Does anyone know good supplements or recipes to help increase milk supply. I desperately tried to bf ds but by the 1 month mark I had to stop because i couldn't come close to making what he needed. He was eating 6 ounces by 3 weeks evey 4 hours and I just couldn't keep up. I'd like to breast feed this baby for at least a year. Any tips on increasing milk supply.
I can't remember if this topic ever had it's own thread, and I hope no one minds me starting this for selfish reasons. I would just ask the lactation consultants here but I haven't responded well to the ones I've seen so far and I reallyyyy don't feel like talking to one of them today (yesterday was... quite a day).
I am obviously exclusively pumping since John is so little. Has anyone who has pumped noticed that their supply is lower during motn pumping sessions? I'm hoping it evens out eventually, but I've definitely noticed a difference in volume and I don't want to worry too much about it if it's fairly normal.
Also, has anyone ever dealt with milk blisters? I noticed a bunch of tiny little blisters on my nipple this morning (just on the left side... weird). They don't hurt too much but they are annoying and blocking milk flow and it's hard to get rid of all of them because some of them are so small.
@lavenderlisa I took fenugreek, blessed thistle, mother’s milk tea, and ate lots of oatmeal. The combination of those things allowed me to get my supply up. @hkom I always got the most first thing in the morning, and then as the day went on I got less with each pumping session. Make sure you are eating enough, especially healthy fats and proteins and drink plenty of water. Also, I know it is liquid gold, but try rubbing a little bit of your breastmilk on the blisters. I found that that was the best cure for nipple sores.
It will get better the blisters once you have been bfding for a while.I only did oatmeal and made sure to always drink tons of fluid. For me if I cut back on calories my milk supply would drop. Pumping you def don't get the same amount out as feeding directly although im sure with John it will be a while since he is so tiny he has to learn the sucking motion which takes some time. When I noticed my supply was dropping I added one extra pumping session in a day. Even if I got nothing the first day eventually your body thinks it needs more and will produce. I just always did what I could stick to. You pump you have to keep up with the session to then relieve your boobs.
Married: 5/09 ~ TTC Since: 10/10 ~ PCOS ~ Progesterone from 10/10 - 2/11 ~ HSG on 3/18 - Clear ~ Started Metformin 1000mg & Clomid 50mg 2/11 ~ Metformin upped to 1500mg 4/6 ~ 6/7 Now going to SG and put on Clomid, Ovidrel, Gonal F, Prometrium, Estrace ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP!!!!!! March 6th our little man was born.
6/17/13 - Ovidrel, Follistim, Prometrium ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP! March 17th our St. Pattys day baby arrived
10/29/17 - Started process for IVF, got pregnant & miscarried a 2nd time since summer. 2/22 started stims - Menopur, Gonal F, Cetrotide - retrieval 3/6 - , PIO, estrace 3xday - FET 4/18 = Beta 1: 616; Beta 2: 1342 = BFP
@hkom I pretty much exclusively pumped after the initial period (because I had low supply and we had to know exactly how much DD was getting) and I always had my lowest output in the middle of the night. Supplement wise, I tried fenugreek, oatmeal and lactation cookies. They didn't help me much, but I had medical (thyroid) issues going on that I didn't know about at the time, so they may help you! I will be trying them all again this time around. Btw, since you're probably very busy with no time to bake, Target sells pre packaged lactation cookies now. Probably Amazon does too. Good luck! ❤️
@hkom I never had them, but I know other people did. If it doesn't go away, I've heard that you can use a sterile needle to puncture it. I think people said it would spray so you might want to do it in the shower.
@lavenderlisa As for increasing supply, I've heard that some foods like oatmeal help, but I never found them helpful. Sometimes the supplements that say they increase supply can also decrease supply. Just try to eat enough food and hydrate a lot.
@hkom To echo what everyone else is saying, I recall my MOTN pump sessions being a little lower too. I feel like my morning and lunch sessions were pretty good producers. I'd say, just keep doing what you're doing and try not to stress about it too much (easier said than done, I know!). I'm so sorry the LC's at the hospital haven't been much help. If you're interested in finding a licensed LC in your area outside of the hospital, try this directory! https://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falc
@lavenderlisa I took the Gaia Lactation Support capsules, drank Mother's Milk tea and ate a lot of oatmeal in different forms (overnight oats are my jam!). I also made big batches of lactation cookies (with oatmeal, brewers yeast and wheat germ) and kept them in the freezer. I'm really not sure what helped me, if it was a combination of all the things or 1 single thing, but I feel like it helped a little. I was not an overproducer, by any means, but I was able to keep up.
