I recently returned to work & I am starting to dry up. I try to pump & can hardly get anything in the bottle. Is there any good way to prevent drying up too soon?
2007-05-11 10:21:20 · 16 answers · asked by angel 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My baby is 5 1/2 months old and I am still breastfeeding and pumping 2-3 times a day at work and once before work, at least 5-6 ozs each pumping session.
My secret? Fenugreek pills (it works for me, though I heard that it doesnt work for some). I buy them from GNC,take 3 pills, 3x a day, lots of water and good food.
Also when you're home, keep feeding your baby from the breast to let your body provide more milk.
Good luck!
2007-05-11 10:27:44 · answer #1 · answered by E G 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is a matter of supply and demand. You may be softening up. If you nurse your baby when you are home, your breast supply will adjust and you should be fine. Be sure that you are getting plenty of fluids. You are doing the right thing w/ pumping. Keep it up. Perhaps you could pump one side while the baby nurses on the other. You already will have a let-down. I know a lot of moms who do this and it helps give them about 4 to 6 oz.
Also, don't be upset if you have to add a few oz. of formula to the feeding. Your baby will be fine and you will relax a bit knowing she is getting enough with both while you are at work.
2007-05-11 10:27:45 · answer #2 · answered by ellymom 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You have to continue to pump even if nothing is coming out. Also, make sure you're getting plenty of rest and eating very healthy... with extra calories like when you were pregnant.
Stress can decrease your milk supply so keep a positive attitude and try and take breaks at work if you're getting stressed.
Eat oatmeal and massage your breasts during a warm shower.
Good luck!
2007-05-11 13:25:54 · answer #3 · answered by amber 18 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you breast feed you will not dry up. My son is 8 weeks old and likes to eat. I can't pump because my breasts are too small for the pump shield, when I work for 5 hours I can pump out 8+ ounces cuz they are sore and hard. but search up motherlove. It is supposed to increase milk production and is found at Whole Foods or Natural food stores. You wont dry up trust me, it seems like it but some women just cant pump either.
2007-05-11 10:31:16 · answer #4 · answered by venomous73 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
are you drinking plenty throughout the day? make sure you drink enough liquids and pump whenever you can if you go for a toilet break take the pump with you even if its just for a few minutes. try not to stress too much as this can effect lactation too.
2007-05-11 10:42:32 · answer #5 · answered by cathc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other Answers covered alot.....Keep some photos of your baby nearby to look at while you pump, and maybe one of your babies shirts. Thinking more about the baby instead of the breast pump could help :)
2007-05-12 17:30:55 · answer #6 · answered by no worries!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
- make sure you are using a good quality pump
- make sure you are nursing and/or pumping frequently
- make sure you are getting enough fluids
- only nurse when you and baby are together
- use the weekend as a "nursing vacation" - no bottles....nurse frequently and rest to work on boosting supply
- eat oatmeal for breakfast every day
- look into supplements such as fenugreek and blessed thistle
2007-05-11 11:01:09 · answer #7 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
IT won't dry up as long as you are nursing him. Even after he stops nursing it will take about 6 months for it to completely go away. Breast milk is a supply and demand sort of thing so the more he nurses the more milk will be there for him. Around 6 weeks and 3 months they hit a bit of a growth spurt that makes them want to nurse constantly and that sort of makes you think they aren't getting enough but they are. You're doing a great thing for him
2007-05-11 10:25:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Traditional Medicinals makes an excellent all natural tea specifically made for nursing mothers b/c every so often, even w/supply and demand we can become depleated.
It's called,"Mother's Milk" and it really helped me produce more milk. I also recommended it for family members and friends and the tea also helped them as well.
http://www.nutritionexpress.com/herbal+teas/condition+specific+blends/traditional+medicinals+mothers+milk+tea+16+bags.aspx
You can either purchase it online or in a local health food store.
Good Luck!
2007-05-11 10:27:58 · answer #9 · answered by (no subject) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Drink lots of fluids! Eat lots of protein. Keep pumping and nurse your baby often when you get home. If you have a dual pump system that would be best.
2007-05-11 10:25:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