How do I know if I am producing enough milk?
vlcoley
member
Hi
My daughter is almost 8.5 months old and is still breastfed (along with being fed solids). I introduced solids at about 5.5 months old and she has done really well with all kinds of foods. Lately I have been wondering if I am still producing enough milk for her? She breast feeds about 5 times a day but acts really hungry and thirsty in between her nursing sessions. I usually let her have a sippy cup full of water while she eats her solids. If I had to guess I would say she drinks about 2-4 ounces of water a day with her meals. For the first time today I gave her the sippy cup in the afternoon when she was having some puffs for a snack and she guzzled the water like she was so thirsty (she had just nursed about 1 hour prior to that). How do I know if I am producing enough breast milk for her? Should I let her have more water if she wants it?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Re: How do I know if I am producing enough milk?
Odds are things are fine. I know when DS takes a bottle he chugs it like there's no tomorrow - drinks way more than when on the boob I am sure. I would think that as long as she's nursing happily she's getting what she needs.
You do want to limit the liquid intake to 2-3oz at most if your breastfeeding so that she doesn't filll up on water (and nurse less, and hurt your supply). I can't remember the exact figure, but if you check kellymom.com there's TONS of awesome breastfeeding information and advice.
Can you take her to the pedi or LC for a weighed feeding? That might give you some assurance, or if she isn't getting enough you'll know to supplement.
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