XP: BFing and losing my mind. Help. Longish.

katieandjeffie · June 2011

XP from May 2011.

I have had supply issues from day one and I just can't figure out how to increase it. I suspect that I am not producing enough during the day. If he could, he would be on the breast from about 11 am to 4 pm each day. I end up feeding from both breasts about every hour, sometimes sooner sometimes I make it 2 hours. At night I do great, I feed him for about 40 mins and he sleeps almost 6 hours.

I take Lactation Blend (with fenugreek, fennel seed, milk thistle, red raspberry tea leaf, blessed thistle, etc.) and I haven't necessarily noticed an increase because I have been taking it since LO was 10 days old. I can't imagine what my supply would be like without taking it.

Anyway...how the hell do I get more milk! I have pumped a few times but I have no idea how long to do it, when, or how often. I am pretty sure I don't eat and drink enough during the day because I can't figure out how, I have no time.

I feel like an idiot and that this should be a no-brainer, so what are your tips for eating and drinking with a LO attached to your boob 24/7 and how to get more milk so that LO won't want to eat so often.

THANKS for listening to another long winded whine, I appreciate it.

Meaghan26 · June 2011

Is it possible that he's just soothing himself? My DD would stay latched for hours if given half the chance, early on, just to soothe herself. Also, she always takes both sides as well, that's just how some babies are.

If your DS is gaining appropriately, and having enough wet and dirty diapers per day you don't really have a supply issue.

Oatmeal has been shown to increase milk supply, either having it as porridge, or oatmeal cookies, or dry oatmeal blended up into a smoothie.

Also, pumping after he's done eating will increase your supply. It can be really exhausting though, so it takes a lot to stick it through, but it's totally doable. Plus, you'll have some milk to freeze for the future, should you choose to introduce a bottle.

Regarding food, can you pick up some meal replacement drinks, like Ensure? You could also keep a pitcher of water and a cup by your nursing spot and drink that throughout the day. Is there someone who can make up a bunch of sandwiches for you to eat through the day? Or cut up a bunch of fruits and veggies for you to snack on?

RCH151 · June 2011

Just a quick tip on how to drink more during the day...get a large plastic cup that comes with a plastic straw (I saw them at Joann Fabrics the other day). For me, straws make me drink more!

Mrs.Handy · June 2011

How do you know you have supply issues? Have you seen a LC?

Everything you are doing sounds perfectly normal. DS was always on the boob in the beginning. I thought I was doing something wrong but at his pedi appt he had a gained a lot of weight.

If you are truly worried about your supply, then I would recommend seeing a LC for a weighed feeding. They can tell exactly how much your LO is taking in at his feedings. Get a water bottle that you can carry around. I still have mine and always use it. Try to get portable snacks, granola bars, crackers, cheese. Get your DH to help out with having a nice supply of snacks for you throughout the day.

It is really rough in the beginning, but try to relax and focus on nursing. That's your only job right now. Get comfortable on the couch with a remote control, water and snacks.

ilovemygirls · June 2011

I do agree w/pp that if he's got enough wet/dirty diapers & is gaining appropriately, then you don't have a supply issue. However, I also had one baby who nursed frequently and for looonnnnnggg sessions. I tried to pump afterwards but never really got much- even with my second baby, I could never really produce enough to get "extra" to freeze. Because I was going back to work PT & I just couldn't get very much to practice bottle feeding, I did supplement with formula. It turned out great- my babies would take a bottle w/bm, formula or a mix of the two.

So first, you may or may not actually be having supply issues for your LO. But if you are needing to pump & can't get any extra to do so, that is a separate issue. My body would just never effectively pump. Even when bf'ing was well established (over 6mos old) I'd never get more than 3-4 oz out of both breasts at a single pumping session. But I did EBF when I wasn't working and did so successfully until each of my kids was a year old. Personally I had no issues w/supplementing for the reasons that I needed to- it was actually quite helpful. Good luck!

Billysbaby722 · June 2011

katieandjeffie:
XP from May 2011.
I have had supply issues from day one and I just can't figure out how to increase it. I suspect that I am not producing enough during the day. If he could, he would be on the breast from about 11 am to 4 pm each day. I end up feeding from both breasts about every hour, sometimes sooner sometimes I make it 2 hours. At night I do great, I feed him for about 40 mins and he sleeps almost 6 hours.
I take Lactation Blend (with fenugreek, fennel seed, milk thistle, red raspberry tea leaf, blessed thistle, etc.) and I haven't necessarily noticed an increase because I have been taking it since LO was 10 days old. I can't imagine what my supply would be like without taking it.
Anyway...how the hell do I get more milk! I have pumped a few times but I have no idea how long to do it, when, or how often. I am pretty sure I don't eat and drink enough during the day because I can't figure out how, I have no time.
I feel like an idiot and that this should be a no-brainer, so what are your tips for eating and drinking with a LO attached to your boob 24/7 and how to get more milk so that LO won't want to eat so often.
THANKS for listening to another long winded whine, I appreciate it.

It's a growth spurt, plus a baby who is transitioning to becoming an outside baby by clinging to Mommy for love and comfort. He just really needs you right now. In just like a week or two, this part will be all over. You're making enough milk!

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XP: BFing and losing my mind. Help. Longish.

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