Breastfeeding?

Question

I have two kids already and I was only able to breastfeed them for 6 weeks. I did it exclusively no pumps or anything. I still dried up. I was on birthcontrol and the doctor told me it was fine. Is that what caused me to dry up so quickly? I would love to breast feed longer. I have seen post where some have breast fed for years. I don't want to breastfeed that long but I would like to at least untill they get their first tooth. I am pregnant with my third and I would like some more light on this subject. I have a book about breastfeeding and I have tried everything in it before but it still didn't seem to help. I would really like to have some tips on this before my new arrival gets here so that I may be able to breastfeed a little longer.
Thank you to everyone who tries to help on this.

Answer 1

I have two girls, one is 3 1/2 and the other is 6 weeks old. When I nursed my first daughter it was sooo easy. She latched perfectly and was a great eater. The newest addition has given me hell for the last 6 weeks. Although you have a different situation going on than I do, I figured I might be able to just share some advice. I have an over abundance of milk.. but yet the baby latches on and off throughout the feeding. I recommend calling a lactation nurse, I just went to an appointment last night with the local hospital and she helped me trememdisly. I now know how to get her to latch on properly and it is helping with the mastits that I have in both nipples. It isn't as painful to nurse her. They say that if you use a lot of heat on your breasts it should help bring down the milk, but it's all hearsay. It really just might be your body. Maybe you can try calling the La Leche League. They will come to your home and help you with whatever situation you have going on at that time, they are also great with helping you through it not just the first consiltation. I hope that I have given you some insight that you hadn't already heard. Best Wishes, Good Luck & God Bless!

Answer 2

Yes, the birth control pill *can* lead to problems with milk supply. I used VCF - a spermicide film - for birth control while I was nursing my babies. It's not as effective as the pill, but I usually didn't get my periods until I was done breastfeeding, so I figured a it was a little less likely that I would get pregnant anyway.

Some things that help your milk supply are:
1. Relaxing

2. Herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa. (consult a midwife or alternative medicine dr. - they make a nursing mom's tea with these ingredients, so I would imagine that they are safe, but double check with someone first)

3. Offer baby both sides at each feeding, even if only for a few minutes

4. If the problem is actually low levels of milk, then nurse frequently. If baby is cranky after a feed, however, he might actually be getting *too much* of the more watery foremilk, and not have had a chance to get the richer "cream" at the end of the session. I only mention this because sometimes the problem is really that you're making too much milk, in which case anything you do to step up production will only make it worse.

4. A prescription drug called domperidone might be appropriate, in severe cases. It is approved for use in nursing moms and is wonderful for increasing your milk levels. Talk to a pro-breastfeeding Dr. about it.

5. Relax! I mention this twice because it's so important. Even after months of breastfeeding, I could tell that the baby was getting more milk when I was in a quiet room, or laying down in bed just counting his toes. :-) It's not always practical, of course, with other babies to take care of, but it really does make a difference.

6. Keep Baby with you as much as possible, and have him sleep nearby at night. Night nursing, in particular, seemed to really increase my supply.

I loved the book "so that's what they're for" about breastfeeding. You might find it a good read - they present the subject with some humor, which is nice.

It sounds like you're really doing everything "right" - I would bet money that it's the birth control. Best of luck with everything, whether you end up breastfeeding long-term or not. If the risk of pregnancy with other methods makes you stressed out, then it's better for all of your kids to have a happy Mama and formula. :-)

Answer 3

i'm 17 and that i do breast feed, that is particularly uncomplicated and outstanding... How does breastfeeding earnings the mum? consume greater and shed weight quicker: A breastfeeding mom desires 500 greater energy an afternoon simply by fact the physique burns that quantity jointly as breastfeeding. She'll be back in her pre-being pregnant shape right now. that is uncomplicated and handy: there isn't something to purchase or practice so it supplies the mum plenty greater freedom. Breasts are consistently there and the milk is often heat and arranged. the mum can snooze in the time of evening feedings there is an particularly particular bond between mom and toddler and that's the organic thank you to feed there is far less spitting up, no stains and the poop would not scent! Protects against some breast and ovarian cancers: jointly as breastfeeding, estrogen ranges are very low. learn has shown that the longer you breastfeed, the negative aspects for those cancers is going down might postpone menstrual era: back, estrogen ranges are low and many women folk think of they're nicely secure against conceiving, yet ovulation ought to happen that is an outstanding self belief booster: mothers are particularly waiting to apply their organic ability have faith it or not, there is amazingly little embarrassment: that is uncomplicated to nurse discreetly and modestly Feels stunning How does breastfeeding earnings the toddler? Protects against ear infections, colds, and viruses: If the toddler does have any of the above, the severity will maximum possibly be lessened simply by secure practices from the breastmilk helps recommendations to enhance and enhance much less getting to know and habit problems much less diaper rash and different epidermis issues much less colic, much less crying uncomplicated to digest: that is merely approximately impossible to have a constipated breastfed toddler! much less diarrhea Protects against unexpected toddler demise Syndrome, leukemia, some early lifestyles cancers, and juvenile-onset diabetes reward heart wellbeing Fewer journeys to the wellbeing practitioner and hospitalizations toddlers LOVE the style

