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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
DS is a little over a month. He is not gaining how he should. I started pumping and I noticed I don't get a lot. DS wants to eat all of the time so I know he is not being satisfied. He doesn't sleep well either.
If you had this issue did you take anything or do anything to increase your supply? I was hoping to be able to freeze some for when I go back to work but now I can't even keep up with what DS needs.
I have been looking into Mother's Milk Tea. Thoughts?
Thanks
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Posted 1/27/15 9:34 PM  |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
I used Mother's Milk Plus (not sure if there's a difference). I took Fenugreek, but didn't really like the aftertaste. Oatmeal is supposed to help, but I think it has to be the "real" oatmeal, not the yummy, flavored instant oatmeal...so I made Oatmeal cookies that had Flaxseed, and other stuff that was all supposed to help. I did see a difference with the tea and the cookies.
More than that though, what kind of pump are you using? And how long are you pumping? When I was trying to increase my supply, the lactation consultant said to continue pumping for 2 minutes past when you don't see any more milk coming out...that will stimulate the brain to produce more...as if the baby were still nursing, but not getting more milk...the body will then respond to the baby needing more. And when you're trying to establish a good supply, you really need a hospital grade pump. With all 3 of mine, I rented a pump from a Lactation Consultant for the first 1-2 months until I had a good supply established.
I'll see if I can find the recipe for those cookies; or maybe somebody else has it handy.
Good luck. I exclusively pumped with all 3, and was able to get enough for them. With DD#1, I had enough for several months stored for when I went back to work. Had to actually go buy a stand-alone freezer for it! LOL!!
ETA:
Now I'm not sure if it was Mother's Milk Plus tea, or More Milk Plus tea...not sure it matters, just check the ingredients and get the most of whichever you choose.
Here's a link to the cookies. Don't substitute the ingredients. I had trouble finding some of them, but eventually did...had to check the organic section of supermarket, and I think one of them I only found at Whole Foods. I do think they helped...the brewer's yeast is supposed to be really good.
Lactation Cookies
Message edited 1/28/2015 1:58:54 AM.
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| Posted 1/28/15 1:27 AM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
How much is he gaining? An ounce a day is the goal but even .5 ounce is acceptable from what my LC told me with my first who was very slow to gain at first. I did pump or take supplements with her, just kept at it and eventually she gained just fine. Constant nursing and not sleeping well at a month is totally normal. The frequent nursing is what does build your supply. If he's not satisfied just keep switching sides until he is. In another 2 weeks or so your supply should be in full swing. The pump is not a good indication of how much milk he's getting so you can't go by that. Is he having enough wet diapers? Nursing a ton, drinking lots of water, and steel cut oats would be my suggestions.
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| Posted 1/28/15 8:11 AM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7612 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by MrsT809
How much is he gaining? An ounce a day is the goal but even .5 ounce is acceptable from what my LC told me with my first who was very slow to gain at first. I did pump or take supplements with her, just kept at it and eventually she gained just fine. Constant nursing and not sleeping well at a month is totally normal. The frequent nursing is what does build your supply. If he's not satisfied just keep switching sides until he is. In another 2 weeks or so your supply should be in full swing. The pump is not a good indication of how much milk he's getting so you can't go by that. Is he having enough wet diapers? Nursing a ton, drinking lots of water, and steel cut oats would be my suggestions.
I agree with this.
Not sleeping well is completely normal at a month old. And not being able to pump a lot when you are exclusively nursing is also normal. I would maybe get .5-1 ounce when DS was that young. I found pumping right after his morning nursing session was most effective.
Have they weighed her before and after nursing - that can give you a better idea about your production.
To build up your supply, I would just have DC nurse as much as possible. At that age, my DS would nurse 14+ times a days for at least 25-45 minutes - he was literally latched to me whenever he was awake... His dr was initially concerned about his weight gain, but I stuck with it. Any time, he'd cry, I'd just have him latch on. I would then just keep switching sides until he seemed satisfied. He was big on clusterfeeding so many time it would be a 2+ hour ordeal. Now at 9 months, I am happy I stuck with it. I now am able to pump more than he drinks at daycare so I have donated 200 ounces to a woman who was unable to get her supply well established.
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| Posted 1/28/15 9:06 AM |
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LML
Twins!
Member since 10/09 1320 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
I EP so a hospital grade pump was a necessity for the first few months. If you're mostly nursing then you may not need that. I've found that making lactation cookies and drinking gatorade helped with supply. Here's the recipe that I use for cookies. I have to hide them from DH and DD though because they're delicious!
