Hello. I had my daughter almost three months ago and I breast fed her the first two weeks but her doctor disagreed with that because she was a preemie and they needed her to gain weight fast. So we had to switch to formula. Now that she is at a very healthy weight I would like to try to breastfeed again. I never completely lost my milk but it is like it was at the end of the pregnancy. Any advice on how to build my milk supply back up? Or any advice on this in general would be greatly appreciated.
2007-06-16 15:02:40 · 23 answers · asked by ellangal87 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
1) Nurse/pump often.
2) Drink plenty of fluids.
3) Consider an herbal tea or supplement ("Mother's milk" tea, or fenugreek tablets), or ask your doctor about medication to increase milk supply.
4) Switch pediatricians!! Breast milk is ALWAYS better for babies. My sister had a premie, and had to feed her by pumping for the first 3 weeks. She's beautiful and healthy.
2007-06-16 15:11:45 · answer #1 · answered by stormsinger1 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aw ... sorry to hear her doctor was so misinformed! Generally-speaking, preemies are considered in MORE need of breastmilk than full-term infants. It's true that some will encourage you to supplement with formula for the simple quantity (since preemies might not have the best sucking ability and formula via nipple or tube-feedings allows them more calories with less "work," so to speak), but as far as quality is concerned, breastmilk is extremely beneficial in this case. In fact, many hospitals encourage parents of preemies to accept donated breastmilk from milk banks (similar to blood banks) if the mother is unable to pump enough right away. Especially in the case of multiples -- often premature and requiring extra-large amounts of milk (quite demanding on the mother at first). ;)
All that aside, it's truly wonderful that you want to give your daughter the very best even after going through all that. After all, many mothers would simply figure it wasn't worth the "hassle" (not so!). ;) Since your milk hasn't completely dried up, simply nursing your daughter regularly should get it "flowing" again with very few problems. After all, breastfeeding is quite literally a supply and demand business -- the more she demands, the more your body will supply. It might seem frustrating at the beginning, but once you establish a regular nursing routine and your milk supply is again well-established, you'll be so happy you stuck with it. You might also try pumping in between nursing sessions (a hospital-grade electric pump usually works best). Not only will it encourage your body to make more milk even more quickly, but it will also allow you to supplement with bottles of pumped breastmilk, rather than formula, in between, so your daughter will come to expect it no matter where it's coming from (making the transition easier on both of you).
Many mothers have been very successful at re-lactating. I don't doubt you'll be among them. Don't lose hope! And good luck. ;)
Ps. I would also seriously consider shopping around for a more currently-educated doctor. I've never heard of a pediatrician -- in today's society -- actually discouraging breastfeeding, especially of a preemie, when all current medical evidence dictates the exact opposite to be most beneficial. Sounds like someone from the "old-school" who's more into having things done "his way" than actually doing what's best for the child. I'd strongly encourage you to do your child a favor and switch while she's still young.
2007-06-16 22:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by Irish Mommy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start breastfeeding her again and also pump milk although I breastfed for the first 6 months when I pumped I didn't have a lot of milk but he was full puls I bottlefed as well. Just be patient with your baby incase you doesn't want to go back to the breast I would bottle and breast fed and let the baby decide thats what I did with my son he only wanted my breast at night and a bottle all day. Good luck and I'm glad to hear your baby is doing good!!!
2007-06-16 22:11:05 · answer #3 · answered by Mz Bree 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a really good electric breast pump and pump about 8-12 times a day, 15 - 20 minutes if you can. I know this seems like a lot but you wont have to do this very long and you will have a good milk supply!
2007-06-16 22:48:20 · answer #4 · answered by Emily 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
#1 dumb move to make you stop breastfeeding!! I know calories were a big concern for your little one BUT you could still have pumped and breastfeed your milk and still added your supplemental 22 cal formula or whatever they wanted to use. I have never heard of them wanting a mom to stop breastfeeding. I am sooo glad for you though that you still have milk. You should start feeding as often as you can and may even want to try pumping some extra to help build up your supply. Also there are some meds out there that increase milk supply, like Reglan for example. Good Luck, it's great you will be able to breastfeed!!
2007-06-16 22:14:54 · answer #5 · answered by REBMA R 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First, I cant believe the doctor told you to stop breastfeeding her. IF anything you should have alternated between breast and formula. The best thing to do is nurse her as often as she will take the breast. Feed on demand. Your milk supply will slowly return. Try nursing her first and if she is still hungry and you know nothing else is coming from your breast then give her a few ounces of formula. As your milk supply comes in you will have to feed her less and less from the bottle. Just dont give up. Kudos to you for trying. Congratulations.
2007-06-16 22:11:52 · answer #6 · answered by perkie5 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Defiantly talk to your baby's doctor first. My preemie seemed to be doing great, we took her off of the neosure, and she didn't continue to put on weight and had to go back on it. She ended up being on it till she was 9 months old.
But pumping with a good breast pump should help build it back up.
2007-06-16 22:10:41 · answer #7 · answered by cris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I breast fed both my kids, one for 8 months, the other for 14 months! Congrats on your decision. Just start back the way you did when she was born. The milk should build back up on its own....its on a supply and demand basis. There is an herbal supplement to increase milk production but I can't remember the name of it. You could try googleing it.
2007-06-16 22:08:24 · answer #8 · answered by sarah r 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is a herbal remedy you can get from your local health food shop call Blessed Thistle. I used this for my second daughter whom I breastfeed for over 6 months. All it does is increase your milk supply. Ask you local naturapath as well they are a good resource.
Good Luck
2007-06-16 22:27:38 · answer #9 · answered by Katy M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the suggestions were good. But to add drink at-least 2 quarts of water a day. Water consumption and milk supply is directly related. Also consider finding a new pediatrician. I have never heard of a doctor saying that since the 50s and 60s.
2007-06-16 22:14:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