Breastfeeding

Lexi and I are doing fairly well breastfeeding, but I still have to pump and give her a bottle when my boobs can't keep up with her. She is already taking 4oz at some feedings!!! She gained a lb. in 1 week!!!

Anyone have any tips to really boost my supply?

Did your doctor tell you to supplement with Vitamin D? I forgot to ask the Dr. at her checkup if I should.

Heather

I've always had to supplement with formula - i never produced enough on my own...i've used Enfamil with Iron for all 3 kids - Enfamil Lipil with Iron for DD and this one. Pumping wasn't an option for me - I would only be able to pump out maybe .5 oz to an ounce after not feeding for 3 hours (or longer), so I gave up on the pump and luckily my kids never had any problems having breastmilk and then formula.

Luc's pediatrician said that during the winter months I should supplement him with vitamin D...She recomended Tri-Vi-Sol...You can get it at any pharmacy...She said during the summer months it's not as necessary since we'll be outside more...I was doing well pumping but the last 2 times I've tried I've not gotten more than 2oz out of the 2 sides combined...I know there's Reglan which is prescription and increases milk supply(but can worsen depression symptoms).Or there's an herb called Fenugreek...You can take that as a pill or drink it in tea form...Apparently when your urine smells like maple syrup you are taking enough...LOL...I can't take it with the blood thinners but will take it after that...Hope that helps...

Shannon

I took the prescription Reglan...it really is supposed to work wonders but when you have no milk to come in...it doesn't work so well...I have heard of the herb shannon mentioned and there is also some tea...I forget what it is called though.

I took fenugreek, it works, not wonders but definately a difference. And yeah, YOU will smell like maple syrup, not just your urine Everyone always commented about smelling pancakes

LOL about pancakes...I'm not a fan of maple syrup...it's too sweet to me...yuck...

I was watchnig the news and yes, I heard you are supposed to supplement with vitamin D, cuz kids aren't getting enough. All I can say to boost your milk is to take very warm showers before feedings, with your breasts facing the shower head. I was told to pump for 10 minutes on each breast before feedings to get my milk going. Don't wear any tight bras (go braless i guess if you have to), and if you do pump between feedings or anything, make sure you are looking at your LO, it is supposed to boost your milk supply. Other than that, though, I can't tell you what to do. Those are the things my Lactation consultant told me to do and I still couldn't get him to latch, then my milk dried up. sooo... maybe PP have good advice!

I don't have great suppy either. I'm supplimenting some and not trying to stress about it. I used the tea last time and I'm not really sure if it helped much or not. I feel like I have better supply this time since he is actually nursing but I don't think I'll be able to keep up when he gets bigger. I seem to only get about 2-3 oz combined when pumping after 3 hours or so. When he actually nurses I don't really pump at all because I only can get about 1oz and it's just not worth cleaning all that stuff for one oz.

The LC at the hospital just told me agian about the massaging and thinking about LO to try to get a better let down before pumping.

When I was in the hospital Nate was breastfeeding like a champ. Then he was diagnosed with jaundice 2 days after being born. They wanted me to supplement with formula after every feeding - so I did. Well once he realized he could get food faster and with less work he wanted nothing to do with the boobs. It broke my heart. So he would latch, suckle maybe twice, spit out the boob and scream. So I have been pumping like mad. I only get one oz in most times. I started drinking the mothers milk tea today and am hoping it works. I have come to grips with him not liking the boob but I still want him to have the breast milk if possible. That and my DH is all about the BF-ing. I am about to go and make myself another cup o tea. I do get tired of pumping. 20 minutes every few hours is just draining... LOL Literally.