Help! I Need More breastmilk...fast

I will reiterate most of what has already been suggested: Mother's Milk Tea, oatmeal, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, pumping after nursing (even if you don't get any milk). I am making the assumption that the mother is probably not in a position to pump herself, but if she can, that would be great for baby. I would also call a lactation clinic or talk to your pediatrician to find out if there is anything you can do to "alter" your milk production to be the fatty milk that the newborn needs, since your milk does change with your (toddler) child's needs. I know of mothers that tandem nurse, but their supply defaults, if you will, to the needs of the newborn, which is probably triggered by a combination of mom's hormones and baby's needs/schedule. Since you are not producing "new mom" hormones, your doc (or LLL or a lactation clinic) may be able to give you tips on making your milk more newborn-friendly. In the meantime, of course, remember that formulas have come a long way! If nursing the newborn does not ultimately work out, just having someone as caring as you in his life will benefit him. Good luck!

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Hi K.,
Sounds like you've gotten great advice on the nursing issue, so I won't address that...I just want to say that as a long-time foster (and adoptive, through the foster system) parent, it is disappointing to read comments like "you and your family will get too attached to this baby" and "we need safe places for moms to leave their babies when they don't know what to do", etc. First of all, those safe places exist, and they are called "foster homes". Not all children are taken involuntarily by CPS; we have cared for children who have been placed with us temporarily while the moms decide "what to do" several times in the past, or moms who have had postpartum depression and know their children need to be somewhere safe while they get help. It sounds like maybe you already have an existing relationship with this teen mom, K., and that's great--that's what friendships and caring for each other are all about. How wonderful that you and your family are able to do this for her and her child! But at the risk of tooting my own horn, let's not forget about the folks who open their hearts and homes to children like this all the time! People who go through a vigorous licensing process, thorough background checks, and--here in WA, anyway--an additional 12 hours of education a year in addition to the initial 30 hours. And yes, we've all heard the occasional horror story about evil foster parents, but no one talks about the boring, normal, caring 99% of foster parents!

As for concerns that you and your family will get too attached to this child, how much worse off would this child be if you decided NOT to get attached? If you held yourself apart, didn't really bond, treated this child as "different" than the rest of your children? How messed up would this little guy be if he had no one to bond with? If he couldn't feel safe, secure, and loved? And yes, while it WILL be painful (because I've been there!) for you and your children should this child leave, whether to be with mom or dad, their families, or an adoptive home, think of how you are teaching them to care for other people! You are showing them that as humans, it is our job to help one another. You can remind them of all the blessings they enjoy that this little kiddo doesn't have. And yes, you will teach them how to be sad, and how to grieve. I don't think we can be more human than that.

I'll get off my soapbox now, and remind folks that while the number of foster kids in WA has tripled in the last 10 years, the number of foster homes has remained the same. I'm going to point out that here in Western WA, there is such a shortage of available foster homes that children are being shipped all over the state, away from safe relatives, friends, schools, and oftentimes siblings because they cannot be placed here due to not enough room. If anyone is interested in opening their homes and hearts and lives to these kids, they can respond to me and I will be happy to point them in the right direction, or check out DSHS's website about becoming a foster parent.

Thanks for listening.

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Do you have a pump? If so I would try pumping for 10 minutes each time after you feed either baby - keep pumping eventhough nothing is coming out. This should increase your milk supply in a day or two. In the meantime I would give that baby formula because he really needs to eat and get his weight up - that is the most important thing. Oh and good job helping this new mom and baby!

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AWWW! First I want to say YOU ROCK! That is an awesome and inpiring thing you are doing! You need to pretty much nurse that little one on demand, pump in between, drink like a fish (water, lol) and drink mother's milk tea, take fenugreek, cut out caffeine, and forget housework for a while. Take it right back to the basics. Food, water, and nursing. Just like a new mother estabilishing breastfeeding, that is your priority! good luck, and hugs from me!

