Need Breastfeeding Advice

hi T.-
Kudos for breastfeeding!
Sounds like you are doing just fine. Some tricks that I learned along the way are:
*Mothers Milk Tea (pretty yummy)
*ample water (always sit down with one when breastfeeding)
*nursing mother tincture (comes in a drk brwn tincture bottle, and mustard yellow label, find it at the natural food stores, or even Fred Meyer natural foods)
*try your hardest to keep her awake so that she gets a full breast, and gets the hind milk(this is the end milk and has the most fat content in it). I used to tickle my girls feet and wiggle their ears and do whatever it took to keep them awake so they would get their fill. This will in the end help you produce more milk. b/c as we know the more they nurse, the more milk you produce.
Keep up the good work.
La Leche league is a great resource, a bit on the extreme side when it comes to breast feeding but full of info and so willing to help. I am sure you could google them.

1 mom found this helpful

I think you are right, we all have had the fear that our babies aren't getting enough to eat, but I have been advised over and over again, that if you are getting plenty of wet and poopy diapers, then baby is getting more than enough. As far as being engorged during the day. Not everyone has this happen. I didn't. it would happen at night like you, but my baby was eating fine. No one really wants to be engorged, so that is a happy thing. :)
I don't think you need to increase your milk supply if she fills her diapers often enough, but if you are still wanting to...the best way to do it is just to put her to the breast more often. Supply and Demand.
I hope this helps...Hang in there...breast feeding is the greatest thing we can do as women and moms, for more reasons than we can count.

God Bless,
K. V.

1 mom found this helpful

PLease don't take any supplements w/o first checking with a lactation consultant. people can be allergic to fenugreek and it can be very dangerous. Have your baby weighed if you're concerned. It sounds like things are going fine, though. By the way, I am a lactation consultant with 17 years experience and I'm in private practice in the seattle area. I scan this site sometimes hoping to help people avoid bad or potentially dangerous advice. Is your baby growing? that's the key!

My name is R. Beebe and my company is The Second 9 Months. Feel free to look me up online if you're not sure!

R.

My son had trouble gaining weight and I had problems with my milk supply when he was first born. He didn't gain back his birth weight until he was 3 weeks. I would go to the doc/nurse and have them weigh him. Wet diapers are also a sign--I think it's supposed to be 6-8, but check it out. I pumped and used Fenugreek and brewer's yeast to up my supply. We were worried about how much he was getting, so we went a little crazy and rented a scale from Zenana Spa. We weighted him before and after each feeding to see how much he took in. A little extreme, but it made us feel better.

T., Consider buying a scale. You can purchase one for 50.00 from costco.com. I have the same concerns for my baby. I weigh her weekly to insure she gains the 4 to 8 ounces she needs to every week. Now I can relax! Warmly, Katrina

My only suggestion is feeding on demand. Every cry or whimper whether it's a half an hour after your last feeding or not offer her the breast. Even if she only stimulates production for 2 minutes, she'll give you the boosts you need and you'll have plenty.

J.- nursed all seven of my kids

Sounds lik you are doing an excellent job mama! If your little one has plenty of wet and poopy diapers, and she's gaining weight, that's all you need to know. It is hard for some people to beleive that our bodies can provide the perfect portions and nutrients for out little ones to eat, but it is TRUE! No need to measure. Nature does it for us. Think of all the puppies and kitties you've seen in your life time. No need for measuring, nature gives those mamas exactly what their bodies need to nurse 1, 2, even 10 babies at a time. Trust youreslfe and you body. Whatever you do, just stay away from bottles, atleast for a few months, and then only let daddy/sitters give her the good stuff! Remember that at about 4 mos, 6 mos, and 8 mos. your baby will have a growth spurt and it will seem that she is not getting enough for about 3 days, but trust in yourself, drink extra water, eat extra food, and clean less while your body adjusts to hers and all will be well. Never give up! Your roock!

Hi T.,
Wow, you really have your hands full! I have a 7 month old and 2 and a half year old and I feel like I have a lot going on...! Sounds like you're doing a really great job and that she's getting enough milk. Both my boys would nurse every 3 to 4 hours during the day and at night (so, she's doing great extending the time at night). I think the time between feedings and wet and poopy diapers all indicate she's getting enough. You've probably been told this already, but one thing is to be sure she's getting the fatty hind-milk by being sure she fully empties at least one breast, then starting on the same breast she left off with the next time you feed. I've used fenugreek to help augment my milk supply. I do think it helps. If you think she's hungry more times throughout the day, and you have time, try putting her to breast to see. If she's not hungry, maybe she'd get some comfort from a pacifier.
Good luck and keep up the good work!

Sounds like she is getting plenty...with my second I feared he wasn't getting enough (he would only eat off of one side for 10 min and then stop) so they had me come in to weight him before and after feeding on one side. He was eating 4.3 oz on one side in 10 mins at 3 weeks old. So I was making plenty + pumping. So she is probably fine. and remember there will be times where if will feel like she is glued to your boob and that is when she is nursing to up your supply. Keep up the good work!

First of all, great job on successfully breastfeeding this go around! Be assured you are giving your baby the best start in life in so many ways, not just nutritionally.

Secondly, it sounds like your baby is getting enough. If she has wet and poo diapers, she's FINE. There are a lot of myths out there about breastfeeding production being "inadequate" - it's an overdiagnosed problem, IMO.

I don't think you need to do anything different - except drink water and rest as much as you can, because you're a hard-working mama. You could always find a board-certified lactation consultant (an IBCLC) - those people are amazing. They have something like 8 years plus of training. She / he can set your mind to rest. You can go to ilca.org to get started finding one in your area.

Good luck!

