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I am breastfeeding a 12 week old baby boy. He is only gaining about a pound a month and is only in the 10th percentile for weight. I've been going to a lactation consultant and doing weekly weight checkups. I'm on reglan, and he is still not gaining well. I pump several times a day also.

My question is can some women just not produce enough milk for their baby? I've heard that 99% of women can.

Lately, I've decided to just nurse my baby as much as I possibly can to try to increase my milk. The last week I've been nursing him for an hour, and he still comes off my breast crying and putting his hands in his mouth. I've nursed him 10 times so far today for an hour each time.

I don't know what to do!! I'm trying to do everything right for him, but am in tears. Why isn't he getting enough to eat?

2007-11-04 14:05:15 · 17 answers · asked by CS 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting Newborn & Baby

17 answers

Honey, don't beat yourself up. Baby is old enough to not get nipple confusion so offer him a bottle of formula and see what happens. You can still keep trying to breastfeed and hopefully some of the tips offered here will increase your supply and you won't have to supplement for long.

I am one of those women who couldn't produce enough milk. I tried nursing tea, fenugreek, gallons of water, was so careful about what I did and didn't eat and at 6 weeks my boobs just stopped. However I (and my doctor) were prepared for that since my baby was a miracle baby anyways. My body produces too much testosterone (and some other kinds of male hormones that I shouldn't have or have as much of) so just getting pregnant was a challenge, carrying full term was an even bigger challenge. I wasn't going to challenge myself with breastfeeding if it wasn't going to happen on it's own.

My guy is 3 months old, had as much breastmilk as I could give him until 6 weeks old and now is strictly formula fed. No constipation, diaper rash or even a sign of a sniffle. Your baby got the colostrum that he needed and has some antibodies from what you have been able to give him. Now give him the calories he needs to thrive (and you a break from having him at your boob 24/7) and give him some formula until you can get your supply up. To answer your question bluntly: He's not getting enough to eat because you are being stubborn.

2007-11-04 15:52:54 · answer #1 · answered by babybugs1980 6 · 0 1

It is _very_ rare to not produce enough milk; you heard correctly.

Useful (one hopes):

http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=105

See especially "Protocol to Increase Breastmilk Intake by the Baby."

Being at the 10th percentile does not mean he's unhealthy; it just means he's at the 10th percentile.

See also:

http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=106

especially "Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?" Note:

"The following are NOT good ways of judging

The baby cries after feeding. Although the baby may cry after feeding because of hunger, there are also many other reasons for crying. See also handout #2 Colic in the Breastfeeding Baby. Do not limit feeding times. “Finish” the first side before offering the other.

The baby feeds often and/or for a long time. For one mother feeding every three hours or so may be often; for another, three hours or so may be a long period between feeds. For one, a feeding that lasts for 30 minutes is a long feeding; for another, it is a short one. There are no rules how often or for how long a baby should nurse. It is not true that the baby gets 90% of the feed in the first 10 minutes. Let the baby determine his own feeding schedule and things usually come right, if the baby is suckling and drinking at the breast and having at least two to three substantial yellow bowel movements each day. Remember, a baby may be on the breast for two hours, but if he is actually feeding or drinking (open wide—pause—close mouth type of sucking) for only two minutes, he will come off the breast hungry. If the baby falls asleep quickly at the breast, you can compress the breast to continue the flow of milk (handout #15, Breast Compression). Contact the breastfeeding clinic with any concerns, but wait to start supplementing. If supplementation is truly necessary, there are ways of supplementing which do not use an artificial nipple (handout #5, Using a Lactation Aid)."


edit: babycenter.com is full of errors, and it looks like their breastfeeding info is no different. Some of that looks very wrong to me. My daughter's made a clicking noise thanks to TOO MUCH milk. Exclusively breastfed babies can go a week between poops. Etc. Stick with the Dr Jack Newman and kellymom.com sites for reliable info.

2007-11-04 14:23:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I breastfed my babies, actually I am trying to wean my 16 mo old gradually right now. I feel you, hang in there, you are at 12 weeks already and it's going to get easier, I promise!

I remember hearing this in a breastfeeding class...this was a while back in 2004...that you should avoid drinking a lot of milk and dairy products (you can get calcium in other foods and supplements) because it can make your milk harder for baby to digest. I never drank a lot of milk to begin with, except chocolate milk now and then, so I didn't notice this as a problem. The advice though, was based on personal observations from an elderly lactation consultant with years of experience, but I never heard this from anyone else, so I just searched it and I found a link briefly outlining the issue below.

I also included a link to dr. william sears website if you haven't checked it already. The sears family always has a ton of great info about breastfeeding.

