Low Milk Supply - Billings,MT

L.,
One thing I was taught is you cannot do everything ....
meaning you cannot produce milk, heal from childbirth (c-sections more so) and take care of everyone and have it all work out. You are going to need help. You need to relax and heal and take care of the baby. Also, yes you want the best for your little one, you didn't say how many weeks he/she is, that could make a huge difference. Is the baby nursing? or are you pumping and feeding? if the baby isn't nursing it will be harder, but you might want to consider a breast shield so that your little one thinks its more like a bottle, which will help you to produce more milk as well. Preemies do get frustrated easier than full term infants.
If you could answer a few questions for me, maybe I can help you some more:
how many weeks gestation was your LO?
is the baby nursing or taking a bottle of EBM?
are you getting ANY rest and time for yourself?
Are you trying to be super mom and get it all done?
Is there anything someone else can do for you to cut out responsibilities for a while to help you with your nursing relationship with baby?

Hey L.,
Have you talked to the nurses at a Mother's Place at Billings Clinic? They're awesome and should have some great suggestions.
Other than that, I notice a difference in me if I'm not well rested or if I'm not eating or drinking enough.
You could also try drinking a beer with dinner or something. It can't be the cheapo stuff like Bud or anything. It needs to be a local brewer (you're looking for brewers yeast in the beer) like YVB-Bones, Montana Brewing Co, or Carter's (I love Carter's - their beer flavors change pretty frequently).

Hi L.,

It can be overwhelming and frightening to be just home from the hospital with a preemie and to think that you're not producing enough milk. There is a lot of information here at this website, http://www.llli.org/FAQ/increase.html, in addition to links to more information. Milk supply operates on supply and demand, so you could try pumping more frequently, especially since a pump isn't as effective at stimulating let down as your baby. When you do this, you are telling your body it needs to create more milk, and it will respond. That's what your baby does during a growth spurt - nurses more frequently to tell your body, "make more milk!". It's really quite amazing. Try to find a local La Leche Leage group or leader for more support, too. Often there are moms at these groups who had a preemie and dealt with NICU, too. http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

You've taken the first step, asking for help, in your journey as a mother. Becoming a parent is a rewarding, but very daunting task, and getting support is essential. You're doing great for your baby so far, especially providing breastmilk. Did you know your body is producing milk specifically designed to help your preemie grow? It's composed differently than milk for full term babies, just as my milk is now composed differently for my 20 month old. Our bodies are incredible!

Good luck!
H.

I also had a NICU baby who came early and I struggled with low milk supply from the beginning. Luckily at the begining she didn't need that much. She only took about 2 ounces a feeding at the time. I had trouble later after she started solids. I did a lot of research on the prescription medication Reglan and decided that was the best choice for me. I tried everything else and nothing worked so I went to my doctor and asked him if he could put me on Reglan to help me make more milk and low and behold... I started pumping over 8 ounces of milk:) I was soo happy taht something finally worked. My daughter and I went on to happily breastfeed until she was 17 months. You could ask your doctor about Reglan or exhuast all other possiblities. (Beer, herbal supplements, teas, etc.) But Reglan worked wonders for me and it put my mind at ease that I was able to give my baby everything she needed without ever having to supplement with formula:) Good luck and keep us updated:)

check out the website www.kellymom.com there is a ton of helpful advice on there also talk to your doc about Reglan, and drink a TON of water and look back in the old post on this site. there were a couple just recently about this issue. gl, i had the same problem too and it can be really frustrating!