Just relax and enjoy feeding your baby. Try not to worry about how much she is getting. Every 2 1/2 to 3 hours and a 6 hour stretch at night sounds just perfect. If she was hungry, she would let you know. If she is gaining weight - and producing a lot of diapers, she is getting enough. If you are not engorged during the day, but are in the wee hours of the morning - after that long stretch, then your body is doing it's job - and producing the amount of milk your baby needs.
Trust yourself and your baby - and enjoy this very short time she will be a newborn.

punping after she eats will help increase your supply as well as the fenugreek and yeast. If she is having 4 dirty diapers a day (larger than a quarter) she is doing great! The doc's office or WIC office would be happy to let you weigh her quickly just to check. I had some latching on and they were happy to accomadate me if I called them first.

Looks like you've already received lots of good advice; however, if you start supplementing with formula, that will only serve to decrease your milk supply. Breast milk is easier to digest than formula so breastfed babies tend to want to nurse more frequently. This is a good thing because that serves to increase your milk supply. When babies are going through growth spurts, they will want to nurse more and that will help you produce more milk. Isn't nature great? About the peeing and pooping...as long as she's producing plenty of pee, that's indicative of plenty of milk. So is pooping; however, sometimes breast babies go through a phase where they all of a sudden start pooping only once every few days, then they go back to several times a day. It can be variable just like their sleep schedules and their feeding schedules, etc. Enjoy!

I had the same concerns but my pediatrician and all the research I've done all indicate that as long as your baby isn't crying or acting hungry and has 6-8 wet diapers a day - they're getting enough. My son (almost 8 months) always has been a light eater - especially early in the day. As long as your baby is gaining weight and seems satisfied I wouldn't be concerned.

I was able to increase production for milk storage by using a Medela breast pump. Pumping after each nursing session allowed me to store about 5 extra ounces a day after about a month of pumping.

Sounds like you are doing great - quit worrying!! mother nature works, you don't need to do anything to increase your milk supply just nurse the baby when she's hungry and your body will take care of the rest. Don't fret when your breast start feeling less and less full either, this is normal the milk is not gone it is just your body being more efficient - the milk comes down when the baby nurses. keep up the good work! relax and make sure to take care of yourself!

(mother of 4 with 7 years of breastfeeding experince thus far)

Hello,
In a normal healthy baby, if she is nursing on demand she is getting enough. We get this idea that we need to know:) My baby's could drain a breast faster than a bottle any day. I am still nursing our 4th child and I am always amazed at how much they really get. The best way to increase milk supply is to put your baby to the breast often. The mind body connect is what does it. If she is full though and is getting enough, increasing supply could engorge you and then you get to deal with stuff like mastitis. If I were you I would sit back, enjoy the sweet baby at your breast and trust the nursing relationship to take care of the rest.

J.

Check out La Leche League's website. They usually are right on.

If she is getting enough wet and poopy diapers and gaining weight, you're on the right track! Your body will produce what she needs. It takes a while to get secure in this, and if you want to know how much she is getting, you could pump for about the same amount of time she nurses to see how many ounces she is getting in her feeding. Just keep in mind that the pump doesn't always work like the baby does. When my milk first came in, I was able to pump 4 oz in just 5 minutes. Now it would take me hours and hours to pump that. But my breasts react differently to my daughter. She is getting plenty of milk. And she still nurses every 3-4 hours. (She's 15 months now). When she was a baby, she nursed about every 2 hours for about 5 minutes. I was worried about her getting enough milk, too. But she was doing just fine. If you want to bump up your milk supply, you can try Fenugreek or a nursing mother's tea. Or have a beer. The yeast helps with milk production. Just drink it right after he nurses so that the alcohol has time to assimilate in your body before he nurses again. That way he doesn't really get any in the breast milk, and the tiny amount he might get won't affect him. Just beware of allergies with that one.
If you need more advice or support, I highly recommend contacting your local La Leche League leader. They are very helpful and knowledgeable. You can find out who they are on the main LLL website (just google La Leche League). I wouldn't miss out on BF for the world. It just gets easier and more fun as they get older, too! :)

From what you have said you are doing wonderfully. I can imagine it would be hard to switch gears from knowing exactly how many ounces your son was getting from a bottle to just having to read your daughters hunger. Just because you are not getting engorged does not mean you aren't producing enough milk. I am still producing milk even though my breasts have shrunk back down to less than their pre-pregnancy size. Keep up the great work! As long as you are drinking enough fluids and are eating a healthy diet, your body will produce what your daughter needs.

I personally am still breast feeding my two year old boy...just here and there, we are close to finished, and am pregnant with number 2. I never knew how much he was getting, I just fed him when he seemed hungry.

I used to worry about this all the time when I first started breastfeeding. It's unsettling because, unlike a bottle, you can't actually see how much milk your baby is gettting when you breastfeed. The solution to your worries is quite simple...ask your pediatrician! Mine looked at my son, weighed him, and asked about his wetting/pooping patterns, and said she was certain that he was getting plenty to eat. Just talk to your pediatrician and keep nursing whenever your daughter is hungry. Take care of yourself, too, and be sure to keep hydrated. Also keep in mind that if you're pumping that is NOT necessarily how much your baby actually gets when she nurses. (usually baby gets more from nursing naturally than pumping.)

Having breastfed three children, I know that they are all individuals and eat differently. My firstborn at every other hour for an hour at a time. (I got stretch marks on my breasts because of it) My second child would eat for 10 minutes on one breast alone and then fall asleep only to wake up 30 minutes later and want to eat again. My youngest ate for about 10 minutes on each side every 2-3 hours and was good. The doctors visits will yield a lot. Not every baby is going to be roly poly fat. They can show you where your baby is weight wise in ratio to the normal weight for other infants. They can help you with this. Also, my first and second were butter balls and my third never got out of a size medium diaper (hardly any rear end at all). They were and are all healthy individuals.

