Ask The Lactation Consultant
Q "Anything I can do to get my milk supply up now that my baby is 10 1/2 months old and usually nursing just in the morning and at night... I was pumping at work, but my supply was steadily declining - now I can't nurse her during the day on weekends because there's just not anything there "
A Breast milk supply usually is related to supply and demand. For example: if the baby nurses a lot (demand) then your body should produce more milk (supply). Similarly with pumping. You may be able to increase your supply by resuming the pumping at work and nursing more often.
Some other suggestions:
*Massage your breast prior to nursing or pumping
*Apply a warm cloth prior to nursing or pumping
*If is not contraindicated for your diet (ie. diabetic, high bood pressure), drink about three cups of Gatorade each day
*Take prenatal vitamens
*Make sure you are getting plenty of rest
*Since most moms have more milk in the AM, try to nurse or pump more in the morning
*If you choose to resume pumping try the 5-5-5-5 principle. Pump 5 minutes, stop for five minutes, pump 5 minutes, etc. for 4 cycles. Some moms report that they can pump more milk by trying this method
*Some mothers have sucess by taking the herb Fenugreek.... talk to the people at a reputable herb store for instrucions since it comes in several forms and ask for information:including side effects.
*Talk with a local certified Lactation Consultant. She may be able to pick up on something that I may not be able to without knowing you history. She may also suggest that you try the medication Reglan, which has been known to increase the milk supply. It is not a good idea to take Reglan if you have a history of depression or high blood pressure.
* Hang in there... a teaspoon of breastmilk a day is better than no breastmilk. Some mothers think that if the baby is not getting large quantities of breastmilk each day that is not worth continuing to breastfeed. But that isn't true.
What a wonderful job you have done to continue nursing for 10 months. You certainly have a lucky baby.
About The Author:
Gail
is a mother of three breastfed boys.
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