@lavenderlisa I never took supplements because most milk banks (from my research) will not accept milk from mamas who are taking them. I did eat lots of oatmeal in the beginning, and of course drank tons of water like others have said. And I'm sure you know or have read it, but trying to pump more. I can't remember for how long (4-6 weeks??), but from the day she came out, I pumped every two hours (basically, after every nursing session) for 15 minutes. I probably lessened to 10 minutes after the first couple of weeks. And I always pumped both side at the same time (brain thinks: twins! need more milk!).
Obviously I'm not an LC but this is from my personal experience to share.
Earlier in the day I was able to pump more than later- I think this is pretty normal. I tried eating oatmeal, taking fenugreek (under dosed myself, but there are side effects to taking too much) and drinking beer (the hops). I don’t know if it made a bit of difference. I struggled more with ds2. I think stress level definitely makes things harder. My real advice would be to stay hydrated (like really hydrated) and eat when you are hungry. I also didn’t lose weigh while breastfeeding ... for the entire year.
@lavenderlisa I made no bake lactation cookies that had coconut oil, oats, and flax seed in them (along with other ingredients of course...). It was my way of enjoying cookies while also upping my supply lol. I took fenugreek, too. I also noticed if I didn't drink enough water that I'd produce less, so definitely make sure you're drinking plenty of water!!
What helped me was drinking a ton of water, lactation cookies (with flaxseed meal, brewer's yeast & oatmeal) and power- pumping sessions (1. Pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes 2. Pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes 3. Pump for 10 minutes) once a day in addition to regular feeding or pumping sessions.
Favorite bottles? Favorite materials (glass/silicone/plastic)? Do the special anti colic/gas bottles with million pieces (like Dr. Brown) really work better than simple ones?
@hannelorre bottles I think bottles are so individual to each baby. But definitely pay attention to the flow of the nipple and use slower flow ones at first. When I was a FTM, I had no idea this existed.
DD had reflux and vomited. A lot. So we tried all the bottles. Dr. Brown’s actually worked really well for her (way less spitting up) when she was younger. And then later, the Tommee Tippee ones worked better (5-6+ months). But I imagine different babies might love different ones.
To help with supply, try pumping for longer amounts of time and see if that makes a difference. I would usually pump for 30 minutes straight.
My son wasn't picky at all about bottles. We had a variety and he took them all. I preferred the glass dr brown because I dont really like plastic stuff.
It's also interesting that with breastmilk it's not always about quantity. My son was exclusively breastfed and never drank more than 5oz per feeding and he was always in the 90th percentile for weight and height. We never even needed those large bottles. This can be quite different than the amounts for formula or even other moms breastmilk.
@hannelorre Totally dependent on your baby, but we are Dr. Brown's devotees in our household. DD never had huge spit up issues, but she had some, and she did SO much better with Dr. Brown's bottles than any other brand (we tried a million because I had a ton of free samples.) I got over all the parts and cleaning stuff pretty quickly and it just became normal.
@hannelorre My son had to be treated by an OT for suction issues and she said that the Dr Browns bottles were the best for breastfed babies to go back and forth between breast and bottle with. They are a PITA to clean, but that season passes quickly. I used glass because I’m weird about plastic, but I’m sure either would be fine.
Sidenote: The OT also recommended the soothies pacis. Apparently, the nipples on the Dr Browns bottles and pacis are completely different.
I've never made those cookies before...but from the recipe it looks like I need them. They look delicious!
I didn't see this in the comments, so I thought I'd add...I have noticed sleep plays a factor in my output too. Getting a "normal" amount of sleep is usually out of the question during the newborn phase, plus, if you sleep too much in between feedings it'll probably lower supply, but I have noticed if supply is low and I at least try to get "more" sleep or at least naps it really helps. I think more naps lowers my stress too, which is also helpful.
In other words, I think we should all get to take lots of naps and eat cookies postpartum. I should start a new career as a lactation consultant:)!.
Re: bottles. I've been lucky our kids have never really had a preference for bottles. My husband uses them while I'm at work. I usually just have extra collection bottles from the pump and throw a nipple on them and we're fine.
@katy0990 interesting about the different nipples because DS would only take Dr. Brown's bottles & wouldn't consistently take a soothie paci or any other freebie brand we had on hand, so I bought Dr. Browns and he only took that for a paci, too. Momming is all about the flexibility I tell ya!
