Breastfeeding question?

Question

I decided I wanted to breastfeed about 5 days after the baby was born, but am afraid I have a low milk supply from waiting. Before I decided to breastfeed, he was drinking 2 1/2 ounces of formula every 3 to 4 hours, and when I pump, I didn't get that much. Now he'll take about 3 to 3 1/2 ouches of formula , and I can only pump about 8 ounces a day. How do I get my milk supply to increase?

Answer 1

Congrats on your new little one!

First of all be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Second of all, you want to nurse the baby every two to three hours. It is a supply and demand concept. The more the baby nurses, the more milk your body will make. If he is still hungry after nursing you could supplement him with formula. But just remember that formula tides a baby over longer than breast milk does. So if you do supplement him, you might have to pump in between feedings. You should be pumping or feeding every two to three hours. Also remember that for a while the baby's sucking will cause your milk to let down better than pumping will, which means that he is probably getting more milk than when you pump. Sometimes it also helps to put warm compresses on your breasts before feeding. This also help your milk to let down more.

I would also suggest calling the hospital where you delivered. I am sure thy would be willing to give you suggestions, and even come in for some breastfeeding help if you needed it. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you and your son!

Answer 2

You get your supply to increase by nursing the baby. Pumps are never as efficient at removing milk as a baby is. The sooner you start exclusively nursing him, the better your supply will be. Better yet, pump, then nurse. Save the milk that you pump for a time when you know you won't be with the baby, so that whoever keeps him can feed it to him. Then put the baby to the breast whenever he's hungry, that will give your supply an extra boost. Also, drink plenty of water and try fenugreek tea, it does help increase milk.

Answer 3

Try putting him to the breast. If he's latched on right, he'll be more efficient than any pump.

How often/long are you pumping? For a newborn, you should be pumping about every 2 hours for about 20 minutes.

What kind of pump are you using? Hopefully a good one like a Medela PIS or an Ameda PY?

You're probably only getting 8 oz per day if you just started because you're probably still just getting colostrum (assuming baby is still just a few days old?). As your supply "comes in" you'll get more milk.

You should call your hospital and talk with a Lactation Consultant or call your local La Leche League for some help. LLL will help for FREE and may even be able to visit you at home.

Answer 4

I am 17 and I do breast feed, it is rather convenient and potent... How does breastfeeding improvement the mummy? Eat extra and shed extra pounds quicker: A breastfeeding mom demands 500 additional energy an afternoon for the reason that the frame burns that quantity even as breastfeeding. She'll be again in her pre-being pregnant form speedily. It's convenient and effortless: There's not anything to shop for or get ready so it offers the mummy a lot more freedom. Breasts are continually there and the milk is continually hot and able. The mom can snooze throughout night time feedings There's an excessively distinct bond among Mother and Baby and it is the normal option to feed There's much less spitting up, no stains and the poop does not odor! Protects in opposition to a few breast and ovarian cancers: While breastfeeding, estrogen stages are very low. Research has proven that the longer you breastfeed, the hazards for those cancers is going down MAY prolong menstrual interval: Again, estrogen stages are low and plenty of ladies consider they are good included from conceiving, however ovulation would possibly nonetheless arise It's an potent trust booster: Mothers are rather equipped to make use of their normal capability Believe it or no longer, there may be little or no embarrassment: It's convenient to nurse discreetly and modestly Feels top notch How does breastfeeding improvement the child? Protects in opposition to ear infections, colds, and viruses: If the little one does have any of the above, the severity will undoubtedly be lessened for the reason that of the security from the breastmilk Helps mind to develop and broaden Less studying and behaviour problems Less diaper rash and different epidermis disorders Less colic, much less crying Easy to digest: It is virtually inconceivable to have a constipated breastfed child! Less diarrhea Protects in opposition to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, leukemia, a few early life cancers, and juvenile-onset diabetes Benefits middle wellness Fewer journeys to the health practitioner and hospitalizations Babies LOVE the style

Answer 5

Please remember that how much you pump is NEVER an indication of how much milk you're making. Your baby is much better at getting the milk out of you than a machine.

The best thing to do is to breastfeed him as often as possible as long as he wants. It will only take a few days and your supply will be perfect. If you need extra help, lactation consultants can really help (they helped me.) A baby will always take extra formula, which may cut down on the amount of milk you produce. It's a huge leap of faith to stop the formula, but as soon as I did, my supply was perfect within 36 hours.

In the meantime, just sit in your bed or couch, drink plenty of water, eat some oatmeal and just nurse, nurse, nurse. It might be overwhelming at first, but it gets easier as time goes on.

Good for you for trying to breastfeed, it really is the most perfect food for your baby! He will be healthier and so will you.

Answer 6

Take the baby off of formula and breastfeed on demand.
The more you stimulate your breasts by either feeding or pumping, the more milk you will make.

Answer 7

The baby is much more efficient at getting milk than the pump is, so he is probably getting more than you are. I would pump more frequently (for longer), and try to feed him as often as possible (before giving formula). Good luck.

Answer 8

Honestly, you have to stop giving formula and let the baby suck on your breast to stimulate the milk production. Your body insinctually knows that the baby needs more milk and therefore produces more on demand. It might take a few days to build it up but it will happen. It takes a lot of time and a lot of strength to stick with it and at times you may feel pain and like giving up but if that's what you want to do, it's worth it.

Keep yourself HYDRATED.

Answer 9

Drink lots of water and continue to nurse and pump you supply will come in the more the demand is. It is a little frustrating at first but once you substantiate your supply you are good to go.

Answer 10

Feed the baby more often. When he wakes, when he looks hungry, when he is tired. Supply equals demand, so keep it going. The more he sucks, the more milk you should make. And drink plenty of water (not milk) to keep your fluids up. Good luck and hang in there.