I had my baby 4 days ago, and I know it takes some time for the breast milk to come down, but what are some things that I can drink or eat to help me produce more milk right now? I hate feeding my baby formula, but I just can't feed her enough :( Help please!
2011-12-10T08:49:37Z
Um why is it "ew" to breast feed my daughter? That's how nature intended it and its healthier. It helps her stay healthy and helps prevent breast cancer. And she is the happiest newborn I have ever seen. People that think breast feeding is gross are completely stupid and immature.
2011-12-10T08:51:23Z
I know that she's getting fed, but after I feed her for about 20 minutes on each side, I can tell that she's not getting anything anything else out of me, so I stop, but she's still hungry. Thank you for the help!
Linda R2011-12-10T09:59:59Z
Favorite Answer
It could take up to 7-days or more. Just continue to nurse because your baby will still receive what she needs. Most of all, do NOT pump - your baby is the only pump you need.
You can't tell she isn't getting anything out - you can't. Colostrum is thick. She won't act like she will when you actually have letdown - she will be a lot slower likely in drinking colostrum. IF YOU SUPPLEMENT - you delay your own milk coming in. You do. You can't do that & then wonder why your milk is taking so long. The more you stimulate the faster it will arrive.
*********When your baby is breastfed early and often, your breasts will begin producing mature milk around the third or fourth day after birth. Your milk will then increase in volume and will generally begin to appear thinner and whiter (more opaque) in color. In those first few days it is extremely important to breastfeed your newborn at least 8-12 times each 24 hours, and more often is even better. This allows your baby to get all the benefits of the colostrum and also stimulates production of a plentiful supply of mature milk. Frequent breastfeeding also helps prevent engorgement.***********
To better help you understand colostrum read this: http://www.llli.org/faq/colostrum.html That link is also where I took that quote from. It will also show you the size of your baby's tummy so you better understand how little she really needs right now.
Just nurse & hang in there. With my 1st it took a week before I got my milk & he doubled his birth weight by 8 weeks - so clearly it didn't hurt him at all.
Colostrum is the first milk that comes in; it washes out the meconium in the gut, gives lots of immunities to the baby and is watery and sweet to get the baby drinking it. Your milk will come in when she is about a week old. Do not rush it!
Go to a LLLI meeting to meet with other women who have successfully breastfed her baby.
If you are changing 6-8 wet diapers a day, she is getting enough.
Breastfeed 20" each side every two hours. Sit down, put your feet up and let the baby breastfeed. Rest. You need it and the baby needs it.
How do you know he isn't satisfied? First, make sure you stay hydrated, drinking lots of water can help tremendously. Don't supplement with formula, that will work against you. If you're still having issues you can try taking Fenugreek. It's an herbal supplement that can be purchased in natural foods stores. Whenever I've needed a boost I've been taking five pills three times a day. Good luck!
Stop supplementing. The less milk you remove from the breast the less you make. Feed her 10-12 times a day, pump after if you can and let her suckle for comfort.
How do you know she's not getting enough? When she only takes breastmilk you should hear the cah as she swallows, she should be wetting 6 or more times a day and gaining 5-8 oz per week.