1 week old baby- how do i make more milk?

Question

my milk came in 3 days after i gave birth. she is a week old today. i have been pumping at really random hours cause i didnt know how much or how many times to do it. {latching on wasnt working for either of us and she wasnt getting enough} but i went to the dr yesterday and he told me if she is fussy to have food ready to try before i try anything else. so i came home and pumped exactly 6 ounces in one sitting. and since then, it seem like its not producing, my breasts before were very full and heaving with milk and i could pump quickly cause ther was alot of it. but this morning i had to pump while she was crying for food cause she drank all i had pumped last night and yesterday.

is there any special foods i can eat or vitamins i can take to step up my milk production real quick..i think i may have just pumped too much at one time?

N and A&#39;s Momma · Accepted Answer

First I'd talk to a lactation consultant about your baby's latch. It's going to be easier to produce more milk if your baby is getting it directly from the source. She will stimulate your breast more effectively than a pump will.

If you are going to exclusively pump then you need to do so about every 1-2 hours right now. That is about the length of time a newborn goes between feedings so you'll need to have the pump act as your daughter, so to speak. The more you demand milk the more you'll produce.

Canadian Snowgirl · Answer

You need to see a lactation consultant as soon as humanly possible.  It is highly unlikely that your baby was not getting enough.  In the first few days, as your milk supply is being established, baby may feed as much as every 1-2 hours.  The more baby eats, the more milk your body will produce.  A pump is not nearly as efficient as baby sucking.  Not pumping alot of milk is not indicative of not producing enough. It is really difficult to get a let down while pumping.  A let down is your breast's milk ejection system.  My baby is exclusively brestfed and I can very rarely pump more than half an ounce at a time, yet she is growng, gaining weight and peeing frequently enough.  She feeds about every 2 and a half hours during the day and 2-3 times during the night.
A lactation consltant can help with the latch.  

If you are determined to bottle feed, and think you need to produce more milk, there are some herbs you can try - Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek.  follow the directions on the bottle.  Also drink lots of fluids, but not too much or it can have the opposite effect.  The lactation consultant told me to "drink to thirst".  

The best way to increase your supply is to breastfeed as frequently as possible.

momsie · Answer

Stay very hydrated! Also, you need to pump as if you were actually breastfeeding her. So at least every 3 hours, for 10-15 minutes including at night.  This really is a lot of work so maybe think about talking to a lactation consultant to help with the latching. 
Breast milk is all about supply and demand, the more stimulation the more you will produce.

? · Answer

I suggest you consult a La Leche League consultant in your area.  Your breasts are not empty of milk, they never stop producing milk even while you're actively pumping or feeding.  Your best bet is going to be to get help with latching her on.  Pumping is not as efficient as your baby at getting milk out.  That said, you need to get the baby latched on and used to nursing and then your milk supply will adjust to the baby.  Even latch her on in between feedings to let her suckle because that will stimulate more milk production.  Do not let the feel of your breasts discourage you.  Your breasts may not feel full once they adjust to your baby's needs but they are still producing enough milk.  I am not sure who told you that your baby wasn't getting enough milk from your breasts, but I assure you that actually latching her on is the best way to get her the most milk.  Look for a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group in your area.  The first few weeks can be confusing and frustrating but it will even out.  Hang in there, you're doing a great job!

Anonymous · Answer

Take 3 capsules of Fenugreek several times a day.  That will help your milk supply increase.  It works fairly quickly - within a day or so.  Your ob/gyn can also prescribe something to help things along, but it's VERY expensive so if you're not very financially sound it can hurt your pockets (it did for us).  Also, pump AFTER your feedings.  Empty out both breasts as much as you can after each feeding and freeze what you get out in 4 oz containers.  Doing the Fenugreek and the pumping will help increase your supply and help the letdown.  Also, massage your breasts before you feed.  That will help the letdown.  Don't get too stressed out, because that can affect both supply and letdown.  Nurse only on breast at a time.  Have the baby empty it as much as she can and if she's still hungry, put her on the other.  The milk supply will replenish only what is taken out, so if you show your milk ducts that you empty out your breasts several times a day, they will fill up more and quicker.

Feel free to email me if you need anymore help.  I went through it all while breastfeeding!  steelpods@yahoo.com

Angelita · Answer

You can try drinking some tea called "Mother's milk."  You can find it at the herbal stores.  It helps produce more milk and its safe for your baby.  And about pumping too much, I don't think so.  I've heard that the more you pump the more you produce.  Keep in mind that not everyone can breastfeed.  In my case, my baby was preemie (34 weeks) and I never produced enough milk; I think my body wasn't ready yet.  Hopefully the tea will help you.  Good Luck

gibson.samantha23 · Answer

try pumping

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1 week old baby- how do i make more milk?

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