Breast Milk Going Low

are you drinking a lot of water and resting too? is she crying after you feed her? how do you know its low I guess I am asking... pumping is no indication as a baby can get way more out of ya than a pump can!! I wouldnt worry unless she seems hungry. But remember to stay hydrated :)

You have already received some excellent information... I just want to point out the facts of the breast that many people do not know.

Breasts are glands, not bladders: that means they produce milk continuously (there is not such thing as an empty breast) and in response to hormone fluctuations and physical stimuli. This means that the more often you nurse, the more milk you will make. Just like saliva: the more often you eat, the more saliva you produce. Has anyone suggested pumping saliva if you eat more frequently than usual 'to make sure you have enough'? I haven't.

The texture, density and sensations in your breasts are also not indicative of the amount of milk you are making. There are several cases of breastmilk known to be present after death... it's part of your blood supply and you'll 'run out' of both at the same time if you bleed to death, but otherwise you won't 'run out' of milk anymore than you 'run out' of urine.

If your baby is needing to nurse more frequently, it may have a lot or nothing at all to do with her current growth, hunger or dental pain. Teething increases desire to nurse for lots of kids, because the suction pulls their gums away from their nasty sharp teeth, giving considerable relief. She may be anxious about changes in her routine or live, or just growing faster than she had been.

If you don't know her exact calorie needs, you certainly can't determine when she's 'had enough' anymore than anyone weighing you and looking at you can tell when you're hungry or full.

Oh, and suction alone is not how babies get milk out of breasts, which is why many women find suction a poor method of expressing milk. It is actually the jaw action of the baby, not the suction, that makes the let down occur.

ask your doc for reglin it might help and drink lot of water

A.,
I have 4 with 1 one the way (every woman is different and every child is different)
1. Oldest 6-nursed for 6 months (I think) but I pumped alot and I think that effected my production (made it dry up quicker)
2. Next 4-was just to greedy and I was to tried to keep up
3. Nursed until he was 2 years old and disliked every day past one year.
4. Nursing now child is one still nursing and praying for milk product to dry up
The more I relaxed about nursing the better it went (I always felt like I didn't have enough but you just have to trust that it is enough...especially when they have the diapers to prove it)
R.

It`s GOOD that your baby hates formula, breast milk is best for babies. Dear, try Healthy Nursing Tea by secrets of tea.Organic solution boosts your quality and amount of breast milk quickly.GOOD LUCK!

I agree that pumping is not an indicater or how much milk you are producing. If you are exclusivly BFing your body will balance out and your breasts may not "feel" full, but baby can get all of the milk she needs.
Keep track of wet diapers and weather or not she seems satisfied after feeding.
Ways to increase supply...Nurse alot and stay hydrated. You can also eat slow cooked oatmeal.
Good luck and keep up the good work!!
Blessings, K.

Not sure by your question why you think your milk is "going low"...
You adjust to your babys needs so you won't feel as full as you do at other times (mid growth spurt)... Have you been giving her any other foods? If you have, Nurse BEFORE feeding her any to maintain your full supply. Then top her off with cereal...
Is she fussy after eating? Wetting diapers? maintaining and gaining weight/ length? Or is it that she's always wanting to eat? Around 6 months the growth spurt appitite becomes voracious... Could she be going thru a spurt?

Eating oatmeal and tapioca helps fortify your milk...
Keep using the tea!! Even if YOU don't notice a drastic difference its still working. Keep pumping and drinking enough... Sounds like your doing great!!
good luck!!!

I have tried healthy nursing tea as well and got my supply up. It's great.

Is your baby seeming hungry? Or just nursing less? Or you feel less full? I think it's normal to feel less full around 5 months. Also, the more you nurse the more you'll have a supply.. so if your little one will nurse every hour, then nurse every hour if that's what she wants.. your supply will follow.

I see you're in Troy, you might want to consider attending a La Leche League meeting. There is one in Troy next Thursday at 10am. PM me for more info... I've gotten a lot of good information and support from La Leche League.. they are one of the leaders in breastfeeding information in the world! And they always say.. whatever works for you...

My son is 17 months and still nurses about every 2 hours if I'm available.. if not, he will wait 3 1/2 hours if he's with my hubby or babysitter. I don't plan to think about weaning till he's 2 unless he loses interest which I don't see happening. The immunity benefits, weight loss (lost the weight quicker) and bonding to me are worth it.. not to mention it's cheaper.

I'm sure the taste of breastmilk is much better than formula.. maybe why your little one dislikes it.. or she may have allergies to it.

Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids yourself as this is highly important.

I have found that Reflexology and a few oils I have on hand help increase milk production. In reflexology, the breast point on the foot can be stimulated to help this occur. And you also relax more, which helps to allow 'let down' later. As it is stressful when you want to succeed in breastfeeding, as supply goes low, I know it really stressed me out!

Also, try to mix your breastmilk with formula. This can help.. First make sure it's mostly breastmilk, then slowly increase the formula. This will also be a trick to wean from the breastmilk later.

Good luck!