Any other suggestions on increasing milk supply?

kmr8904 · August 2012

DD is almost 5 months old.

I am nursing her like crazy - every 2 hours instead of 4 or so. Pumping after feeding (I need supply for when I'm at work), drinking a ton of water, taking Fenugeek. I've done Mother's Milk Tea (*gag*). I'm eating oatmeal like 2 times a day hoping *something* will work. I've been relaxing and am under no stress really at all.

I know a lot of you guys are pros. What else can I do?

ncbelle · August 2012

What makes you think you have supply issues? It sounds like you are pumping at work - are you getting less? Have you replaced the valves and tubing on your pump? Does your DD sleep through the night?

Sorry for so many questions

kmr8904 · August 2012

I have absolutely no milk to pump.

I work 2 overnights a week (2 - 12 hour shifts). I pump twice whlie I'm at work (I cannot do anymore) - I get 6-8 oz per night...total. After my shift tonight,, my freezer supply will be gone.

DD was sleeping through the night, until about 2 weeks ago. Now she's awake to eat at like 4 am, and again at 8 am. She's eating about 18-22 oz a night while I'm at work, and I'm only pumping those 6-8 oz.

I have not replaced the valves or tubing. I've got extra of both. I'll give that a shot!

ncbelle · August 2012

I'd agree I think part of your problem is that 18 ounces is a LOT for her to be eating at night. Sounds like she's being overfed (likely because she wants to suck) vs. you not being able to pump enough. Changing pump parts can make a difference. How long are you able to pump each time? It's pretty common for women o have trouble letting down for the pump. Breast compressions might also help get more milk out.

Is this a new issue or have you just started back to work?

kmr8904 · August 2012

With my commute I'm gone from 5 pm - 8-9 am. Honestly you think that 3 - 6 oz bottles is too much in 18 hours? Please explain.

kmr8904 · August 2012

And this is a new problem. I've been back to work since she was 6 weeks old.

ncbelle · August 2012

You said 12 hours overnight originally - that's what we were going on. So it's really more like 15-16 including "dinner" and "breakfast" - in that case, the amount seems normal.

What about pumping while you drive? 6-8 oz isn't bad for 2 sessions - but 15 hours is a long time for just two sessions. If you could pump on the way there, plus 2 at work and then on the way home, you'd be a lot closer to what she's taking.

ncbelle · August 2012

If it's a new problem, I'd definitely check your pump. Has AF returned? That could also cause a temporary dip.

jlsimon56 · August 2012

MrsMuq:
theresat858:
Wait... she's eating 18-22 ounces overnight? That sounds like someone is overfeeding her from the bottle, if she is only eating twice or even three times while you are gone. BF babies average 25 ounces a day - 24 hours...max end is 30 ounces a day, so only 15oz/12 hours, particularly if she is sleeping most of the time you are gone. A bottle should be 4 ounces or so at the most.... does her care provider slow down the flow and make a bottle take 20 minutes so she gets the fullness signal?
Fenugreek, more milk plus drops or capsules (whole foods and sprouts have them), lactation cookies (omg so yummy..and I think this is what really worked for me; it's more than just the oats since I've always had oatmeal for breakfast every morning), making sure you get plenty of protein and fat in your diet and drink plenty of water.
Also replacing membranes can help if they are worn out.
I don't understand why you think this is so much for a BF infant to eat. My ped said that LO should be eating 2.5-3 oz per pound of body weight, and that FF babies tend to eat LESS because formula is more filling. Additionally, as LOs get bigger and older, they will be eating more BM. It would be one thing if it was a 2 or 3w old baby eating this, but her baby is clearly several months old.

Your pedi is wrong. What I bolded is all incorrect. Baby's weight does not factor into figuring out how much BM the baby should get. FF babies eat more (in ounces) than BF babies. As LOs get older, they take in the same amount of BM b/c its composition changes as LOs grow.

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Any other suggestions on increasing milk supply?

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