thread: How to boost milk supply

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Foothills of the Blue Mountains, West Sydney, NSW
    421

    How to boost milk supply

    I have recently recovered from a bite on one side but I had to stop feeding from it for 24 hours at a time and after 2 weeks it has really lost a LOT of it's supply. I have been feeding on it frequently over the last few days but doesn't seem to help and both my boobs seem low now and I have a very cranky unsettled baby who seems to be hungry then rejecting etc etc I just don't feel like he's been getting enough and he doesn't like much other liquids so I am hoping someone can give any advice on things I can take or what I can do to get my supply back fast?!?


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  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    Feeding is the best way to boost supply, but bit tricky is bub is not so keen. Can you express after feeds for a couple of days?

    Some people have some success with boosting supply with lactation cookies. https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...supply-116517/

    When i went looking for the lactation cookie thread, i found this one too https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...duction-20776/
    Last edited by HotI; October 1st, 2011 at 11:04 PM. : ETA links

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Foothills of the Blue Mountains, West Sydney, NSW
    421

    Thanks so much for the links! I am soo going to try those lactation cookies... Hopefully after the baby expo tomorrow.

    Thanks again - I really hope they work! *fingers crossed*


    Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Mar 2011
    Brisbane's Southside
    988

    I just wanted to wish you luck increasing your supply - I struggled with this on and off throughout while breastfeeding. I just wanted to add to make sure you drink a WHOLE BUNCH of water - this will really help your body in making the milk when there is extra stimulation (either more feeding or express).

    Good luck!!!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Foothills of the Blue Mountains, West Sydney, NSW
    421

    Thanks for your good wishes ash. This is actually really difficult and not the norm for me as in the first few months I had massive oversupply (my letdown would squirt half way across a room LOL) so this is a real challenge as bub has even lost a little weight in the last 2 weeks which I'm thinking this could be the reason (he has always been chubby though). Definitely going to up the amount of water I drink - thanks


    Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else

  6. #6
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Warrnambool Vic
    1,476

    Hi,
    It seems to me that your recent problem with the biting has co-incided with a new developmental stage. he sounds like a normal 10mnth ld - finding it hard to sit still and do anything - like eat- when there is so much going on. If he is thirsty, give him water. if he is hungry, give him food. If he is thirsty he will drink water or breastmilk - he knows how the system works. Trying to make him breastfeed will only cause frustration. Offer, always, but set your body language to neutral - don't take it personally if he refused. Your milk won't *dry up* or any of those things people scare you about.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Foothills of the Blue Mountains, West Sydney, NSW
    421

    He hates water! I practically feel like I have to force feed him it at times because I am so worried he's not getting enough hydration (yes I have diluted juice etc to make it taste better too but not much luck). My question is... Is breasmilk hydrating enough to replace most other liquids or does he still need lots of water etc on top of it (he has always fed every 1.5 - 2 hours)

    Thanks!


    Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else!

  8. #8
    BellyBelly Member

    May 2008
    1,110

    There's a lot of water in most foods too.
    Have you a cup rather than a bottle - even a "normal" one either outside or in the bath!

    Keep an eye on his nappies - if he starts to have dark smelly wee, or significant difficulty pooing then take more action.
    You could also try feeding either: 1) with a definite distraction (if he can see a book or the telly will he feed better?) or 2) with no distractions at all.
    good luck

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Foothills of the Blue Mountains, West Sydney, NSW
    421

    Thanks kmn. Yeah he's never used a bottle and i have tried sippy cups, straw cups, normal cups, spoons LOL you name it! Hmm I have one stubborn little bubba hehe. He does struggle with hard poops but has really good wet nappies usually. Hmm he seems to be trying to feed lots at the moment to up the supply but hopefully when I try the cookies and fenugreek it will happen much quicker for the poor little guy


    Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else!

  10. #10
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Warrnambool Vic
    1,476

    Danni,
    Most breastfeeding mums would be freaking out if their baby breastfed every one and a half hours. We know it's normal for babies that age to feed that often, but equally normal for them to feed only once or twice or three times per day. No well baby will dehydrate himself in the presence of water or breastmilk. I know you have had a very stressful time. But try to relax. From what you are saying he is getting everything he needs.