Lactation Cookies
You can buy the brewer's yeast on Amazon. Don't buy regular bread yeast at the supermarket. It's not the same thing. Here's the one that I bought.
Brewer's Yeast
Message edited 1/28/2015 10:01:58 AM.
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| Posted 1/28/15 9:47 AM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by pharmcat2000
I used Mother's Milk Plus (not sure if there's a difference). I took Fenugreek, but didn't really like the aftertaste. Oatmeal is supposed to help, but I think it has to be the "real" oatmeal, not the yummy, flavored instant oatmeal...so I made Oatmeal cookies that had Flaxseed, and other stuff that was all supposed to help. I did see a difference with the tea and the cookies.
More than that though, what kind of pump are you using? And how long are you pumping? When I was trying to increase my supply, the lactation consultant said to continue pumping for 2 minutes past when you don't see any more milk coming out...that will stimulate the brain to produce more...as if the baby were still nursing, but not getting more milk...the body will then respond to the baby needing more. And when you're trying to establish a good supply, you really need a hospital grade pump. With all 3 of mine, I rented a pump from a Lactation Consultant for the first 1-2 months until I had a good supply established.
I'll see if I can find the recipe for those cookies; or maybe somebody else has it handy.
Good luck. I exclusively pumped with all 3, and was able to get enough for them. With DD#1, I had enough for several months stored for when I went back to work. Had to actually go buy a stand-alone freezer for it! LOL!!
ETA:
Now I'm not sure if it was Mother's Milk Plus tea, or More Milk Plus tea...not sure it matters, just check the ingredients and get the most of whichever you choose.
Here's a link to the cookies. Don't substitute the ingredients. I had trouble finding some of them, but eventually did...had to check the organic section of supermarket, and I think one of them I only found at Whole Foods. I do think they helped...the brewer's yeast is supposed to be really good.
Lactation Cookies
Thanks I'll try the tea and cookies. I'm using a medella double pump. I hate it. I got different size shields to help. When DS eats from me directly it hurts bc of the pumping. I'm trying to pump twice a day but its hard to find time bc DS wants to eat on me 24/7. I get like 2 oz in 20 minutes. Thats not a lot at all. I can tell he isn't happy and isn't getting enough. Its so frustrating. At this point I doubt I will ever get anything to freeze but I want to at least satisfy him while I'm home with him the next 2 months. THANKS
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| Posted 1/28/15 3:02 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by MrsT809
How much is he gaining? An ounce a day is the goal but even .5 ounce is acceptable from what my LC told me with my first who was very slow to gain at first. I did pump or take supplements with her, just kept at it and eventually she gained just fine. Constant nursing and not sleeping well at a month is totally normal. The frequent nursing is what does build your supply. If he's not satisfied just keep switching sides until he is. In another 2 weeks or so your supply should be in full swing. The pump is not a good indication of how much milk he's getting so you can't go by that. Is he having enough wet diapers? Nursing a ton, drinking lots of water, and steel cut oats would be my suggestions.
He lost a lot in the beginning. Then he slowly gained. Then a good gain of 8oz. Then a week and a half later he only gained 3oz....not good. He is only 7 oz above his birth weight at month. So he is droppin glow on the percentile for weight chart. Ihave to go back next week for a weight check again. They want an oz gain a day with a minimum of 1/2 oz. He eats on me nonstop but I don't think I have enough to make him happy. He gets angry and is on me for over an hour. I have one lazy boob- when I pump it is so much less. I'm trying but him being upset and the not sleeping is a lot to deal with. I feel bad. Thanks.
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| Posted 1/28/15 3:06 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by MrsT809
How much is he gaining? An ounce a day is the goal but even .5 ounce is acceptable from what my LC told me with my first who was very slow to gain at first. I did pump or take supplements with her, just kept at it and eventually she gained just fine. Constant nursing and not sleeping well at a month is totally normal. The frequent nursing is what does build your supply. If he's not satisfied just keep switching sides until he is. In another 2 weeks or so your supply should be in full swing. The pump is not a good indication of how much milk he's getting so you can't go by that. Is he having enough wet diapers? Nursing a ton, drinking lots of water, and steel cut oats would be my suggestions.
I agree with this.
Not sleeping well is completely normal at a month old. And not being able to pump a lot when you are exclusively nursing is also normal. I would maybe get .5-1 ounce when DS was that young. I found pumping right after his morning nursing session was most effective.
Have they weighed her before and after nursing - that can give you a better idea about your production.