Hi - It really sounds like everything is okay with your baby! If you are worried I would take her to the doctors and have them weigh her to make sure. But try not to worry about it! You should be thankful that she is sleeping through the night already! 6 hours! That is great! She will let you know if she is hungry, take your cues from her and she will guide you..
Be careful about trying to increase your milk supply if you really dont need to. There are lots of things that say they can help, whether they work or not is hard to say and it depends on the person I think. You can get sucked into having to spend money on things that may or may not be easy to purchase and of course, there could be side effects. She is only a month old, and again, it seems like she is doing really well. Try and relax about it, and if you need to know if she is gaining okay, go to the doctor to confirm.

I had similar concerns because my little girl (now seven weeks) would wait a long time between feedings, but everyone (moms, grandmas, doctors) assured me that she was getting enough as evidenced by weight gain, number of diapers, and overall healthy appearance. Sleeping 6 hours at night is not going to hurt her, especially if she eats frequently during the day. Some babies just do that.

God bless.

Too many repsonses to read through...so perhaps someone else mentioned this....looks like you have access to the internet...whenever I had questions about the issue, I got online to La Leche League International...they are known to be the experts...good luck.

T.,
You are doing just fine. Especially if you engorge at night it means you are making plenty of milk during the day. If she's gaining and wet-she's getting plenty. Good job! Now...enjoy this time:)
Jenn

www.sensaria.com/jenn

As long as your baby is gaining weight and has lots of wet and poopy diapers, I think she is fine. Sounds like you are doing a great job. That is all my kids nursed at that age and they all turned out great.

Keep up the good work!

D.

T.,
Some of what you are feeling may be the anxiety you had with your son being in NICU and needing to be sure he ate enough via measurementand not being able to breastfeed him; this time you need to trust yourself and your baby instead of the numbers, and that can be a hard adjustment. I went through lots of anxiety with my second after having feeding issues with my first; this is a common thing.
I am an IBCLC, and from what you describe it sounds like you are doing just fine!! If you are sure to feed at least 8 times in 24 hours(often more like 10-12), and if she is finishing content, often falling asleep at the end of a feeding, and she is gaining well and not fussy at the end of a feeding, with plenty of wet and dirty diapers, you are doing well. You could get a scale, but the cheaper ones will not give as accurate a reading; but don't use it more than once a week; you can make yourself nuts with it. Also if she is using a pacifier, you can eliminate that to be sure you are getting all of her cues that she is hungry. Feeding cues in a young infant are sometimes subtle; if you feed her every time she roots, every time she mouths her hands or fusses, and you don't use a paci, you will catch her cues just fine. Do NOT use any beer or alcohol; in some women it actually can cause slight supply reduction. Also do NOT supplement her with formula, as this is a VERY good way to REDUCE your supply and babies can begin to prefer the bottle; it creates problems you don't need and is a health risk for her in terms of allergies. Good for you for breastfeeding her and managing two so close together; that's hard work!! I wish you well, and encourage you to talk to an LLL leader or IBCLC if you are still concerned.

Hey T.! Sounds like everything is going well, if she has wet diapers and is sleeping well. Some babies just don't eat as much as others. She would be complaining if she were hungry. I remember worrying too...it is kinda nervewracking! I am not a medical professional, but it sounds to me like you have no need to worry. She needs to sleep just as much as she needs to eat! If you want more peace of mind, you could call a nurse at your doctors office and she can tell you how many wet diapers there should be a day, etc. God Bless!

You're doing great! Wet diapers, poopy diapers, weight gain are all signs that she's getting plenty of milk. My advice is to call a La Leche League leader in your area (you can find one by going to http://www.llli.org/resources.html). They are wonderful, they are volunteers (no cost!) and their passion is to help moms succeed at breastfeeding.

General tips are to be aware of signs of hunger. Before babies cry they open their mouths, chew on their fists, turn their open-mouthed faces into their blankets, etc. They might then start to fuss and after that cry. If you feed her whenever she shows signs of hunger, she is probably getting enough. Even when babies are not getting enough milk it is often because they don't have a good latch as opposed to the mom not making enough milk. From your description she sounds like a happy baby. If at some point in the future your milk supply drops, she will let you know and *then* would be the time to try herbal supplements or drugs such as domperidone.

Good luck. It sounds like your body is working just fine for your baby and you just need to let yourself trust it. Take care of yourself. It's hard to be a new mom again.

Sounds to me like she is doing great!!! Plenty of wet and poopy diapers, and gaining weight are the perfect indicators. It is hard to tell just how much she's getting when you breast feed but, she will likely tell you when she's hungry so no worries.

To increase milk production, you can take a supplement called Fenugreek, or drink a tea called Mother's Milk. Also, pumping in between feedings will increase production, and give you an idea how much you are producing in an average feeding time.

Go to your local supermarket and look for a tea called 'Mother's Milk'. It helped me to produce more milk and it doesn't taste bad either!

If she needs more than she is getting, she will suck more, and you will produce more; it's a beautiful system that works.

Hi T.,
I am breast feeding also.Don't worry, if your baby is gaining weight, then all is well. Ask your ped if you are still worried. In the mean time drink all the water you can and keep eating! That might help the milk production.

The only thing you can really go by other than weight gain is the wet and dirty diapers. Check out:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enough-milk.html

for more information about that. If you're REALLY concerned, you can rent baby scales and weigh her before and after feedings. But if she's having an average of five or six wet and three or four dirty diapers a day, she's almost certainly fine.

Breastfeeding is kind of a leap of faith though, isn't it? My daughter and I had problems getting started and I *still* get paranoid about how much she is or isn't getting--after 14 months!

It sounds like she's getting enough milk, if she has wet and poopy diapers and is gaining weight. You could get a scale or take her somewhere to weigh her every few days or so if that would help you to relax about it, as long as that wouldn't make you even more anxious. If she goes more than 3 or 4 hours and your breasts start to get full, it might be a good idea to wake her up to nurse. DON'T GIVE HER FORMULA! If you aren't already sleeping with her, I'd recommend it, for many many reasons, but in particular so that you could easily nurse her when she wakes up. Assuming that she is fine and if you're still feeling anxious, I'd recommend that you find people to talk with, maybe La Leche League or a parenting group or a counselor. It may be that your anxiety comes more from your birth experiences, which is quite understandable, since it sounds like they were both difficult, and I think that taking some time to process that would help you to relax and enjoy your children more. I think it's great that you're breastfeeding successfully, and wish you the best!

