What more can I do?

I feel that my milk supply has decreased lately and I really want to boost it up again. They are never getting the even semi-fullish feeling anymore. I know that they longer you feed for the more efficient your breasts become, and they only make exactly the right amount for the baby, but lately my breasts are resembling flat pancakes! :shakehead:

The main cause is probably because I recently went through an IVF cycle (unsuccessful :( ) and even though I was on a rather low drug dose, I know that they can affect milk supply. I've been doing a number of things to try to keep the supply up and now to increase it. I let DS feed as often as he wants, and try to offer extra booby feeds all throughout the day. I tend to give him a feed before a nap, then often as soon as he wakes from his nap too, and sometimes a few times in between. He's still having 3 naps most days and waking at least 3 hourly during the night for feeds, so often he's getting at least 10+ feeds per day.

I'm also taking breastfeeding vitamins, fenugreek capsules and blessed thistle capsules. I've read that raspberry leaf tea can help too, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to take it when ttc'ing due to it's effect on the uterus. I also assume that I can't take anything like motilium because it increases prolactin which can effect your cycle, and hence may effect the outcome of my next IVF cycle. Oh, and I try to drink water whenever I think of it and have extra water bottles laying around the house to remind me.

Maybe I'm already doing as much as I can, but I figure it can't hurt to ask...

Oh, also, I think DS is finding it harder to feed on the 'floppy' boobies. He latches ok, but it's like they are too squishy, hmmm, it's hard to describe. I much preferred the fuller boobies!!!

I guess feeding more is all you can probably do...
Yeah, I miss my bigger boobies... you know it's inevitable, ultimately. Hopefully the next cycle will work :goodluck:

After about 12 mths my bbs went pretty much back to exactly how they looked and felt pre-pg and pre-bfing. They were certainly still producing milk (for another three years LOL), but you wouldn't know to look!

If he is feeding he is probably getting plenty of milk. He will let you know if he's getting frustrated.

:) Hi ~Mylitta~

I know it seems like something to be worried about, but when your boobs don't get that 'full' feeling anymore, it is a wonderful sign because it means your supply is fully established and your baby and body are communicating perfectly so you're making exactly the right amount of milk for him! :clap:

I wouldn't stress about how your boobs are - I'd be looking at how your baby is. Is he happy and healthy and full of life? Is he his normal, boy-ish self? If he's fine, then your milk is fine.

Everything you've said, is the exact advice I would give to someone who is concerned about their supply. I think you are much wiser about breastfeeding than you give yourself credit for!! Perhaps the only thing you need to work on is your self-confidence, have more faith in yourself mate because you are doing an absolutely awesome job :clap::clap::clap:


I don't know much about the effect of IVF medications on milk supply but the ABA would definitely have some wisdom to pass on - 1800 MUM 2 MUM give them a call and if the counsellor you speak to isn't sure of the facts, she can definitely point you towards your local ABA group leader who will have a fact sheet about it for you.


Much love to you, I hope the next IVF cycle works for you :)

Mercellus - Lol, I'd happily put up with that full/engorged feeling if I could keep those just-given-birth boobies! ;)

Thanks for the comments girls. I guess if it hadn't been for the IVF meds, then I probably wouldn't be doubting myself and my body so much. But you girls are right, DS is still a healthy and happy baby (full of energy now that he's walking/running everywhere!), so he must be getting enough.

The confidence boost that you girls gave certainly helps!

I may suggest expressing each breast for five minutes after feeding. Do not be discouraged if you do not get much EMB but it will help increase your supply. Does DS's behaviour indicate that he is not satisfied? Monitor his weight gain so you will be able to recognise that he is gaining weight (just for peace of mind) and it sounds that you are so doing so much to ensure that your supply meets DS's needs, WELL DONE! I found successful in taking Alfafa capusles and Emu Oil capusles (anything rich in Omgea 3, 6 and 9). Hoping to try Blessed Thistle as well, I am working on increasing my supply too atm. Good luck xoxoxo

Thanks Beaver. I might try expressing after his feeds. He sometimes seems to get a little frustrated after feeding on the first side for a few minutes, then is happy once he gets to the second, fuller side. Occassionally he gets frustrated after a few minutes on the second side too. I worry at those times that he still wants more and there isn't enough left. But if I squeeze them I can still make some milk come out. I wonder if perhaps it's because he's being lazy and just prefers to suck only when the flow is still nice and fast, and once he has to work harder to just gives up like it's not worth it... I might see if I can also find some alfalfa tablets and something rich in the omegas :)