About supply, I ate oatmeal every day, drank lots of water and didn't diet for at least 6 weeks and had a great supply. I think it has a lot to do with stress which is so ironic because you're not getting enough sleep, you're worried about doing every little thing right with a newborn & you're in a completely new body. It's all very stressful! Do what you can to treat yourself, snag a nap whenever possible and try to stay calm.
Oh man I was hoping ya'll would tell me not to get the million piece bottles but I guess Dr. Brown is popular for a reason!! @katy0990 thanks for the info from OT. That's good to know.
Hi moms! I’m currently pregnant with our second child and due December 28th. While I have plenty of time, I am already set on trying to breastfeed. With my first child, I was unsuccessful. My supply was too low and he was not producing wet diapers. I’m hoping for some reason it’s of wisdom or advice from any mamas that have experienced this and were successful the second time around. Thanks so much ladies!
@lexidawg I'm not planning on it, but please don't let all of us who are advocating for or planning on breastfeeding sway you if that's what you want/need for your family. It's such an individual decision. And we all know that a fed baby in any way is better than one who's not. If you don't mind me asking, what are your factors for considering going straight to formula? I have a friend who is due a couple months after me and she wants to go straight to formula. I love hearing about different view points!
@ebk20 yes about differences! I exclusively pumped from 4-13 months. At maybe 5 months old (don't recall exactly) my son started drinking 8oz at a time! Other moms told me that was too much for a breastmilk baby, but I fed him 4oz at a time. He drank the first & cried for more! Told them I wasn't going to deny him! He was never over 50th percentile for weight.
@omnommer Thank you for saying that. For me.. I have a lot of anxiety around this baby and the thought of having to breastfeed gives me SOOO much more anxiety. I am really afraid that the stress of breastfeeding and being the only one responsible for feeding this baby will send me into a PPD/PPA spiral. It's my biggest fear, really. I do have guilt around it so I haven't fully decided, even though in my heart.. I know that it's right for me.
@lexidawg That's understandable! I'm not planning to go formula right away, but I already have some samples that are good until February that I am ready to use if 1) my body doesn't do what I want it to do, and/or 2) if my mental health starts suffering as a result of number one.
NTNP since Dec 2012 | TTC since Jan 2016 Dx: Unspecified IF BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
@lexidawg I got mine from a friend, otherwise I would just google "baby formula samples" and see how many companies are willing to give out freebies I'm even taking some to the hospital with me in case the staff if super militant about boobs. I refuse to let this kid go hungry if I can avoid it.
NTNP since Dec 2012 | TTC since Jan 2016 Dx: Unspecified IF BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
So much good advice! We have 2 different bottle types to try, hopefully one works for baby, but I guess that's up to her! Breastfeeding sounds like a lot of stress, but I'm crossing everything we can make it work.
@lexidawg I plan on at least trying to breastfeed, but I had a hard time with my first and I plan on going a lot easier on myself. The reason I’m going to try is that both my mom and sister said their second kid was a lot easier than their first, so I’ll give it a shot. But I will have formula on hand at home and I will formula feed or supplement if need be. I also had a lot of anxiety surrounding it and it’s just not worth driving yourself crazy over. Your health is important too! If formula is what you need to do to feel healthy, that’s what you should do. Baby will be better off formula fed with a healthy and happy mama than breastfed with an unhappy, anxious, depressed mama.
@lexidawg enfamil & similac will usually send out samples! There is also a coupon for a free pre-mixed Similac in the Target baby bag you get free for making a registry there.
@lexidawg Similac will send you tons of samples, if you register online and oftentimes, your pediatrician will have some, too. Also, good for you for considering your mental health and making the right call for your family.
@mommythlegend I am impressed you were able to produce so much! I had to pump 5-6 times each day to produce the 10 oz I needed.
@katy0990 at first I had to supplement with my freezer stash, when that ran out, I had to supplement with formula for about 6 weeks. Then I was finally able to catch my supply up to his demand with tons of water, lactation cookies, and power pumping sessions!
@lexidawg I think I'm going to at least try breastfeeding knowing that it absolutely doesnt have to be exclusive and that formula works. Fed is best and happy momma = happy baby! Good luck to you with this decision!
Re: The Feeding Thread
I am obviously exclusively pumping since John is so little. Has anyone who has pumped noticed that their supply is lower during motn pumping sessions? I'm hoping it evens out eventually, but I've definitely noticed a difference in volume and I don't want to worry too much about it if it's fairly normal.