T.,
Read some of the responses and notice no one asked how much you are drinking? Do you have a tall glass (at least 20 ounces) of water or milk next to you when you feed your daughter? Not soda, or coffee those things will dehydrate you, and are not helpful, if you have to drink the coffee lets say, remember that for ever ounce you need to replace with 2 ounces of water. ( I was told this advice when I gave blood, I didn't know that coffee and soda did that)
The advice about the water was given to me from my nurse friend and I believed her since she produced plenty of milk and also nursed 7 children. Sounds though that you are worried about really nothing, she is wetting her diaper and pooping plenty of times during the day and sleeping pretty darn good for a month old. When she is latched on and sucking is her nose in your breast? If so, try to move it so that her chin is doing the moving up and down, and against your breast rather then her nose. Hard to explain but that way you know that she is latched on and getting plenty. I do like the recommendation of one women who suggests you pump, or use your hand (that is the one I found easier of course pumps have come a long way).
I produced plenty of milk and had no problem pumping, so was able to freeze some for an emergency. Breast milk is the best and you are doing a great service for your baby, so nurse as long as you can, and don't worry she will let you know if she is not getting enough.
So, advice, eat lots of fruits and veggies, staying away from broccoli, cauliflower, and onions since they can give the baby gas, try to eat a balanced diet and avoid eating a lot of sweets, and chocolates and stuff like that. Stay away from alcohol and drugs (of course and you were probably told all this). If you do find the baby to get fussy think about things you might have eaten earlier, that is usually the problem.

Take the time to sit with her and enjoy it because it will fly by and before you know it she will be running around.
I think you are doing a great thing nursing and starting your child off with the best you can. Keep up the great work and all will be fine.
I nursed all three of my sons until they were 15 months old, and they are now in their late 20's and 30's and are big and strong 6'6 and healthy, and weren't sick much as babies. I am happy to have such a wonderful friend in that nurse that helped me a long the way, I owe a lot to her. ( Mainly, because when I was having mine the big thing was to bottle feed, I was given a lot of pressure from my own family sisters, and my mom to bottle feed, and I chose the right thing in my humble opinion :). So go for it girl and have fun, relax that is the real important thing, your milk doesn't drop if you don't, and just enjoy your bundle of joy!
God bless,
A really proud mother of three sons.

It sounds like things are going great for you! Congratulations!!! Don't worry, just sit back and relax and enjoy your precious time with your daughter. If she is gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers, you are doing your job beatifuly. She will let you know when she is hungry and it seems like you are aready on a great schedule. Listen to yourself and to your daughter. The instinct is there. Just drink lots of fluids. Mama's Milk tea works well as well as good old fashioned water. Hang in there - you're doing great!
With love,
S.

Hi Tracy,

Seems like you've gotten a lot of good replies. I agree with everyone that says you're doing fine. My daughter always seemed like she wasn't getting enough in the beginning...twisting, turning, getting mad and screaming. I had the same fears, but I stuck with it (don't give formula...I think it's the beginning of the end when you do that!). It's their way of modulating your milk supply...just let them nurse as much as they want and they'll sort it all out.

I just wanted to add that I think you should be cautious with the herbal supplements. I got so frustrated once (at about 3 months I think) that I bought some and started taking it (at not even the amount suggested, just two pills a day) and within 2-3 days I got a clogged duct from so much milk. It was very painful and so I would just try to trust in your baby's ability to modulate your milk supply to the perfect amount. Good luck!

K.

I think it's a good idea to breastfeed only, without any formula supplement. Your baby doesn't need the formula, she needs your milk!

Hi! Sounds like your little one is getting enough. going 2 1/2 to 3 hours between feedings during the day is exactly what both my kids did. You are lucky to get 6 hours at night. You are right about the time your body should be getting the hang of this breastfeeding thing cuz it really does get easier the longer you do it. If you are still unsure, get her weighed once a week, if she's gaining, she's getting enough.

The rule of thumb is that if she is wetting her diapers and gaining weight she is getting enough. I have three kids, all were breastfed and I remember getting to a point each time where I wasn't engorged during the day anymore and worrying that I wasn't supplying enough milk. If you want to increase your supply you can either feed her more often or get a pump and pump after your feedings. Give it 2-3 days and you'll have tons of milk again. Good luck!

Hi there!

I completely understand your concerns about your newborn daughter. My daughter is now 4 and a 1/2 years old, but I had the exact same concerns when she was a baby. For me, going to the well-baby visits where they weighed her helped calm my fears. I've heard that doctor offices will often let parents come in to do a weight check. I did it once with my daughter which helped me feel better. It's just a suggestion, but getting in weekly might help you rest easy. The fact that she's having so many wet and poopy diapers is also a really good sign that she's getting food.

Good luck!
M.

T.,

I have thought the very same thing both this time and last time I breastfed! I have been reading a lot of information about it, and when I asked my doctor if I was making enough milk (since it seems that my new son eats every single hour!), he asked me about his diapers. He said that if his diapers are wet, he is getting the foremilk and if his diapers have poop, he is getting the hildmilk. Since every 2-3 hours my son's diapers are full of both (and he is gaining an ounce or more each day), I am no longer worried. It sounds like your daughter may be doing okay. :)

You are lucky that you can sometimes sleep for 6 hours at night! My son was born on the 24th of March and continues to wake up every two hours to eat in the day and at night. Count your blessings as long as your daughter is gaining weight and is having soiled diapers.

You probably are making enough milk since I read that only 1-2 percent of all mothers actually don't make enough milk for their babies. Could you go into the doctor's office for a weight check for your daughter? That way, you could be sure that she is gaining enough weight because of eating enough.