To build up your supply, I would just have DC nurse as much as possible. At that age, my DS would nurse 14+ times a days for at least 25-45 minutes - he was literally latched to me whenever he was awake... His dr was initially concerned about his weight gain, but I stuck with it. Any time, he'd cry, I'd just have him latch on. I would then just keep switching sides until he seemed satisfied. He was big on clusterfeeding so many time it would be a 2+ hour ordeal. Now at 9 months, I am happy I stuck with it. I now am able to pump more than he drinks at daycare so I have donated 200 ounces to a woman who was unable to get her supply well established.
I am going to meet with the lactation consultant again next week and try doing the weighted feeding. I feel better that you are saying he was literally latched to you whenever you were awake. That is my DS. I can't get him off me. His minimum is 30 min but can be on me for an hour and a half. If I take him off he gets mad. Thats great you are able to pump more than he can drink. I was hoping to be able to freeze but I don't think its gonna happen at this point. Thanks.
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| Posted 1/28/15 3:09 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by LML
I EP so a hospital grade pump was a necessity for the first few months. If you're mostly nursing then you may not need that. I've found that making lactation cookies and drinking gatorade helped with supply. Here's the recipe that I use for cookies. I have to hide them from DH and DD though because they're delicious!
Lactation Cookies
You can buy the brewer's yeast on Amazon. Don't buy regular bread yeast at the supermarket. It's not the same thing. Here's the one that I bought.
Brewer's Yeast
Yeah I agree the hospital grade pump doesn't make sense for me. The regular one not even turned all the way up already hurts me. Thanks for the recipe!
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| Posted 1/28/15 3:10 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by babydreams21
Posted by LML
I EP so a hospital grade pump was a necessity for the first few months. If you're mostly nursing then you may not need that. I've found that making lactation cookies and drinking gatorade helped with supply. Here's the recipe that I use for cookies. I have to hide them from DH and DD though because they're delicious!
Lactation Cookies
You can buy the brewer's yeast on Amazon. Don't buy regular bread yeast at the supermarket. It's not the same thing. Here's the one that I bought.
Brewer's Yeast
Yeah I agree the hospital grade pump doesn't make sense for me. The regular one not even turned all the way up already hurts me. Thanks for the recipe!
If it's hurting you have it too high. A higher level of suction doesn't mean you're going to get more milk out. It will probably get you less if you're uncomfortable. Also, two ounces between feedings isn't bad at all. I know it's hard when it feels like all you do is nurse but the good thing about it is the more he nurses, the more your supply will increase. It just takes time and patience. I would maybe take a few days off from the pump to let yourself heal and then be sure to use it at a lower suction in the future. Just take it one day at a time and keep it up. It can definitely take time for everything to start coming together with nursing but you can get there! My first didn't get back to birth weight until about 3 weeks old. She nurses all the time, was up many times at night, etc but we went on to ebf for over a year. Also, an LC can be a lifesaver! Definitely see if you can get in to one for another opinion.
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| Posted 1/28/15 4:13 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by babydreams21
Posted by LML
I EP so a hospital grade pump was a necessity for the first few months. If you're mostly nursing then you may not need that. I've found that making lactation cookies and drinking gatorade helped with supply. Here's the recipe that I use for cookies. I have to hide them from DH and DD though because they're delicious!
Lactation Cookies
You can buy the brewer's yeast on Amazon. Don't buy regular bread yeast at the supermarket. It's not the same thing. Here's the one that I bought.
Brewer's Yeast
Yeah I agree the hospital grade pump doesn't make sense for me. The regular one not even turned all the way up already hurts me. Thanks for the recipe!
If it's hurting you have it too high. A higher level of suction doesn't mean you're going to get more milk out. It will probably get you less if you're uncomfortable. Also, two ounces between feedings isn't bad at all. I know it's hard when it feels like all you do is nurse but the good thing about it is the more he nurses, the more your supply will increase. It just takes time and patience. I would maybe take a few days off from the pump to let yourself heal and then be sure to use it at a lower suction in the future. Just take it one day at a time and keep it up. It can definitely take time for everything to start coming together with nursing but you can get there! My first didn't get back to birth weight until about 3 weeks old. She nurses all the time, was up many times at night, etc but we went on to ebf for over a year. Also, an LC can be a lifesaver! Definitely see if you can get in to one for another opinion.
I have it like in the middle. I mean even the lowest hurts. Its not torture but then when DS eats on me after it hurts. I'm going to meet with the lactation consultant again next week and see whats going on. I just want DS to be happy and he isn't so its hard. Thanks for the advice.
