How can I boost my milk production?

Question

I have an almost 3 weeks old daughter whom I am breastfeeding. I don't feel like my milk production is that great. She's definately getting enough to keep her full and growing, she's gained 1/2 a lb in one week! However I am planning on returning to work in Jan and wish to continue keeping he ron breast milk but when I try and pump I get hardly anyting and it winds up leaving me close to empty so if the baby gets hungry after I've pumped I don't have enough and have to turn right around and give her what I had just pumped out.... Is there anyway to boost my milk production up?

Answer 1

In theory the more you feed (or express) the more you will produce. You should be drinking lots of fluids and avoiding coffee and tea because they have a diuretic effect.
In actually I wish you luck as it is something I never managed to keep up with for very long, I started out breastfeeding with all of mine but after a few weeks we started having trouble with quantity and babies that were forever hungry - I just couldn't do it - some people can't. Don't worry about it too much ( as that can have an adverse effect as well ) but if you fail at least you have fed for the first few weeks which the doctors told me was the most important time.

Answer 2

3 weeks is a big growth spurt time where it seems like you nurse and nurse and don't have as much. It's also the time where your engorgement and crazy-oversupply you have in the beginning is tapering off. Those two things--'right-sizing' of your supply and a growth spurt, can make you doubt your milk production. The best thing to make your supply match your baby is to nurse her when she wants and for as long as she wants. It really is that simple.

I would NOT be using the pump quite yet. Give yourself a break and hang up the horns for a week or two.

After the baby is 4 weeks, I tandem pump, meaning I pump one side while the baby nurses from the other, I choose the first feed of the day. You will let down a great deal and you can put it right into the freezer.

I highly recommend that you read a little more on nursing, especially nursing and working. Check out The Nursing Mother's Companion guide, The Ultimate Book on Breastfeeding, or So That's what they're for.

Answer 3

If she's growing, she's getting enough milk! Pumping is NOT a good indicator of how much you are producing, particularly in the early weeks. Growth and wet diapers are. Just keep nursing, as often as your baby wants to nurse, and for as long as she wants. Your body will make what she needs. I wouldn't worry too much about pumping until shortly before you're ready to return to work.

Answer 4

Have you tried pumping while you are feeding her? I used to do this by sitting in our kingsize bed. I'd get my daughter propped in the football hold with the help of pillows. Then, I'd pump the other breast. Next feeding, switch. (Be sure to switch or you'll end up lopsided!) Also, when you are simply pumping, be close to your baby. Sit right next to her. Touch her. Smell her. If she cries a little bit, it helps even more. When you go back to work and pump there, take a picture of her and a blanket of clothing item that smells like her. Seems silly, but it works. Maybe even take a recording of her cooing or crying. Pump at all the times you would feed her if you were home...don't skimp.

Answer 5

the more you pump the more you produce when i breastfeed i was feeding every 2 hours but pumping every 2 hours in between, i then ended up with load stored in the fridge and freeze but there is herbs and other stuff that can help increase your supply, talk to your doctor or breastfeeding consultant for more advice

good luck

Answer 6

please listen to me on this. with my first born daughter i was sooo concerned that she wasn't getting enough, so i tried all sorts of things. but, i swear this is true so, unless your doc says otherwise heed my advice from one mommy to another.... your baby will eat what she needs. it may not seem like much, but, it will be. always let her eat until she's done, and as often as she wants. don't schedule feedings like everyone says. your baby is unique and she only knows when she wants to eat. sometimes it may be a meal and sometimes just a snack. but as long as you only nurse, you willl always have enough for her, unless you dry up. if you truly are worried then the best thing to take is milk thistle.