I have used Fenugreek pills and Mother's Tea to increase my milk supply in the past. These are all natural and can be bought at a Vitamin store or a Natural Food store. Good luck to you!

As long as your daughter is having several wet diapers per day, you're doing fine. Is she acting hungry during the day? Is she fussy?

If you want to increase your milk, try some Mother's Milk tea... Traditional Medicinals makes one they sell at many standard grocery stores or you can look them up online. Besides that, herbally borage,fenugreek and nettles all increase milk production. You can buy the dried herbs and make your own tea mixture. Add some additional herbs to make it tasty... maybe some lemon balm or red raspberry leaf (that will help tone your reproductive system as well).

Being engorged a bit first thing in the morning is not unusual if she's sleeping for 6 hours at a stretch.

It sounds like you're doing well... good luck! :)

Hi T.,

I just want to say first of all it is very normal to feel that your baby is not getting enough milk at around 1 month because this is about the time that your milk begins to regulate itself. This is the time that you will begin to not feel engorged between feedings and so on. I want to mention that it is important that you are careful in assessing whether your milk supply is low or if you are just evening out because you need to be careful of trying to increase your milk supply if it is not low. Causing yourself an EXCESS supply brings on a whole new set of problems to you and your little one.
Here are some things to look for:
* Is your baby having plenty of wet/poopy diapers a day?
* Does your baby seem generally satisfied at the breast (not crying a lot like they're hungry or constantly wanting to nurse)?
* How is the baby's weight gain? (you can always call your pediatrician and ask to have the baby in for a weight check)
You could always call someone from La Leche League who can help you to really see if she's getting enough. Just do a google search for LLLI or La Leche League International.

As long as she's gaining weight she's fine. Girls don't eat as much as boys and your body knows how much she needs. When she hits a growth spurt you'll be able to tell because she'll start nursing a lot more frequently and your milk supply will increase to meet her demands. Enjoy the fact that she is giving you some time in between. My son ate every 1.5 hours and I never got enough rest... day or night. All of my sisters 5 girls were exactly like you're describing so DON'T WORRY!
If you really want to increase your milk supply, buy an electric pump and pump for at least 20 minutes after each feeding... within a couple of days you'll be more than full... teas etc. aren't necessary.
Good Luck!

If you hear her swallowing during each feeding, she's gaining weight and she has a good amount of wet and poopy diapers, then she is getting what she needs. :-) Here's a GREAT site with lots of info about breast-feeding and the stages you and your little one goes through during the duration of breast-feeding(the link is for babies 4 days to 6 weeks old): http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/stages/day4.aspx

As long as she's eating and its coming out the other end successfully, I'd say keep it up, mama!
I've now been breastfeeding for nearly 5 months, and altho' it can be a test of patience, and there's the big question of 'are they getting enough?', I couldn't be happier. It's easy to get discouraged, but it sounds like you are doing great - babies monitor well how much they need to eat, and so, just feed as much as she wants. You will get into a rhythm, and you'll be able to read her cues better and better..and so it will seem easier as time goes on. It's all about supply and demand, so your body will keep producing as long as she keeps feeding. Usually your body will give you good cues that it's time to feed your babe too, so go ahead then too!
Growth spurts can be tricky to decipher, as are times when he's feeling under the weather (ie. he'll want to eat more, or he'll have a bit of trouble with a stuffy nose) but it's a team effort and you'll figure it out together.
Sometimes just a couple of days where I added in a pumping session, even for 15 mins, I would see an increase in production, so give that a try. You can always store the milk; you never know when you 'll want extra for a bottle.
I'm assuming your baby is putting on weight, and hopefully people around you are supportive of your choice to BF; it's truly the best thing for a baby, so I'd say do it as long as you can. It's an amazing thing!
Good luck and congrats! K.

You'd know if she wasn't getting enough food, trust me. Sounds like you're doing fabulous!

I read your other responses and it sounds like you have been given a bunch of advice already, but I just wanted to also reassure you that you are doing GREAT. It sounds like you have already settled into a routine that is working for you both...you are not engorged except for when she's sleeping for long stretches and she is wetting and gaining weight.

My daughter is 14 months and has always been in the 5-10% for weight/height so when she was first born I worried so much and took the advice to wake her every 2 hours to feed. Gosh how I wish that I didn't!!! I have perfectly trained her NOT to sleep well and to depend on me for comfort through out the night. Consider your engorgement at night a good thing (they will even out soon)...she's sleeping!!!! :)

Congrats on your new little family member!!!

Hi T.
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warmly T.

T.,

Congradulations on your new baby!!! I know sometimes breastfeeding can be confusing. My advice is to make sure your baby is getting enough breast milk. Make sure your baby NEVER falls asleep while feeding. Do everything you can to keep her awake. You may have to tickle her feet, undress her, etc. If you make sure she is always awake, she will get a full feeding. When babies fall asleep while breastfeeding, they do not feed until full which results with more frequent feedings. It sounds like you have her on a good schedule. You are heading in the right directions. Relax and enjoy this precious time you have with her. Good luck!

Rent a baby scale. Sometimes pharmacies can get them, and I know you can get them online--ask your lactation specialist. That way, you can weigh your baby before and after you feed her, and you can measure exactly how much she's taken in.

I'm betting everyone has already told you that if she's pooping and peeing, then she's doing just fine.

Don't worry about it!! It sounds like she's getting plenty. If she's gaining weight and doesn't seem to be hungry all the time she's probably fine. If she does start asking to nurse more frequently just let her - the best way to build up your milk supply is to have her nurse more often. You're doing great!