Also, has anyone ever dealt with milk blisters? I noticed a bunch of tiny little blisters on my nipple this morning (just on the left side... weird). They don't hurt too much but they are annoying and blocking milk flow and it's hard to get rid of all of them because some of them are so small.
@hkom I always got the most first thing in the morning, and then as the day went on I got less with each pumping session. Make sure you are eating enough, especially healthy fats and proteins and drink plenty of water. Also, I know it is liquid gold, but try rubbing a little bit of your breastmilk on the blisters. I found that that was the best cure for nipple sores.
Married: 5/09 ~ TTC Since: 10/10 ~ PCOS ~ Progesterone from 10/10 - 2/11 ~ HSG on 3/18 - Clear ~ Started Metformin 1000mg & Clomid 50mg 2/11 ~ Metformin upped to 1500mg 4/6 ~ 6/7 Now going to SG and put on Clomid, Ovidrel, Gonal F, Prometrium, Estrace ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP!!!!!! March 6th our little man was born.
6/17/13 - Ovidrel, Follistim, Prometrium ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP! March 17th our St. Pattys day baby arrived
10/29/17 - Started process for IVF, got pregnant & miscarried a 2nd time since summer. 2/22 started stims - Menopur, Gonal F, Cetrotide - retrieval 3/6 - , PIO, estrace 3xday - FET 4/18 = Beta 1: 616; Beta 2: 1342 = BFP
@lavenderlisa As for increasing supply, I've heard that some foods like oatmeal help, but I never found them helpful. Sometimes the supplements that say they increase supply can also decrease supply. Just try to eat enough food and hydrate a lot.
@lavenderlisa I took the Gaia Lactation Support capsules, drank Mother's Milk tea and ate a lot of oatmeal in different forms (overnight oats are my jam!). I also made big batches of lactation cookies (with oatmeal, brewers yeast and wheat germ) and kept them in the freezer. I'm really not sure what helped me, if it was a combination of all the things or 1 single thing, but I feel like it helped a little. I was not an overproducer, by any means, but I was able to keep up.
And I'm sure you know or have read it, but trying to pump more. I can't remember for how long (4-6 weeks??), but from the day she came out, I pumped every two hours (basically, after every nursing session) for 15 minutes. I probably lessened to 10 minutes after the first couple of weeks. And I always pumped both side at the same time (brain thinks: twins! need more milk!).
Obviously I'm not an LC but this is from my personal experience to share.
DS2 due 12/12/18
What helped me was drinking a ton of water, lactation cookies (with flaxseed meal, brewer's yeast & oatmeal) and power- pumping sessions (1. Pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes 2. Pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes 3. Pump for 10 minutes) once a day in addition to regular feeding or pumping sessions.
Thanks in advance!!
DD had reflux and vomited. A lot. So we tried all the bottles. Dr. Brown’s actually worked really well for her (way less spitting up) when she was younger. And then later, the Tommee Tippee ones worked better (5-6+ months). But I imagine different babies might love different ones.
My son wasn't picky at all about bottles. We had a variety and he took them all. I preferred the glass dr brown because I dont really like plastic stuff.
It's also interesting that with breastmilk it's not always about quantity. My son was exclusively breastfed and never drank more than 5oz per feeding and he was always in the 90th percentile for weight and height. We never even needed those large bottles. This can be quite different than the amounts for formula or even other moms breastmilk.
Sidenote: The OT also recommended the soothies pacis. Apparently, the nipples on the Dr Browns bottles and pacis are completely different.
About supply, I ate oatmeal every day, drank lots of water and didn't diet for at least 6 weeks and had a great supply. I think it has a lot to do with stress which is so ironic because you're not getting enough sleep, you're worried about doing every little thing right with a newborn & you're in a completely new body. It's all very stressful! Do what you can to treat yourself, snag a nap whenever possible and try to stay calm.
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18
@ScootsMcG I would hire you as my LC
I’m currently pregnant with our second child and due December 28th. While I have plenty of time, I am already set on trying to breastfeed. With my first child, I was unsuccessful. My supply was too low and he was not producing wet diapers. I’m hoping for some reason it’s of wisdom or advice from any mamas that have experienced this and were successful the second time around. Thanks so much ladies!
we just used the regular medela bottles. We never had issues so we didn't need to figure anything else out. I think it depends on baby.
Dx: Unspecified IF
BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks
BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
Dx: Unspecified IF
BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks
BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
@mommythlegend I am impressed you were able to produce so much! I had to pump 5-6 times each day to produce the 10 oz I needed.