how can I keep my breast milk from drying up?

Question

I drink plenty, my baby is only 4 months old and she nurses frequently. I don't get it! Used to when I pumped I could pump a full 4 oz bottle from one breast in 5 minutes and now I can pump for 15 minutes and get half that. What is going on?

I forgot to mention that she is not happy with me when she is nursing. She latches on for a few seconds and then she starts flailing around and crying and then she will latch on again. It just goes back and forth. So, I don't think she is getting enough milk. She always seems hungry.

Answer 1

Continue to drink plenty of fluids, as you are doing, and increase the amount if you can. Eat a well balanced diet, and do not try to cut calories to lose weight. This is the number one cause of decreased milk production. The problem with the pumping may be that it takes more suction to express milk than what the pump is giving. This is a common problem, especially with cheaper pumps. Babies suck harder and faster as they get older, and pumps with less power can't compete. Also, how often you nurse or pump can factor into the equation as well. If you pump or nurse every hour, this is too frequently to have a good supply. She should be nursing every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Otherwise, she is just snacking and not receiving the nutrient rich, thicker hind milk that is near the end of the feeding. This may be why she does not seem satisfied. An herbal supplement that my pediatrician recommended to increase milk production is Fenugreek. It is available at GNC, and if you check message boards for nursing mothers, I guarantee that you will see the name multiple times as a suggestion. However, please talk with your pediatrician before starting any herbal supplement. Try contacting the La Leche league for other suggestions. That's what they are there for. I wish you all the luck.

Answer 2

Drying Up Milk

Answer 3

Don't worry. Your milk is not drying up. I promise. Your supply has become more balanced. You are meeting your baby's demand instead of making enough milk for every baby in the neighborhood (doesn't it feel like that in the beginning?). The problem is, your baby suddenly has increased demand. She's getting ready to grow, and she needs more milk. The only way to increase your supply is to nurse, nurse, nurse! If she's sleeping all night, she may start waking to nurse. She may ask to nurse for hours at a time in the evening. It's totally normal (but frustrating). Herbs could be a great solution. Blessed thistle and fenugreek are good choices, as well as mother's milk tea. Don't forget to relax! Many mothers make the mistake of supplementing now. It's unfortunate that so few mothers know about this common growth spurt and how to increase supply. How many times have you read on here: "I breastfed for 4 months, then my milk dried up." It's sad, but you can get through this. Don't pump unless you're working, and don't give bottles! You can do it!

Answer 4

My Milk Is Drying Up

Answer 5

Well first off, you have to determine if your milk supply really is low. Fussing at the breast isn't really a good indication of low supply. Check the links below to determine if your supply is truly low. Some of the links go on to tell you how to increase your supply as well.

Milk supply does not typically dry up on its own without some sort of signal -- such as formula supplementation or some sort of other "hidden hinderance" to a healthy milk supply (see link below for some common reasons for supply to be low, such as birth control).

Also, pumping is not a good indication of your supply. For one, pumps cannot extract as much milk as a baby can. I put a link below about pumping for you. Also, your body is finally regulating itself, so it may be that your body was producing too MUCH before, and now it has adjusted to meet just exactly what your baby needs.

The behavior you are suggesting could be many different things. One of the most likely is nipple confusion. If you are giving your baby bottles, this will not only lower your supply (since the baby is not "demanding" at the breast, there will be less "supply"), but it could also cause your baby to show a preference to artificial nipples and "forget" how or just flat out refuse to nurse at the breast. The reason for nipple confusion is that artificial nipples and real ones require different sucking mechanisms, which confuses the baby. Artificial nipples require less work and provide instant gratification. Real nipples require more work (promoting better jaw development) and also require that your baby wait for the "let-down" of breastmilk. If you are not working outside the home and don't have a real need for bottles, you're better off without them, honestly. It can be done -- my 16-month old son is still nursing and has never had a bottle in his life!

I recommend you read up a little on the links I listed below. I think they might help you out a bit. If you are still having problems, please contact your local La Leche League leader. They really are very friendly and knowledgeable, and they are free, too. Good luck!

Answer 6

You have gotten some great answers so I just wanted to add a few more thoughts...

The first thing that comes to mind about pumping is that it is different from nursing and you can't tell how much milk you are making by how much you can pump. The second thing that comes to mind is that pumping is a separate skill but it still works on supply and demand. The more you pump, the more you will be able to pump.

Drinking water is great, but don't overdo it. Drinking too much can actually lower your supply. Just drink to satisfy your thirst.

A couple of things come to mind to keep your daughter on the breast. Try using "breast compression" to get your milk flowing, get more "hindmilk" to your daughter (hindmilk will fill her up and satisfy her hunger), and tell your body to make more milk. Here is some info about it:

http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_compression.html



This may sound strange but it is common for babies to pull off and fuss when they have to pee or poo. You could look into "Elimination Communication" or "EC" to figure out how to potty your baby. This often really helps to keep your baby relaxed enough to nurse. Just imagine trying to chug down water with a full bladder, it is the same for your baby.

I would suggest going to a La Leche League meeting too.

If all else fails and you still feel your supply is low you might want to have your thyroid levels checked.

Good luck!

Answer 7

"my guess is that your body isn't producing the milk as quick as your baby drinks it, that's just a guess though"

Kinda worries me that a guy is trying to answer a question like this...
Here's the deal.. Your body how now adjusted and knows just how much milk to make..It is difficult to express, I dont know how to help with that...You are not drying up...If you are worried, there is some tea called Mother's Milk Tea that you can get at the hfs..Do not take it if youre preggo! It should help.. Also, beer, and especially oatmeal really help with making more milk!!!

Also, contact the Le Leche group..They are awesome and really should be able to help! For free!!

Answer 8

Your baby is not happy when she nurses because she's not getting a big enough flow and is frustrated. Eat LOTS of whole grains, fresh veggies, and non-alcoholic beer really helps milk production. Also, begin pumping between feedings will trick your body into thinking it needs more milk. After a few days you'll begin to make more.

Answer 9

Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. Meals with protein are good. You should also continue taking your prenatal vitamins. The more often you pump, the better. You'll keep the glands stimulated. Try different nursing positions until you find one that is comfortable for your baby. Good Luck.

Answer 10

Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/HsAb2

Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.

2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.