I'm wondering why you are so certain that you need to increase your milk supply? She is probably getting plenty; your body adjusts to make exactly what she needs. If you are concerned I would take her in for a weight check. Babies this age should be gaining half an ounce to one ounce per day. Check with your pediatricians office... I'll bet they would be happy to do a couple weight check visits with you. Or they could tell you a good place to rent an infant scale so you can keep track yourself. With breastfed babies the way to tell if they're getting enough is by weight gain, and wet/messy diapers. Sounds like your good in the second department, so keep an eye on her weight if you are concerned. Definitely persue that before assuming you need to do something about your milk supply. Be confident in you bodies ability, that's what it was designed to do! :)

breatfeeding is tough. i worried over the same thing. the doc said as long as tehy are eating and gaining weight and making diapers regularly then you are doing great. you can pump to see how your milk is flowing, however i think you actually produce more when the baby is feeding. it sounds like your doing a fine job. stick to it.

T.-

It sounds like she is probably doing fine. If you are worried about it, you could do a few things.
1) Ask your doctor's office if you can come by for a weight check- it should be free, and might alleviate or validate your concerns
2) pump for 5 minutes or so after you finish feeding her to incourage increased milk production
3) take supplements like fenugreek or more milk... they should help your body with milk production

in general, breast fed babies do a pretty good job of letting you know if they are still hungry, or want more. They also tend to be good at getting your body to make as much milk as they need

good luck!

I have a 2 month old and had trouble breastfeeding, these are some of the things they told me. Try Fenugreek and Blessed thistle. They are herbal pills, buy them at a nutrition store not Walmart. I used just the fenugreek with my first son and noticed a difference after a few days. The nurse told me the two together work even better. There is a tea you can buy at the store, Fred Meyers is where I bought mine, but the nurse said you would pretty much have to drink it all day everyday to notice a difference. I think I drank it once. It's called Mothers Milk (I think). They also told me to pump, pump, pump. They said when I was done feeding to pump for another 20 minutes, each time, and to feed every two to three hours if you are trying to increase. My children are 18 months apart and I don't know about you but that was impossible. So those are the things they told me. I think the most important was to take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids and even if you want to breastfeed with all your heart and soul sometimes it doesn't work and isn't enough so do what you can. That you are still breastfeeding after a month is great. With my first he was so fussy I don't think he was getting enough so I would breastfeed and then give some bottle. I always made him feed from me first. Also I went to a lactation consultant at the hospital and they had me feed from one side then pump from the other and they weigh your baby before and after each so they can tell how much the baby is getting so then you know. I was only putting out an ounce total and I had an 11 pound baby, it wasn't enough but at least I knew I had tried it all. So good luck, and try not to get discouraged.

You're doing great! Keep it up! As long as you're feeding on demand, she's getting enough.

If she is gaining weight, having 6-8 we diapers and at least one poopy diaper a day, and if her poop is staying that mustard yellow color, then she is getting enough. If she acts hungry (sucking on fist, fussing, etc.), then you can try to feed her, but it sounds like she is doing fine. Engorgement is not a sign of milk supply... so just because you aren't engorged during the day does not mean that you are not producing enough milk.

Jack Newman's book - which I can't recall the name of right now - is excellent.

D.

Hi T.!
Sounds like you're doing a great job--keep up the good work :-)
I breastfed 2 children + had all of the same anxieties the first time, with my mom continually asking, "how do you know he's getting enough milk?" So I got a baby scale and weighed the baby before and after feeding a few times--that settled the issue for all concerned. Of course the baby wasn't concerned at all--he was fat and sassy :-)
Re: production--IF you drink enough fluids and eat good food, your body will produce as much milk as the baby drank the previous day at exactly the same time. The only way to decrease production is to decrease demand. Have fun!!!

If it makes you feel any better, I had this same question with my baby. I LITERALLY cried for weeks, because I couldnt tell if he was getting enough. He was 4 months old April 18th, and as of yesterday, weighs 20lbs 5 oz!!!!! He is still strictly breastfed! So... the only thing I can tell you is, if she is having the wet diapers, and no signs of dehydration (you can feel in her mouth, if its wet, shes not dehydrated), and gaining weight as you said, she is getting enough. (i know, you still worry though!) I too had SOOO many issues with breastfeeding at first. It took me until Eric was 7 WEEKS OLD TO GET IT! I have heard many moms say it, and belive it to be true. The first 2 months of breastfeeding are usually hell! But it gets so much easier after that, it seems like over night after 2 months old. Just dont give up! If you have been able to make it 5 weeks, you are doing a great job!

Hi T.,

You're doing great! As everyone else here has said, your evidence is that your baby is growing, seems happy and healthy, and is having plenty of wet and poopy diapers. What you're probably experiencing right now is that you are no longer "engorged", because your body and your baby have synchronized. At the beginning, the mom's body makes as much milk as it possibly can--because it doesn't "know" how much will be needed. Once the baby develops a routine, the supply and demand quickly work themselves out and you will only really feel that overfull feeling if you go extra long between feedings for some reason.

The times you are mentioning between feedings are absolutely in the middle of the "normal" range--though they can vary a great deal. Just keep feeding her on demand--don't let ANYONE (not even your ped, since some get a little wierd about breastfeeding) tell you that she is being "manipulative" or that you should try to put her on a schedule! Don't feed her supplemental bottles of formula or water--she get everything she needs from you, and if you do that, you will begin to diminish the "demand" so your "supply" will go down.

Remember, though, that just like you were "eating for two" when you were pregnant, you still are--except the second one got so big she is now outside of you! Keep taking your prenatal vitamins, drink lots of water, juice, and if you want a few things to add that will keep your milk production strong, you can make strong teas (called "infusions") out of a number of herbs.

An ounce of dried herb (it will seem like a lot) in a gallon glass jar, fill it to the top with boiling water and cap tightly. Let it cool on it's own, and then just keep it in the frig.

My favorites are:
Borage-if you ever feel you may not be keeping up with supply, this stuff will get it going fast! Borage also is an adrenal booster, helping you deal with stress/lack of sleep, etc., which also keeps your milk supply strong.

Nettles-VERY nutritious! and it tastes good.

Or, you can do as others are suggesting and drink mother's milk tea--just be sure the product you drink is organic and use at least two tea bags per cup, covering the cup while you wait for it to steep.

