Whats that stuff called? Questions/suggestions????????

[BrightSparkles]

I think it starts with M and helps to increase BM supply??? I can't express off anymore that about 40ml even though I haven't fed Miss S because I haven't been with her all afternoon. Why is this? It does my head in. I full so full and hard but as much as I try I can't get anymore off??? I was hoping to be able to successfully express for when I return to work but at this rate I can't even seem to get off enough for 1 feed, let alone 5 or 6 for a whole day!

[feeb]

Motillium.

I have never managed to express much milk at all and I am currently tandem feeding.

When DS1 was slow to put on weight I tryed motilum and was on max dose for ages and it didnt help.

I tryed fenugreek it upset both out tummies.

I then took Blessed thistle and Alfala tabs and was taking them up until I fell preg with DS2.

When you are expressing have you tryed warm face washer in breast, looking at DD or a pic of DD or talking about her???

[Janie]

Darl, if you're full and hard the problem is not your supply, but releasing the milk. Expressing is a bit of an art form, and can take a bit of practice. Some mums (or boobs ) never quite get 'the hang of it'. Has anyone explained the let down reflex to you?

[BrightSparkles]

Darl, if you're full and hard the problem is not your supply, but releasing the milk. Expressing is a bit of an art form, and can take a bit of practice. Some mums (or boobs ) never quite get 'the hang of it'. Has anyone explained the let down reflex to you?

Not really explained it. I was able to sucessfully do it with Miss J but now I can't seem to do it with Miss S.

Feeb - thanks for that I'll try the warm washer.

[UntoldAngel]

I find that when I'm really full it is harder to get going.
Do you have a manual or electric pump? I have a manual and to get the let down I have to pump quite fast to start with before settling into a more rythmic pattern... Maybe that would help, and try expressing before you feel too full.
Good luck x

[Loula]

I have a breastfeeding supply smoothy. My NP told me to have it about 3 pm to help with the 'drop off' in the evenings.

1/2 cup any juice
1/2 cup yoghurt
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 banana
1/2 cup mixed berries
1 Dsp wheat germ
1Dsp flaxseed oil

I find it very yummy

[LimeSlice]

Have you got a photo of DD you can look at?

I was never very good at expressing either, but I found when I had that soft mummy glow on I would always get more.
This might be totally gross too but when I was *ahem* turned on *ahem* I would get masses lol Not sure what is with that. Perhaps something to do with being relaxed and comfortable...?

I never needed to do it much so never really bothered trying to get the knack, but I am sure there is some sort of craft to expressing, hope someone can help out!

[onthefly]

It can take a lot of practice.
Try relaxation and a few deep breaths before you start. Then think about your girls - get that warm gooey feeling in your tummy, then give it a go.
You might also get better success with a different pump?

[human bean]

I have to concentrate so hard on thinking about/looking at DD that it pretty much counteracts the relaxing that needs to happen to express. I have very little luck expressing, yet I know the milk is there! I do find if I watch her on video I get caught up watching and my let down happens much more easily.

[onthefly]

Actually, getting turned on like Lime says would probably help a lot too.

[Janie]

Aha, cos getting turned on releases oxytocin! Which is the hormone that triggers the let down. That's why some women leak like mad when they orgasm. (Should this be in AO? LOL). But you don't HAVE to get turned on to get your let down happening

The LDR (let down reflex) is a conditioned response, but sometimes, like when expressing, it needs a bit of help. There are a few things you can try, you can pick and choose what works best for you. Some mums find that concentrating on anything BUT the job they're doing can help - watching TV, reading a book or mag. Anything that distracts. Other mums can sit and happily watch the milk come out. You may find it helpful to look at a photo of your baby, or think lovely things about her. Some mums like to think of a waterfall, or something similar. You could try using a heat pack on your breast before expressing. Stroking your breast gently can be helpful. If someone could give you a shoulder massage that would be great! The idea is to try and relax .

If feeding is otherwise going well for you, it's unlikely you need anything as drastic as Motilium. Or anything at all to increase your supply! Expressing is not an indicator of how much milk you're making. As Barb says, the amount a mother expresses tells her alot about how good that mum is at expressing Wise words, and so true.

The pump you're using can impact as well.

Let me know if you want any more info

[Barb Glare]

Hi,
The thing that increases your supply? A baby.....but that doesn't start with m. As the others have said, there is nothing wrong with your supply. You just need a little practice, and get a bit savvy about expressing. Hotest tips....try when you are fuller (but not rock hard!) Get baby to feed from one breast (that will stimulate your letdown refles) then express from your other breast. It'll work! What sort of pump have you got? The same one as you used with the last baby? Seals can deteriorate between babies rendering your pump inefficient