Answer 4

It could have been the birth control you were on if it wasn't the "mini-pill." It also could be not enough water or eating properly on your part or your body just plain gave up on you. You could seek the advice of a lactation consultant this time around. That would honestly be your best bet for a different/fresh start with breastfeeding. You could also ask at the hospital to speak with one while you're there. They may suggest you pump after feeding to try and increase production and there are some medications that can help with lactation. Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

YES! I believe the birth control pill *could* have an effect on your milk production. They "trick" your body into thinking you're already pregnant - and very often women stop making milk when they're pregnant.

http://www.mothering.com/sections/experts/bruce-archive.html#pill

I am still breastfeeding my 18-month daughter, and I plan to go on the Minesse birth control pill. I still have an abundant supply of milk and even feel the let-down effect. Will this pill affect my milk production?

Although I realize that hormonal methods of birth control may be convenient for some mothers, they are not my first choice for breastfeeding mothers. While some mothers have no milk supply fluctuations when using hormonal birth control methods, other mothers may experience serious changes in their breastmilk supplies. For this reason, I would suggest checking with your doctor or midwife to explore options for birth control. Although oral medications can be stopped if they are causing negative reactions such as lowered milk supply, it can take time to build supply back it is has been lowered. For mothers who are working outside the home, and who may not be breastfeeding as frequently as they once were, this can be a challenge that is not particular welcome.

My main advice is to consider all the options for birth control, and then to choose what fits most easily into your lifestyle, with the help of your care provider. When considering birth control when breastfeeding, choosing non-hormonal methods of birth control would be my first choice, as it has the least affect of disturbing or decreasing supply of breastmilk, or of impacting breastfeeding.

For more information on medications and breastfeeding, check out the book, Medications in Mothers' Milk by Thomas Hale PhD, RPh. It is available on the web and in bookstores, through La Leche League and here at Mothering. It is a wonderful and inexpensive reference to medications and breastfeeding, and is up to date and well-referenced by this knowledgeable expert, Dr. Thomas Hale.

Answer 6

They say the pill doesn't have much of an effect, but I think they are wrong. I had a similar problem with my first. She had a latch problem, too, but I pumped to keep up my supply. Well, once I started on the pill I couldn't even pump much. It was the 'mini-pill', too. This time, I avoided all of that by getting an IUD instead. I love it, and I haven't had any supply problems. My daughter is almost 1, and she is still nursing like a champ.

Answer 7

I work in a hospital boutique where we rent pumps, and our lactation consultant recommends pumping with a hospital grade pump (Medela Symphony) to increase and protect milk supply. We rent them for $70/month or $20/week, and the kit costs $45. The more milk you take out of your breasts, the more they will make. Also, be sure no one gives your baby water, formula, or a paci while you're in the hospital. That'll cut back on the time at your breast! See if there's a lactation consultant at your hospital (there should be) and go talk to her. Ours is such a big help.

Answer 8

I felt like mine was drying up when I was on the mini-pill and went off it. I had much better luck and good supply on depo-provera.

Good luck!

Once I started pumping at 4 weeks for Dad to also feed my second (who's about a year older than my first) I also increased my pumping to give milk to my first. I think this extra pumping helped to build my supply up, plus since you're just doing it for 1, if you have freezer room, after the baby or toddler weans.

Answer 9

Birth control is okay to take if it is the kind that DOES NOT have estrogen in it. Also, are you drinking plenty of fluids? Do not drink tea as that is know to dry you up. Also, stress can cause you to dry up as well. I totally recommend contacting your local La Leche League!! http://www.lalecheleague.org/ or a lactation consulant at your hospital they are both VERY helpful and can address your specific problems!!! Good luck!!

Answer 10

It depends what type of birth control you used if you used estrogen birth control than most likely that is the reason why you dried up. You should use progeston birth control instead.