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Go, Momma, go!!! I nursed both of my kids up until they were almost 4.
-Make sure you get some good meals in you-- uping milk supply takes calories and nutrients
-I swear by oatmeal. A big, awesome, yummy bowl of oatmeal for breakfast for a couple days
-Dark beer-- just the thought makes me feel engorged

I am so proud of you!! Going from 3 times a day to every 2 hours-- that is a jump!!

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I don't really have any support to offer you other than you are doing the right thing in breastfeeding both children. I am so sorry for the posts that tell you that you are doing wrong and that you shouldn't be breastfeeding your toddler, who are they to judge you? Breastfeeding is a personal decision and nobody, no matter how righteous, has the right to tell you that you are doing the wrong thing. You need to trust your instincts and do what you feel is best for you and your child.

In regards to more breastmilk, maybe you could talk to your own physician or your child's pediatrician. They may be able to help you. Do keep in mind that it may take a few more days for your supply to increase to meet the demand of your toddler and the newborn.

I commend you for breastfeeding both children. Keep doing what your heart tells you is right, and hang in there. Hope things all work out for the best.

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I didn't have time to read all the other responses, so I hope I'm not repeating anything. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using Domperidone (a prescription drug) to increase milk production rapidly. From what I understand it is used "off label" (it's primary purpose is for something other than milk production), but has few side effects for the nursing mother. It might be the "big guns" you need if Mother's Milk tea (with Fenugreek) isn't effective. You can also supplement with formula at the breast using a supplemental nursing system (SNS)which is a tube that drapes over your breast allowing the infant to take in breast milk and formula at the breast. Medela has one, I believe.

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It's supply and demand. The more demand, the more supply. Feed frequently, or pump frequently, and drink lots of fluids. Take in more calories than you usually do. Some folks can't -- but it sounds like you have been successful -- and this should increase your supply as quickly as it can be done.

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Drink a beer a day even the non alcoholic ones have hops in it and that will help stimulate breast milk. Keep feeding the newborn every couple of hours to help stimulate more milk production. Drink LOADS of water and try to pump as often as you can as well. The increased stimulation will help increase milk supply. If that doesn't work you can breast feed the newborn as much as you can and supplement with formula for the rest. I commend you for taking on a newborn and trying to do whats best for him or her. Good luck! I also wanted to add after I read the other responses I commend you for doing this for the baby Breast feeding is the most wonderful gift you could ever give this baby. Don't listen to those who tell you its wrong to breastfeed a baby that isn't biologically yours. Wet nurses were commonplace a long time ago and there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding a baby that isn't yours as long as its ok with the mother. I can remember watching an adoption story on TLC when I was pregnant with my daughter and there was this adoptive mom that wanted to breastfeed her baby and they were able to with the help of their doctor. they had this thing made that had a tube that attached to the adoptive mothers breast and it was attached to a bag she wore on her body. With hormone treatment she was able to produce her own breast milk and she supplemented with the device.

Breastfeeding is a personal choice there is no wright or wrong to it. Please don't let people sway you from breastfeeding this infant that so desperately needs your love and help right now. You know you are doing the right thing and don't let anyone tell you different.

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Feed on demand! The more you breastfeed the two babies, the more milk you'll have available. Right now, the newborn has an itty bitty tummy and should do a cluster feeding soon (next couple days) and that will amp up your supply. Stick with it and way to go helping out when a babe really needs you!

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I think it is wonderful that you have chosen to nurse this baby. It really is the best thing we can do for our newborn babies (and older babies). The benefits of breastfeeding are immeasurable!

There are organizations called milk banks that actually provide donated breastmilk for sick and premature babies. It goes to hospitals and other non-profits in the US & overseas. I have started donating, and it makes me feel so great that I can help another baby get off to a more heathly start.

You are doing a wonderful thing! Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.

I wish you well.