2007-11-04 14:28:35 · answer #3 · answered by consideringall 2 · 0 0

your right some women don't make enough and some babies just love to eat. I have a one month old and just rece3ntly switched to formula (which I used on my 4 year old) for the same reason. I would nurse for ever and he would still be hungry all the time and fussy and cried almost all day. I have been feeding him formula for 2 days and he actually sleeps, and doesn't cry except when he is hungry or being changed. I wanted to breast feed exclusively but i would rather enjoy the time with my son. Also i know that many people talk about how formula fed babies get sick more, and constipated but so you know my first son has never had to go to the doctor for a sick visit or been constipated and he is 4. Hope this helps

2007-11-04 14:14:14 · answer #4 · answered by jesika011 2 · 1 0

Yes, it is possible that some women just don't make enough milk. I tried breastfeeding my oldest exclusively. I nursed on demand and pumped in between to try to build a milk supply, and my body refused to cooperate. My son was still always hungry. I started supplementing with formula (especially before bedtime) and he was MUCH more content. We got to enjoy our time playing together instead of him being hungry and cranky and me being frustrated and worn out. Same thing happened with my twins two years later. They are now five months old, and happy as can be. Honey, I know you are "supposed to nurse" according to the die-hard experts, but trust me, it's not the end of the world if you have to give your baby a bottle of formula here and there. If it gets the baby full and lets you have a break it's well worth it.

2007-11-04 14:28:11 · answer #5 · answered by Jamie D 2 · 0 0

Most people will tell you that the body will make enough to feed your baby but there are a few and I am one of them that have a hard time increasing their milk supply to meet their baby's needs. I had to supplement with formula for both kids. I was able to go a little longer BF only with the second one b/c I didn't go back to work right away but after 8 weeks I had to start supplementing b/c I could not pump enough to feed her. With my first I tried a similiar drug but I didn't get big enough results to stay on it. If you child is not gaining weight and/or is having signs of dehydration then you will need to supplement. I would definatley suggest an organic dairy base formula (more babies are likely to be allergic to soy then the dairy base unless you have a family history of diary allergies).

Don't stop breastfeeding and pump when you can, just use the formula to fattening him up a little. I bf whenever I could and then used formula for when I was not home or we were out. Check with your lactation consultant and see what she recommends.

Hang in there things will work themselves out. Just know that you are doing a great job. Good luck, it does get easier... I promise!!


Warning signs that your baby isn't getting enough
Signs that your baby isn't getting adequate milk usually include most of the following:
• Your baby has lost 10 percent or more of his birth weight in the first five days of life. Remember, it's normal for a newborn to lose between 5 and 9 percent of his birth weight right off the bat. But by the fifth day, he should start gaining at least an ounce a day.

• You rarely hear your baby swallow.

• Your breasts don't feel softer after nursing.

• Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time.

• Your baby has dimples in his cheeks or makes clicking noises while nursing.

• Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following birth.

• Your baby doesn't have a bowel movement at least once a day or has small, dark stools five days or more after birth.

If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor or a breastfeeding consultant.

One of the hardest things about beginning breastfeeding is feeling confident that you're giving your baby enough milk. Don't hesitate to check in with a nurse or lactation consultant. Typically, you'll feed your baby while the consultant observes you and gives you invaluable tips for breastfeeding success.

2007-11-04 14:22:51 · answer #6 · answered by JennDi 2 · 0 1

It is possible not to produce enough milk. He may need to be started on some cereal though as you seem to be feeding him for long periods of time several times a day. You can still breastfeed but you may also want to think about expressing some milk and giving him some baby cereal mixed in with it aout twice daily. Dill weed also helps you lactate more. The best thing though is to make sure you are keeping hydrated. You need to drink at least 1 gallon of water a day and stay away from sugary and caffeinated drinks as they will make your baby's blood sugar go wild and make him think he is still hungry.

2007-11-04 14:14:25 · answer #7 · answered by MJ 6 · 1 1

How OFTEN do you feed him?
Do you hear swallowing when he is nursing?
How many wet diapers per day?
How many poopy diapers per day?

Get a DIFFERENT lactation consultant to check the latch.

CAUTION: Reglan can cause depression, if you feel depressed or suicidal STOP TAKING IT IMMEDIATELY.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/latch-resources.html
Latching and Positioning Resources

No matter what latch and positioning look like, the true measure is in the answers to these two questions:

1. Is it effective?
2. Is it comfortable?

Even if latch and positioning look perfect (and, yes, even if a lactation consultant told you they were fine), pain and/or ineffective milk transfer indicate that there is a problem somewhere, and the first suspect is ineffective latch/positioning.




Is my baby getting enough milk? (Newman)
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/04enough_milk.html

IS BABY GETTING ENOUGH? -- QUICK REFERENCE CARD
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enoughmilk-older.html

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/weight-gain.html
Baby's Age Average Weight Gain 1 Average Weight Gain 2,3
0-4 months 5.5 - 8.5 ounces per week 5 - 7 ounces per week †
4-6 months 3.25 - 4.5 ounces per week 4 - 5 ounces per week

† It is acceptable for some babies to gain 4-5 ounces per week.