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| Posted 1/28/15 4:27 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7179 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
If you're EBF and with your DC 24/7 then anything you pump right now is "extra", so it's perfectly normal that it's not a lot.
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| Posted 1/28/15 5:35 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7612 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
I'd just skip the pump at this time. I only really pumped in the beginning if I needed someone to give him a bottle or if he slept for a longer stretch at night and my boobs were very full.
Like I said DS was always latched to me until 6-8 weeks. I always wondered if he was getting enough. He didn't get back to his birth weight until 2-3 weeks. Luckily, his pediatrician was very supportive and just kept constant tabs on his growth to make sure he wasn't falling behind too much.
Good luck - I promise it gets less demanding.
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| Posted 1/28/15 6:53 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7612 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by Katareen
If you're EBF and with your DC 24/7 then anything you pump right now is "extra", so it's perfectly normal that it's not a lot.
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| Posted 1/28/15 6:54 PM |
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Jbon630
LIF Adult
Member since 12/11 1340 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
If you're EBF and with your DC 24/7 then anything you pump right now is "extra", so it's perfectly normal that it's not a lot.
ITA. A baby is much more efficient than a pump. And this age, it's normal for them to nurse constantly. It will get better. Your supply is fine! Nurse nurse nurse is the best course of action.
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| Posted 1/28/15 8:23 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
I tried almost every galactagogue and nothing helped unfortunately. Some just have a low supply.
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| Posted 1/28/15 9:24 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by Jbon630
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
If you're EBF and with your DC 24/7 then anything you pump right now is "extra", so it's perfectly normal that it's not a lot.
ITA. A baby is much more efficient than a pump. And this age, it's normal for them to nurse constantly. It will get better. Your supply is fine! Nurse nurse nurse is the best course of action.
Yup nurse, nurse, nurse is all I do! I think I have a low supply because DS gets angry and I never have that full feeling people describe. Thanks!
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| Posted 1/29/15 1:47 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7612 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by babydreams21
Posted by Jbon630
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
If you're EBF and with your DC 24/7 then anything you pump right now is "extra", so it's perfectly normal that it's not a lot.
ITA. A baby is much more efficient than a pump. And this age, it's normal for them to nurse constantly. It will get better. Your supply is fine! Nurse nurse nurse is the best course of action.
Yup nurse, nurse, nurse is all I do! I think I have a low supply because DS gets angry and I never have that full feeling people describe. Thanks!
The only time I have ever felt full was when DS first started STTN and the one time I forgot a piece of my pump and had to hand express at work.
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| Posted 1/29/15 2:12 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7179 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Does he seem more content after morning feedings? Sometimes babies seem angry during the evening feeds because your milk supply is naturally lower that time of day.
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| Posted 1/29/15 2:24 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by ElizaRags35
I tried almost every galactagogue and nothing helped unfortunately. Some just have a low supply.
Yeah I know. There are people who have less so I should be happy I have something but its frustrating. All I can do is try.
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| Posted 1/29/15 9:18 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Posted by Katareen
Does he seem more content after morning feedings? Sometimes babies seem angry during the evening feeds because your milk supply is naturally lower that time of day.
Not really. Its random when he gets upset. He can literally eat from me for an hour and a half. Hopefully my supple increases soon.
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| Posted 1/29/15 9:19 PM |
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Denise
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/09 572 total posts
Name:
Denise
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Have you had him checked for a tongue/lip tie? Sometimes when nursing hurts it can be due to ties. They also contribute to inefficient removal of milk, which in turn decreases milk supply. That is why there will be weigt gain at the beginning, and it will slowly taper off.
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| Posted 1/29/15 9:50 PM |
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Denise
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/09 572 total posts
Name:
Denise
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Also keep drinking water and look into fennugreek, and the lactation teas. I liked Earth Baby Angel Mama and Gaia lactation support teas. If you need the name of a great lactation specialist FM me!
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| Posted 1/29/15 9:52 PM |
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Leb
LIF Adult
Member since 12/09 4166 total posts
Name:
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
You have to drink tons of water. And even when you feel you drank enough drunk more! Mothers milk tea helped me. I used traditional medicine. It's sort of licorice tasting, not bad at all. Once my cousin made oatmeal cookies and I had so much more milk after eating them, completely unintentional too.
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| Posted 1/29/15 9:56 PM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Any supplements/ways to increase breast milk supply?
Organic Mothers Milk Tea. It doesn't taste bad either.
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| Posted 1/29/15 10:41 PM |
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