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Hi K.,

There are a few things you can do to increase your breastmilk. One thing you can do is get your physician to prescribe Reglan. Remember though, the more you demand from your body the more you will produce. In the meantime a been ( I think it might actually be the hops) will increase your milk supply. There is also Fenugreek and a tea called Mothers Milk, that you might try. I would lastly use a breast pump to increase you supply between feedings. If you want any further assistance you may feel free to email me and I will give you my phone number.

Best of luck to you and the new Mom.

T. Nelson CD

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You need to start pumping every three hours and drink nursing time tee up your calories just like when you first started breast feeding GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

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wow!!! That is dedication to an amazing gift and interaction. It shows some serious love for both that baby and its young mother that you are even attempting to nurse your own toddler and the newborn! It looks like you've gotten plenty of advice on milk supply so I will only add one or two things. What type of milk are you producing now? I bf my daughter for 16 months. We stopped bc we hit a soft natural weaning point and I took it. (she's 18 mo now and sometimes I really miss it so piss on anyone that says you should be done at 21 mo!) I pumped occasionally throughout and my milk looked Significantly fattier at 2 weeks or even 2 mo than it did at 16 mo when I quit. I
don't know if your body will know its a newborn and boost fat content without postpartum hormones. Is there any way 2 get more fat, possibly newborn formula to suplement all the wonderful benefits of the gift you're providing this new baby? On that not I still have high fat early milk in my freezer. I would be happy to share bit I think its getting a bit old.. Can you get some of that from a newer bf mama? Good luck- you go mama!

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I always had trouble with keeping breast milk going. The Medela Breast Pump - where you could pump both sides at the same time kept me going. Also, Fenugreek is an herb known to help increase milk production. Between those two I was able to breastfeed my older daughter for 1.5 years and the youngest for 3. My son, when I didn't know anything - I barely was able to do 6 months.

Also, try getting more sleep. If you are over active, your milk production will go down as well. God bless.

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Lots of protein is good. Also, try some coconut milk, that has been very effective. For me, the most important thing is drinking tons of water. Our midwife told me that you should actually drink about 32-48 ounces of water every couple of hours to really boost production. I have heard that beer works very well, though I haven't tried that personally, and have issues with drinking alcohol to boost milk production for a baby. Good luck.

Okay, now that I've read the other responses... this is YOUR decision. I bf my son until he was 18 months, and now have a newborn that I hope lasts as long. I totally disagree that there is no nutrition involved in bf after the newborn stage. Yes, the child gets most nutrients from solid foods, etc... but to say that breast milk has all of a sudden become nutritionally void is ridiculous. And btw, the international weaning age is actually 3 to 4. Americans don't always have the best answer!!!

Also- to one specific comment- do you have a crystal ball that tells you this teenager is a total stranger?

Best of luck to you and being a wetnurse is, of course, YOUR decision.

Just think, water, water, water and go for it!!!

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Mothers Milk Tea is the BEST! If I drink 1 cup with 2 tea bags in the evening, I am bursting and leaking by morning. You can find it at Fred Meyer and I think at other grocery stores. I have found that this works much better than the fenugreek pills, for me at least.

Oh, and bless you for helping this little one and his/her mommy. I wish that there were more moms out there like you that truly cared and looked out for their childs well being, and the being of other children and people for that matter. You are an insperation!

Best of luck to you.

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Like others mentioned, Reglen is a prescription which works pretty well, but it does cross the blood/brain barrier. Fenugreek, Mother's Milk Plus -- both are herbals that you can get at places like whole foods. I worked with a lactation consultant who also said try to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, and I was told to eat an avocado daily along with eating more oatmeal. It took a while, but worked.

Good luck with the breastfeeding and please let us know how it goes!

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When I had trouble w/my 2nd, my midwife did tell me to have 1/2 can of beer....it worked! much better than more water or even the milk thistle tea.
The hops in the beer is just enough to help the milk but not enough alcohol to get to you or baby.

