby. It's all about supply and demand. Also make sure you (or your friend, rather) is eating enough. Don't worry too much about the baby weight until after you stop nursing.

Answer 4

Drink Drink Drink before during after.
I was told by La Leche League people whom are very informative that you should feed every two hours if you baby doesnt wake to eat then at least pump your breast and freeze the milk. after you feed pump the breast even if you dont get anything they suggested pumping 10 minutes each breast after you feed that will stimulate more milk production never wait longer than 4 hours to feed or pump. I wish i had learned this earlier than i did cause i eventually had to stop BF cuase i wasnt producing enough tellyour friend to stick with it and be PATIENT cause it does take time and patience. but drinking plenty of fluids and not just water is importnt juices gatorade are also good. I get dehrydrated easily due to a health problem I drink Liquilytes the unflavored kind Gerber makes these Walgreens sells them i cant drink anything but the unflavored but she may be able to but they are great and they come in little single serve bottles. If she is feeling like she is not getting enough fluids then tell her to drink one of these a day that is what i did and i noticed a huge difference and it make you feel better also cuase you are replenshing your body. Hope she sticks with it. Good luck

Answer 5

What age are the children? Babies under 6 months old should not be drinking water at all, JUST breast milk or formula, ONCE upon a time they told people to be giving the babies water from birth, but its not actually all that good for them. They don't need to introduced to drinking water until about 9 months old. After that, even, milk, juice and the water content in food is also to be considered. If the urine is bright yellow and smelly, there is a hydration issue, if not, why are you worrying?