I have a 3 week old son. I have been trying to breastfeed, but it seems he has a huge appetite. From what I have read, he should be consuming about 2-4oz per feeding. I breast feed for at least a half hour and when it seems he is done, he goes rooting around for more milk. Last week and weekend I pumped to see what I was generally producing and I was getting about 4 -6 oz per pumping session (20 minutes both breasts). Now starting Monday, I am only getting about 2-3 oz for the same session time. I have been giving him breast milk bottles and he has been eating at least 4 oz or more each feeding. A few times he has eaten one 4oz bottle and then was still hungry and finished another 4oz bottle right afterwards. I am pumping every hour and a half and getting about 2 ounces. His appetite is big and my breasts are not producing. I am wondering why I am not making more milk? I have had to supplement with formula sometimes because he wants to eat so much. I need help!
2007-10-25 14:00:15 · 14 answers · asked by Fancy 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Let him nurse longer. Honest. If you let him nurse as much and as often as he wants, your body will make the milk.
If he's still rooting, switch sides.
A pump can't ever clear you out as well as a baby. Don't worry about pumping, don't worry about measuring, just keep nursing your baby. My first one, a nursing session that kept him happy was 45 minutes long. Then, 45 minutes later, he was ready to go again. It was brutal, from my sleeping point of view!
Supplementing with formula will make it harder for your production to go up. His nursing is what triggers your production. Want more production? Let him suck more. Don't give him a pacifier, let him use you for it. Pumping won't clear you out, so it won't trigger your body to increase production.
And call or attend a local La Leche League meeting, but I think they'll tell you the same thing.
2007-10-25 14:55:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know this must be frustrating for you. Keep on pumping every 1.5 hr like you always do, this should increase your milk production in several days. It is true that the amount of milk that you get from pumping differs from the amount that your baby get from sucking straight from your breasts.
Do you drink fluid everytime before/after breastfeeding? This is a MUST, as your body will need the extra fluid to produce milk.
I feel your pain but try not to supplement with formula as your body will not be able to determine how much milk your baby needs. I know it is easier said than done but let him suck both of your breasts for 20 minutes each, while he's at it, drink fluid to replenish. This should drive your body to produce more. He can also be going through growth spurt stage where he eats more therefore you seem to not producing enough. However, your body should be able to catch up in several days, providing there is enough stimulation.
If all else fails, consult with lactation consultant. I hope this help, hang in there.
2007-10-25 14:23:10 · answer #2 · answered by Ann 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More Milk by mother love and brewers yeast tablets. Plenty of water and get a good quality pump that has dual phase suction for a more efficient let down. Don't quit!! Many times I have been scared and worried about my supply but I always got it back. Im still breast feeding my 10 month old. Heads up for the future, Your hormones also play a part in your milk supply. Once a month my supply is low due to my period but you will always be able to increase your supply. Just be persistent and you will be fine in no time.
2016-03-13 06:46:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 week breast milk production advice
2016-02-03 09:21:35 · answer #4 · answered by Nadia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is absolutely normal as bub may be going threw a growth spurt. Suggest you feed on demand, try to relax and get lots of rest
....Additionally, having been in a similar situation I went to a mothercraft hospital who put me on stout (I used Coopers) This worked for me.
Best of luck, enjoy every moment because they grow up sooo fast and what seems like an insurmountable problem now will not be anywhere near as problematic later
2007-10-25 14:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by Liberty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is NORMAL. This happens as a baby goes through a growth spurt- and the pump is not a good indicator as to how much milk you actually have.
Nurse on demand. This can happen whenever a growth spurt it upon you. Likewise, it is very normal for the first 6 weeks.
2007-10-25 14:06:14 · answer #6 · answered by NY_Attitude 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Here In Japan. midwives adviced moms to drink milk constantly or eat yogurt and sleep more
2007-10-25 14:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by angela&ayame 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the lactation tea before you go medical - breasmilk is the best. The tea is available at most natural foods stores. A lactation specialist can help a great deal as well.
If your body really can't produce enough, ask your doctor about other options.
2007-10-25 14:06:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
honey.....he is 3 weeks.....he has hit a growth spurt!!!
i am so surprises by how many moms don't know this..anyways.....he will be wanting to eat A LOT.....and that is okay......repeat perfectly fine
don't pump....that won't stimulate your breasts the way he can....just let him nurse as much as he needs and very quickly he will pass this phase
DO NOT supplement with formula.....you will sabotage yourself....if you simply have some faith in your body and your baby will be just fine.....formula is the downward spiral to your breastfeeding relationship
2007-10-25 15:38:34 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Expressing breastmilk will never get out what a baby can suck out. Try expressing every hour for a day or two to build up your supply and see how that goes. It can takes a couple of days for your supply to increase.
I would suggest speaking with a lactation specialist to see if they can give you some more tips for increasing your supply.
2007-10-25 14:05:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