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Good for you for trying to breastfeed the new baby! I'm sure that you will get the advice of Fenugreek and Nursing Mother's Tea that can help boost milk production. I'll give you another one. Beer. Drink like, 8 oz of good beer (lots of yeast) right after you nurse, so that it will be a few hours for your body to eliminate the alcohol content, and it can boost the yeast production in your milk. I still nurse my daughter (she's 16 months), but the amount of BF varies. So times when she goes from not nursing a lot to a feeding frenzy and I feel a little depleted, I drink half a bottle of beer, and my milk supply boosts up. Just something to keep in mind if the other herbal stuff doesn't work. Just make sure to give your body time to eliminate the alcohol before nursing again. Usually 2-4 hours is just fine.
I would also contact your local La Leche League Leader (they're phone #'s are available on their website). If you're not producing enough for the new baby, chances are there is someone else in the group who is and can help pump some for you while you work on getting your supply up. And the leader can offer you great advice.
Good luck!

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K., best of luck to you and the little ones! I used Fenugreek(sp) when my son was born and had to stay in NICU for 5 weeks. That plus increased water intake did wonders on my milk production. I don't know about the Reglan helping, except that it's primary function is to increase stomach emptying, which may help to increase the production. I did pump most of the time with him since he was in the hospital and I still had classes to attend and two children in school, my husband stayed with him the entire time. It seemed to help.Again, best of luck and take care!

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Good for you for breastfeeding your child for this long and for nursing this new baby! Nursing is a wonderful gift, if not the best gift, to give a child :)

For those who think a 21 month old doesn't need to nurse, you should be aware that the World Health Organization recommends that a child nurse for AT LEAST two years and then for as long thereafter as the parent-child duo wish to continue. America is very behind the times as far as breastfeeding goes.

I wanted to suggest hops tea as an alcohol-free alternative to beer. It's the hops in the beer that stimulates milk production and if you ask at your local health food store they will probably know where you can find it. I've only ever ordered it online, but I also haven't looked very hard to find a local source.

Best wishes to you!
~B.

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Reglan did wonders for me when my daughter was in the NICU. I think the way it works is it stumulates prolactin, which is the hormone that tells your breasts to make more milk. It's worth a try if the usual measures don't work well enough for you.

You can also look up kellymom.com. There is a ton of info on breastfeeding and increasing your supply.

Best wishes to you and those you are helping.
J.

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have you tried pumping after you feed your child? and i am not sure that the breast milk you are producing now has enough nutrients for a newborn but i am not certain on that. good luck with things.

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When I had problems with my milk supply decressing when my son was hospitalized at 2weeks. The doctor had me drinking tons of water and ensures. I also used a SNS from the hospital w/ formula when acting as breasttfeeding...child gets enough plus your body thinks the baby is nursing the entire time. I also suggest fenagreek tea (mothers milk from drug store). All work, but non will if you don't drink enough water and eat healthy!! You're doing a great deal of good by suplimenting mothers milk for this little baby!

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I would do the normal things to increase milk supply...it's all about supply and demand..so let that little bitty thing suck as much as possible. Maybe even pump after your 21 month has their milk (I know there's not really anything left..but that should help increase supply). Can you pick up some Fenugreek? That's supposed to increase milk supply.

I guess now that I've read other posts and see the situation...because you may be keeping the baby..I would suggest either Reglan (which is only good if you don't have depression problems..because one of the side effects of this milk increasing medication is depression) I couldn't take it because of that...but when my milk supply dropped to almost nothing when my baby was 5 months old (because they put me back on the pill bad idea) anyway the doctor and the lactation specialist at the hospital put me on Domperidone which is not FDA approved in the US..but you can get it under "special" circumstances. I checked the risks and benefits and decided it was worth it..because my baby could continue breast milk..it saved my breast feeding relationship and worked well..no side effects.

Good luck whatever route you go. I hope the mom figures it all out.

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There is a product by Mother Love called More Milk Plus. It comes in capsule form and liquid. You can find it at Whole Foods. I take it and it has helped me. Good luck!