Protocol to Increase Breastmilk Intake by the Baby
("Not enough milk")
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/b-protocol_increase_bmilk_intake.html

How might I increase baby's weight gain?
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/weight-gain_increase.html



http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detsleepthrough.html
Human children are designed (whether you believe by millions of years of evolution, or by God, it doesn't matter) -- to nurse *very* frequently, based on the composition of the milk of the species, the fact that all higher primates (Primates are the zoological Order to which humans belong, higher primates include monkeys and apes) keep their offspring in the mother's arms or on her back for several years, the size of the young child's stomach, the rapidity with which breast milk is digested, the need for an almost constant source of nutrients to grow that huge brain (in humans, especially), and so on. By very frequently, I mean 3-4 times per hour, for a few minutes each time. The way in which some young infants are fed in our culture -- trying to get them to shift to a 3-4 hour schedule, with feedings of 15-20 minutes at a time, goes against our basic physiology. But humans are very adaptable, and some mothers will be able to make sufficient milk with this very infrequent stimulation and draining of the breasts, and some children will be able to adapt to large meals spaced far apart. Unfortunately, some mothers don't make enough milk with this little nursing, and some babies can't adjust, and so are fussy, cry a lot, seem to want to nurse "before it is time" and fail to grow and thrive. Of course, usually the mother's body is blamed -- "You can't make enough milk" -- rather than the culturally-imposed expectation that feeding every 3-4 hours should be sufficient, and the mother begins supplementing with formula, which leads to a steady spiral downward to complete weaning from the breast.



http://www.kellymom.com/newman/11some_bf_myths.html
1. Many women do not produce enough milk.

Not true! The vast majority of women produce more than enough milk. Indeed, an overabundance of milk is common. Most babies that gain too slowly, or lose weight, do so not because the mother does not have enough milk, but because the baby does not get the milk that the mother has. The usual reason that the baby does not get the milk that is available is that he is poorly latched onto the breast. This is why it is so important that the mother be shown, on the first day, how to latch a baby on properly, by someone who knows what they are doing.

4. A baby should be on the breast 20 (10, 15, 7.6) minutes on each side.

Not true! However, a distinction needs to be made between "being on the breast" and "breastfeeding". If a baby is actually drinking for most of 15-20 minutes on the first side, he may not want to take the second side at all. If he drinks only a minute on the first side, and then nibbles or sleeps, and does the same on the other, no amount of time will be enough. The baby will breastfeed better and longer if he is latched on properly. He can also be helped to breastfeed longer if the mother compresses the breast to keep the flow of milk going, once he no longer swallows on his own (Handout #15 Breast Compression). Thus it is obvious that the rule of thumb that "the baby gets 90% of the milk in the breast in the first 10 minutes" is equally hopelessly wrong. To see how to know a baby is getting milk see the videos at www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/13still_more_bf_myths.html#4
4. Babies will stay on the breast for 2 hours because they like to suck.

Not true! Babies need and like to suck, but how much do they need? Most babies who stay at the breast for such a long time are probably hungry, even though they may be gaining well. Being on the breast is not the same as drinking at the breast. Latching the baby better onto the breast allows the baby to nurse more effectively, and thus spend more time actually drinking. You can also help the baby to drink more by expressing milk into his mouth when he is no longer swallows on his own (See handout #15 Breast Compression). Babies younger than 5-6 weeks often fall asleep at the breast because the flow of milk is slow, not necessarily because they have had enough to eat. See videos at www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html

2007-11-04 15:32:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

Breast Feeding tips
http://breastfeeding.lifetips.com/

Breast Feeding.com
http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/spangler_anwers5.html

Breast Feeding Fenugreek
http://www.breastfeedingfenugreek.com/

Maybe you can find some answers at these sites.
My own Mother didn't have enough milk for me.
I had lots of milk when I breast fed my daughter.
I wish I could help, it's been too long ago and there are so many things that have improved since I breast fed 32 years ago. Enjoy the time that you have, it's such a special time.
Good Luck

2007-11-04 14:23:32 · answer #9 · answered by kayboff 7 · 1 0

Exactly. And 99% is a waaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too high a number. When our kids were born, my wife could produce enough milk but both our kids got colic. We tried a lot of the formulas in the stores, to no avail. Finally, we followed someone's advice to seek goat's milk, as natural, and as clean, as possible. We did. Instantly colic disappeared completely, and both our kids gained weight easily and were, and are, very healthy. I swear, our son, now 23, and an Army veteran of two tours of Operation Iraqi Freedom, HAD to be the single biggest cause for our successes over there. He's waayyyyyyyyyyy too healthy for an opposing army, and our daughter, now 22, is doing just great in her young adult life. Don't worry about not producing enough milk. Just find you some natural goat's milk from someone who keeps their goats very clean. Your baby's going to do just fine. I promise you. God Bless you.

2007-11-04 14:21:25 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 1 1

fedest.com, questions and answers