Also, if you like beer, hops is an excellent milk producer and also tends to help you and the baby relax. A good microbrew in the evening is a good thing!

How are you recovering from the c-section? I hope all is going well. The suggestions I've made will help with that, as well.

Fiora

Don't worry about increasing milk supply just yet. If your baby is having plenty of wet and poopy diapers, gaining weight, and generally content between feedings, she IS getting enough. As for weight gain, having some tangible evidence will give you some peace of mind. Try weighing her once per week to get an idea how she is doing. Some pediatricians will let you come in and do a weight check at no charge. Other options mother's groups, breastfeeding groups, buying or renting your own scale. The effort is worth the peace of mind. Stress and worry about your milk supply is a self-fulfilling prophecy--it can CAUSE supply problems. If you find over the course of a few weeks that she isn't gaining enough weight (your pediatrician can tell you what is normal),then get plugged in to a breastfeeding group, or find a lactation consultant and start working on your supply.

Remember that babies go through a growth spurt around 6 weeks of age (again at 3, 6, and 12 months). Around this time they will feed more frequently. Also, many babies cluster feed--feed at shorter intervals--in the evening to get ready for a long sleep.

Finally, Relax, Relax, Relax!!! Relaxation is one of the best things you can do for your supply. Good luck!

hey there...congrats on your new baby! since she is still so little, i wouldn't count on her sleeping 6 hrs lasting. she is still so little, and things change day to day. does your baby sleep with you? in the same room? if not, she could be waking up and you not knowing it. some women wake up thier babies to nurse. a few of my friends did that when they felt engorged during the night and felt they needed to nurse. my baby (now 3) hardly slept and nursed constantly, but there were nights that she slept hard for a few hours, always making me wonder. also, i know it sounds funny, but super dark beer, porter or stout, increases milk lactation. i sware it works. if you have a half a glass over some time, i bet you anything you'll feel real full. also, red raspberry leaf and nettles increase production. you can get them bulk, add a little peppermint for taste, and make a nice pot for yourself. yogi tea company also has a nursing moms tea. but the beer worked better than the herbs for me. cheers and much luck to you~ s

Hi T.,
I had problems with producing enough breast milk for both of my babies at first. But then the lactation nurse recommended the herb fenugreek. It worked so well for me. I think I took two pills three times a day with meals. Within a few days I noticed a difference. I highly recommend it. But definitely talk to a local lactation specialist too.
Good luck! S.

My best friend is a lactation consultant and she says that many women have this assumption that they think that they don't make enough. She likes to tell people, that even starving women in Africa make enough milk for their child. Every mama is made for how much the baby needs....so, GREAT JOB! That you are breastfeeding! It is the BEST thing that you can do for the health of your child. There is a TON of research that backs that up. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for 3 years for this reason. The APA (American Pediatrics Association) recommends at least one year. Anyhow...if she is fussy, it may not be because she is still hungry. Babies cannot discern between needing a burp and needing more food, so they keep sucking, thinking that will help. So, she may need something else to soothe her, like the "5 S's" (from The Happiest Baby on the Block) (Shhing, swaddling, side laying, swinging, sucking). If she likes to suck a lot, you may try a pacifier. So, the best thing you can do is SOLELY breastfeed....the formula companies might want you to think otherwise...they make TONS o' money off of mamas...as you probably already know. Also, there is the Dr. Sears "Breastfeeding Book" if you have other issues/questions. Keep up the good work!

T.,

It sounds like you are doing a great job! The best way to know that a breastfed baby is getting enough milk is the poopy diapers, and you said that she has a few of those everyday. You are doing great!

If you are still worried, you can make an appointment with your naturopath, midwife, or doctor to check her weight and ask questions about any concerns you have. :)

You are right about the time for a "growth spurt" so don't be suprised if she semms "hungry all the time". Just keep on nursing. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will make for your precious little girl!

If you'd like, get some Mother's Milk tea it's by Traditional Medicinals. It tastes super yummy and it helped me.

I'm still mostly breastfeeding my 10 month old. He's my 5th child. My chest looks 'deflated' most of the time now (I used to leek all the time because of so much milk). Your baby might end up going for 12 hours with out wanting to eat at all (my 1st child did that when she was 6 months old... freaked me out!!!). Then she may want to eat every hour or two. Your body has 'learned' how much milk to produce and when. A nurse gave me some great advice (the day I called when my 1st wouldn't eat at 6 months old), 'If a baby is healthy, and offered food and love, they will not starve themselves.' The 'eating every 3 hours for 20 minutes' type of thing is just an idea... so that moms are not waiting 6 hours in between or trying to feed then every hour. Well, my time is up, my baby calls!

(lactation consultant chiming in)

okay during the day your baby is eating often enough, however for her suring the night she is not 6 hours is to long of a stretch of time to go at night, as you can tell by the engorgment. your baby shoudl still be eating every 2-3 hours at night. having 8-12 wet and at least 1 poopy diaper a day. i personaly dont reccomend going to the ped , they will just push formula. try finding a la Leche League Leader in your area, they are free! if you cant feel free to call me i will see what i can do or we can chat more over the phone ###-###-####. Trust me what you are feling is normal all new moms wonder if baby is getting enough!! but if baby is not eating at night you shoudl still be pumping every 3 hours, 1 it will ward off fertility, and 2 you will have some stored milk!! Motherlove herbal products work great for milk production www.sprinkledwithgranola.com all motherlove proceeds go to the La Leche League. I hope all this helped

Hi T.,

Don't worry! All the indicators your mentioned say she is getting enough milk. It's a misconception that our breasts have to be engorged or really full and then empty to show that our babies are getting enough milk. Our breasts signal let down when the baby is nursing and you can feed your baby on demand. So while you only become engorged at night, that doesn't mean she isn't getting enough, it just means that her sleep cycles are longer in the evenings than during the day which is perfectly normal. You are doing a great job and your baby sounds super healthy!