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At 21 months the breastfeeding is more for comfort rather than necessity, for the 5 week old it is a necessity. How involved are you. Do you think you will adopt this child? Unless you are heavily involved with this child I would have the mother go on wic and use formula. Yes breast is best, but I know lots of kids who had formula and they are just as smart, athletic, etc... as the kids who were breast fed. If you do decide to stop breast feeding the 2 year old it will be hard at first, but kids are resiliant and he has to stop sometime. One question to ask is are you doing for him or for you? Good for you for doing it as long as you have. My son weened himself at 7 months and I could only take it for 8 months with my daughter.

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You can call a local hospital and ask were the nearest milk bank is. I don't know about this situation, is the mother willing to pump for the baby? Do her parents know that she just gave birth? If the baby is hungry, I'd really feed it formula for now if I could not find the breas milk.
Good Luck and your all in my prayers
D.

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Hello K.,

You have a very specific and wonderful situation! I had trouble breastfeeding all my children. There is one prescription drug that will increase your milk supply and nobody talks about it! But I was on it with two of my children.

The drug is Reglan. Its actually an anit-nausea drug but given in the right doses will give you more milk than you could ask for!

There are a lot of herbal suggestions that never worked for me. My girlfriend swears that a beer a day will work, but I was never willing to do that. I'm not condeming it, it just wasn't the choice for me.

I would love to find out the results and your decision. Good luck,
A.

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Scanning through your other posts, I saw it mentioned once or twice, and there are many other excellent suggestions there too- but don't forget- DRINK *LOTS* OF WATER! Good Luck!

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I don't know your own personal situation regarding this, but if you have suffered from depression, post-partum or otherwise, my lactation consultant,a couple of years ago, recommended against the use of Reglan. For some people it can cause or worsen depression. Otherwise, I have heard good things about Reglan and its effectiveness at increasing milk supply. My mom swears by the beer thing, as recommended by her doctor in the '70s. "I don't know about the science behind it, but if anything,it helped me relax!" she says..."Mom, your not supposed to drink THAT much beer...hmmm...no wonder I slept so much as a baby,lol:)"...All kidding aside, best of luck to you and of course to the other mom, you are doing such a giving thing to help her out!

-G.:)

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There's the special Mother's Milk tea, available at health food stores. There's also Fenugreek, which is an additive/herb they put in pancake syrup--you'll smell like IHOP after a few days of taking it. Fred Meyer's carries both items. You can order Goat's Rue on the internet, too, but I'd start with the others. A prescription drug called Reglan may also help. Pumping, too, but like you have time to do that while caring for two small children. Good luck.

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There are breastmilk banks in the hospitals. Also, I don't know if one of the mamas on here makes a ton more. Actually I know a mama that does and I hope that she sees this! She could send it to you. She is super healthy, never takes any medications etc. If it is only a infant....yes indeed! It needs that breastmilk! Soon! If you want to get in contact with this woman that I know, email me at ____@____.com. I live in Cannon Beach, OR and have a 9 mos old baby. She has a 2 month old baby and just produces a TON! I am actually going to freeze it for her, because she has no more room in her freezer. Let me know if you want to talk about it. Send me an email.

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I just want to say that I admire your willingness to keep this baby while her mother decides. I also admire that you're wanting to breast feed. Doing this may be a tough road to be on. Hopefully you know the family and the girl will make a decision soon. Hopefully, for the sake of all of you, the mother is getting some unbiased professional help and has a strong support system.

We need more places where mothers can keep their babies safe while they work out what they want to do. I also hope that you have support, no matter what the mother's decision is. Your heart is good. Remember that what you do now, even tho you won't see results now, is good for the baby and the mother.

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Personally I would ask Diane Bryan , she's an RN that works for the health dept here in Goldendale, she is fabulous at answering tough questions like yours. Diane's phone # is ###-###-#### ( ask for Diane Bryan). She was able to help me with all of our nursing problems.

