Need help with breastfeeding..running out of milk!?

Like a lot of people have said drink lots and lots of water. I know some days you can just get by and it makes you worry. Make sure you have a healthy diet. The foods you eat can also take an affect on your milk supply. Honesly I'm not trying to be rude, but every 2 hours is way to frequent for your son to eat. I have a 4 month old girl I nurse every 4 hours and sometimes I still feel like I'm constantly feeding her. So, I could only imagine how you feel. Has your pediatrician not said anything to you about feeding him every 3 hours. Have you tried asking about solids. Such as starting off with cereal. Sometimes at that age breastmilk alone just isn't enough. Try Mother of Milk Tea. My best friend had twins, she nursed, and it helped her out a lot. Good luck to you.

Is it only when you pump or when you brestfeed too? I have the same problem with pumping. Nursing I have plenty to go around, but pumping I just can't get much. I don't think it is good to mix breastmilk and formula. There is a brand of enfamil Lipil that is supposed to be just like breastmilk. Try renting a better type of pump from the hospital to see if that works and if it does, you can buy it. Good luck!

Don't forget that it isn't just fluids you need. You also need to eat an adequate number of calories each day.

I breastfed both of my children and I hadd to eat a lot more than I thought I would to keep my milk supply up.

If you are pumping, you need to increase the amount of times you pump to stimulate your milk supply.

You may need to try different formulas before you find one that your son likes. There are differences in taste.

My daughter and I went through something similar at 5 months and unfortunatly once we found a formula that she liked, she gave up on breastfeeding. If you can hang in a little longer you may get your supply back up.

Best Wishes!!

You got a lot of great answers to your question. Here's what I would do:

*Make sure that I had a good quality pump like a Medela

*Consult a lactation specialist

*Eat a lot of oatmeal

*Get a nursing mom's tea from your local health food store

*pump after every feeding ( a pain, but it works)

*Get plenty of water and make sure you are eating at least 1700 calories per day---dieting can affect your milk supply

*Warm compresses and a shower can help

*Make sure you are wearing a good nursing bra

*Massage your breasts

*Don't give your child formula--it will affect your production

Good for you! I am so proud of you and your attempts to breastfeed. Keep it up! Also check out www.kellymom.com or contact your local la leche league leader for assistance if a lactation consultant isn't available.

No pump will ever be as efficient as a baby at getting the milk out of your breasts. I pumped 3 times a day everyday at work and my supply also started to drop from the prolonged pumping. I took a prescription medicine called Reglan (generic - metoclopramide). It greatly increased my supply in a short time. Also when babies start on solids they stop needing quite as much milk and your body adjusts accordingly. Good luck!

I had a similar experience. Stress can take a toll on your milk production, which was the main cause of my low supply. I called my OB and she prescribed a drug for me that got my supply back up. I can't remember the name, it has been almost 3 years, but it was a miracle! You can also try the natural remedies like Fenugreek and Mothers Milk tea. I didn't really notice a difference with those, but the drug from my doctor was awesome. Good luck, I know what you are going through.

I had the same problem. I had to pump for 10 mins after I feed my son. Your body will naturally start producing more milk the more demand there is. It worked for me, it was just a pain to feed him and pump back to back!

Have you tried the Avent pump? They are awesome.

It could be mental and stress....the more stress you have the less milk you produce.

I've been told to try beer, but I don't drink....there is also some mother's tea that is said to help.

RELAX...sit back with a photo of your son and pump...it will come....it will just take longer!

GREAT JOB BREASTFEEDING! KEEP IT UP!

this is what i did my son would not take the formula, have you tasted formula??? completely different taste. is your baby eating baby food yet? it is going to be hard but you are the parent if you want to transition him to formula it is an all or nothing thing. that's how my son was it was the worst 3 days. also what kind of formula are you going to use? when we switched we ended up having to go with a hypoallergenic formula called neutramagen by enfimil that stuff is great, but its 20$ to 25$ dollars a powdered can. talk with your doctor and see what he or she says also. good luck.

There is an herbal supplement called Fenugreek ~ you can get it at a store like Whole Foods, it works you take it 2-3 times a day and you will see a difference. Good luck