Russian mom not producing enough milk

To tell more specifically about my (or my baby) problem I should state, that the son is sucking greedily, but finally he is getting angry, spitting out the nipple and trying to stick once again. However, I feel, that the breast is empty (or about to be empty) and he can not suck some more.

I am trying to start again and the same story repeat. After such agony I have to give him a bottle with my milk (which I decant every time after nursing) and he drink some more, but during last days he does not look satisfied even after this procedure. I am about to think, that he does not like bottle. On the average, a baby of his age should get about 100 g during one nursing as I was explained by pediatrician. I feed him 7-8 times a day (without night break) and he gets about 80 g (sometimes more, sometimes less), where only about 40-50 g from both breasts and the balance from the bottle.

That is why I have decided, that he is not getting enough from the breast. Hence, if I would have more, he would be satisfied with nursing without any bottles with the breastfeeding only.

I am desperately trying to increase lactation by all possible and impossible means (drinking a lot - I feel like aquarium, having a hot shower before nursing, eating beer yeast etc.), but so far can not say, that I got any positive result.






Dear Svetlana,

I am one of the Lactation Consultants who answers questions for Breastfeeding.com. I can understand your frustration right now because I had a similar problem with my 2nd baby. Most women who have a low milk supply can build it up pretty quickly with a little knowledge.

First of all, the most important thing for building up and maintaining a good milk supply is frequent emptying of the breasts. That means you should be nursing your baby every 2-3 hours during the daytime and at least once during the night. Count the time from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. (Nursing every 2 hours while you are awake for 2-3 days can really help!)

You say you are feeding him 7-8 times a day. The average newborn breastfed baby eats 8-14 times per day. Increasing your frequency during the daytime should help you tremendously. That way your baby would be taking most of his food while you are awake. It would also help if you could do without the bottles. Feed your baby whenever he wants, even if that's every hour. After 2-3 days, your supply should be increased. As long as you stay on this frequent schedule, you should continue to see increases in your supply.

Certainly, you want to keep monitoring Nikita's wet diapers and stools. That is the best way of all to know that he is getting enough to eat. 6-8 soaking wet diapers per day should be a minimum, and there should be multiple stools. It is not uncommon for a baby to have a stool after each feeding. This tells you that he is getting plenty to eat. If you are seeing less than this, then you may need to supplement a little for a while until your supply is built up. Drinking a lot will not necessarily help your milk supply.

We lactation consultants wish it were that easy--but, if it were, then you wouldn't need us! Drinking a lot more than you are thirsty for can actually be detrimental to your milk supply, so drink only to thirst. Drinking a lot only increases your urine output, not breastmilk. If you are not sure how much to drink, get something to drink whenever you sit down to nurse and also with meals. That should work out well. Be sure you are getting enough rest. Take a nap when your baby does--at least while you are trying to build up your supply. Rest is very beneficial. Anything that causes you stress can affect your supply, so anything you can do to reduce stress will help. That is why sleep is so important--probably second after frequent feeding.

One last thing--there is an herb called fenugreek which can help most women to build up their milk supply. It is available in capsule form and is very safe if you take the recommend dose, which is 2-3 capsules with each meal (6-9 per day). This usually works within several days also, so a good plan would be to get some fenugreek, pick up on your nursing frequency, and try to get a little more rest. You should start seeing your supply go up soon!

Good luck to you and little Nikita--

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL





 

Important Disclaimer

This Breastfeeding.com service is designed to help visitors obtain advice and guidance. You are solely responsible for the outcome of any services and/or advice you are given.   Breastfeeding.com is not responsible for any services and/or advice given by the consultants, and shall not be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced. Your participation in this service is solely at your own risk