Supply and Demand

Question: I have been breastfeeding for 7 weeks now. WE have had some issues with Brooklyn gaining weight so we have been supplementing. They only time I can get her to have a good feeding is first thing in the morning since my milk is stored from the night, or if I skip a meal and use a bottle instead. Do you have any tips or tricks to increase milk production so she can be totally reliant on me for meals instead of me having to top her off all the time. She wants to eat every 2-3 hours still and I don't have enough time between feedings to make sure she does fill up.

Answer:

This is really a tough question. I'll say that the only time I TRULY had supply concerns was when I went back to work. I was JUST getting enough to cover some of Jude's feedings (and on other days getting more than I'd ever need). But I'm thinking your question is in reference to full time feeding, not pumping... so I'll skip it.

I'll start by saying that apparently there are certain foods that can boost your milk supply. Barbie mentioned one time that she ate a lot of oatmeal. I believe I've heard people say chicken did the trick for them. I'd also say that drinking a lot of water always helps me when I'm feeling less than full (not to mention it's just really good for you anyway!). In conclusion, eat healthy. I remember in the beginning with Jude, it was NOTHING for me to go all day without eating. I'm not sure why, but I'd just forget or something. He was eating every 2 hours or so for like 15 -20 minutes a piece and by the time that was done, I wanted to finish something around the house 'really quick' and then before I knew it he was eating again and I just stopped caring about me as much. But one particular night I was feeding Jude and (maybe I was starting to regulate a little) I just didn't feel 'full'. I got so worried. I tried to think back over the day to remember what I had eaten. I made quick mental list and it included something minimal like a pudding cup and a cupcake. Hardly a healthy diet for a nursing mother. I immediately jumped up after the feeding and ran into the kitchen to find the healthiest thing I could find. I distinctly remember it being a bunch of broccoli. I was so eager to fill myself with such nutritious food that I didn't even cook it. I chopped it up and ate it whole... like basically a whole thing of broccoli. Looking back it was so lame of me... but basically... don't forget to take care of yourself. Your diet reflects your child's diet.

I'd also say to let her stay on as long as possible. I know Jude used to fall asleep early on during feedings which was so frustrating when I wanted him nursing as long as possible for nutrition and for milk supply. If she's falling asleep mid-feeding, then tickle her chin, etc... do the tricks. The more you keep her sucking during feedings, the more aware your body will be that she needs more than you're giving her.

I'd also personally recommend not skipping feedings. Not to float my own boat, but Jude didn't get a bottle until I was preparing to go back to work and we wanted to make sure he'd take to it. I'm under the impression it's best to avoid skipping feedings until your body is in a routine.

Perhaps if you can, start pumping when you can between feedings to see if that will boost your supply a little.

But above all else, remember that any little bit she gets is better than nothing. I'm pretty sure if you stress out about it too much that will only make matters worse.

Good luck and let me know how it goes for you!