Congratulations Mama!
A.

T.,

I too worried that my son wasn't getting enough to eat, but the Ped. said he was gaining weight fine and as long as he was sleeping fine not to worry, so I didn't. He is now 21 months old and over 100% for his height and weight (I breastfed for 11months before he weaned himself). So, as long as she is gaining and sleeping, don't worry. One thing I did use to help increase milk production was a tea from Fred Meyer (in the nutrition section) called Mother's Milk. The flavor was good without being too strong and it did help increase my milk production.
Good luck!
K.

HI
I found that I produced more (when pumping at work) if I pumped at the same time everyday. If I did it randomly as my schedule permitted I did not get as much, which was frustrating. I would suggest that you try to get on a nursing schedule so that your body is ready and your baby is hungry. Once it becomes routine you won't even have to stick to a strict schedule. As long as your baby is gaining weight, having wet diapers and sleeping relatively well, then she is getting enough. Your body and her body know what to do, even if we feel like we are in the dark. Relax and enjoy the experience because it doesn't last forever :)

if she is gaining weight, and has wet diapers - don't worry about how much she is getting...you will obsess over something that you can't control. If you want to know how much she is eating, you have to pump and give her a bottle...Just trust that she is fine!

If your little one is gaining weight appropriately and has regular and normal wet and poopy diapers, it sounds like she is getting enough breast milk. However, if you are interested in increasing milk production, try Fenugreek. It is a natural herbal supplement that you can find at any GNC store.
Breast milk is the best thing for your little one, so keep it up! Good Luck!

It sound like you are doing fine. Babies take what they need and it is all about supply and demand :) You have to remember she is still young and has a small stomach a few sips and she's full.

Enjoy it that she's sleeping through the night! Get some rest. My daughter (now eight months) slept through the night until she was 6 months now she is coming every three hours at night.

As for your milk production: watch that you drink enough water or a tea with anise, fennel and caraway is helpful too. Don't eat foods with sage that will dry up your milk supply. Most importantly try to relax and give yourself time while feeding. Which can be hard, I know, when your son is around (running or climbing on you :) ) Give him something to play with which you and your daughter spend time together.

I think this is the most common issue that us breastfeeding moms have. I joked with my husband that we need gauges on these things! I assure you, though, if she is nursing as often as you say, gaining weight, and has plenty of wet and messy diapers, she is getting enough. I have a 3 week old and he nurses on a schedule similar to your daughter, and he is my second breastfed child. I don't think you need to increase your milk production, as when she starts needing more, she will want to nurse more often, which will in turn increase your flow. You can pump when you are engorged in the morning, as the more you are expressing, the more your breasts will produce. Again, though, I really don't think you need to worry, because as long as she is gaining weight she is getting what she needs. Have faith in your breasts! They were made for this :) You may also want to look ino joining a support group for breastfeeding moms, like La Leche League. They are very supportive and can help overcome any obstacles you may encounter in breastfeeding.

Natural woman herbals has a tea that may help. http://naturalwomanherbals.com/new_mother_products.htm

There's also a breastfeeding support group at Zanana Spa in SE Portland on Mondays at 10:30. You can weight your baby there & get great advice. Good luck!

I would ask my Doctor if I could go the middle way and give her a little formula....Mostly breast milk and when fussy and seems like not getting enough...a little formula...?

Congrats on your second child and trying breastfeeding since you couldn't on your first.
I think your fears are normal. If your daughter seems satisfied and is growing she is getting enough milk. You could always try supplementing with formula for one feed. I don't know from personal experience what boosts milk supply, other than demand, but I know there are some products that have worked for others. Don' forget to drink your own fluids!

Your baby will tell you if she isnt getting enough :-) If you are getting engorged, try pumping - always nice to have an extra supply. I nurse and bottle feed (have done that with both of my girls - my oldest is now 3 and my youngest will be 4 months on Thursday). If you are concerned about building up your milk supply, i recommend Fenugreek (available in capsules at Freddies and Riteaid - couldnt find it at Walgreens or Winco). It is a natural way to increase supply and it works GREAT. I wish i had known about it with my first. Dont be afraid to bottle feed if you dont think she is getting enough. My lil one prefers to nurse and will refuse the bottle til she gets what she wants - so no worries about rejecting the breast :-)

You are probably fine, if you are really worried, take her to the pediatrician to be weighed, but the good sign is plenty of wet & dirty diapers. Her feeding schedule is pretty normal. There are teas you can drink, containing herbs and fenugreek, but it may not be necessary. I'd call the pediatrician or a La Leche Leader.

http://www.lllusa.org/web/SalemOR.html

http://www.yogitea.com/Pages/OurTeas/BodyTeas/WNursingMom...

A.

Brewer's Yeast is a wonderful suppliment.Not only does it help with milk production it is a great source of "B" vitamins, that is good for energy.
I wouldn't be concerned about the baby getting enough to eat unless you fine the baby is unhappy, cranky, and otherwise appears dissatified. As long as she is content. Try not to worry. She will let you know if isn't satified.

If she is having wet and poopy diapers, she's getting enough. Sounds like you have a pretty nice schedule! I would have loved to go 6 hours at night!!! I usually only got 2. If she was hungrier than you could supply for, you would know it. She would be fussy and have less wet diapers. She also would not be gaining weight. You should be past the engorgement stage by now anyway so don't let that worry you either.

I had the excact same issue with my first - in the NICU and bottle fed and then wouldn't take the breast once he got to me. Congrats on getting it so well the second time around. My second time was successful as well but not what yours sounds like. I had issues with latching on that put me in a lot of pain. (I'm having my 3rd a week from thursday.)

If you're really worried about your supply, you can take something called finugreek (spelling?). It's a natural herb supplement that boosts milk supply and you can usually find it at a women's clinic associated with your hospital's lactation consultant's office. Some people say that a dark organic beer, when chugged quickly, (ugh! if you can stand it) also works but I've never tried the beer.