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This information is posted at www.PumpStation.com "Low Milk Supply"

Ways to Increase Milk Supply:

Improve the baby’s latch.
Increase breast stimulation:
Add more feedings and/or nurse longer. Wake the baby for feeds if necessary. Unwrap and undress to help waken.
Use a good quality breast pump (hospital grade) and follow most breastfeeds with a 15-minute pumping session. Be patient, it may take a few days or longer to see results.
While nursing on the second side, pump the breast the baby just finished (third breast pumping). This effective technique saves a lot of time.
Switch sides. When the baby gets sleepy, remove from the breast, burp and switch to the other side. Repeat until the baby won’t nurse anymore.
Try herbal supplements: Mothers Milk tea, Fenugreek capsules (3 capsules 3 times daily), and Fennel seeds (crushed and made into tea, or just chewed). The effectiveness of these remedies is anecdotal, not research-based, but many mothers find it very helpful.
Eat a well balanced diet with lots of whole grains and increase your fluid intake.
Ask your OB/GYN to help you choose a non-hormonal contraceptive method.
See a lactation consultant for an in-depth evaluation and strategies for improving your milk supply.
Ask your doctor to prescribe Reglan or Domperidone (Motillium). These medications are usually used for gastric problems but have a side effect of raising the level of the hormone that increases milk supply. Domperidone must be made by a compounding pharmacy.

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Umm... she asked a pretty direct question. I didnt read "tell me what you think of this situation, what you would do, or what you think of me." sheesh - sometimes we women can be our own worst enemy....

just put baby to breast - baby is the best pump possible.

You can ask a pediatrician for Reglan to increase your milk supply. It has bad side effects though.... If you think you will be cring for this baby for longer than 30 days you can order Domperidone and take that instead with little to no side effects unless you have liver problems.

Immediate things would be to pump, breastfeed, drink lots of water, take fenugreek, brewers yeast.

good luck.

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Oh, how sweet of you to be helping this girl out. I used to watch my sisters daughter for her and we had infants the same age so we would just breastfeed each others when we cared for them. It was easier...I know I used to eat alot of oatmeal and that helped....for some odd reason. Then I think that alot of people say thatyour milk will adjust in a couple of days....has it gotten any better?

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I've never been in this situation, but do know lots of ways to help increase milk supply.

1. frequent nursing. It is supply and demand. Put the baby and your child also to the breast really really often and that will make you make more milk. Frequency of nursing has more impact on how much you make than how long.

2. Nurse both of them @ once, that always helps as your body gets it that there are 2 of them.

3. Switch sides often.

4. Take fenugreek, milk thistle and dandlion these all seem to increase milk supply.

5. Eat plenty of good food and pure water.

6. Use the motions of hand expressing milk while you nurse the baby. This will get more milk out with less work for baby and will also increase supply.

7. Nurse the toddler more often, your body will know to make more and instead of there being less for the baby there will be more.

8.Wear the baby in a sling, this will signal your body the baby needs you and will help the baby feel secure.

9. visualize having more than enough milk and the baby growing from it.

10. Don't let baby suck on anyting other than nursing since that will decrease supply.

11. If baby is having at least 6-8 wet cloth diapers and @ least as many bowel movements as it is days old. ( up through 8-10 days) it is gettting enough. ( a bowel movement could be just a bit of a poop stain on the diaper)

12. Call a Le Leche League leader for more ideas.

--You are amazing to be willing to give to some one elses' child like that. Hope things go well and be sure to take care of yourself.

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I would call and ask a lactation nurse if your milk is giving the baby enough nutrition. I remember when I breast fed my daughter, that the first milk that came in was different than the milk that I had when my daughter was 9 months old. It seems as though it changed a bit. I am wondering if there is nutrients when your breast milk first comes in, that maybe changes over time? Maybe not, but might be worth asking the question if you do not already know.
Good luck, I hope everything works out for all of you.

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