Not enough milk...things to try.....

[Mischief]

I'm having a constant struggle with my supply. Its so tempermental! But these are the things I've found work to increase!

REST....I know its so hard with a new baby, but if you need to, use formula for one feed...give the bottle to your helper (DH DF DP Friend MUM anyone..) and go to bed...get some sleep! You'll probably wake up with milk!

EAT....you need your 3 main meals and some snacks. Steer clear of sugary snacks though!

DRINK...When you are breast feeding you need at least 3 liters of water a day! Try to steer clear of sugary drinks, caffeine and diet drinks....so lots and lots of water....LOL

FEED...Feed your baby on demand, use both breasts if you need too...

If you do ALL of these...I find my supply is usually back in 24 hours.

Anyone else got any tips!?

[JnA]

feed in the same place with some relaxing music.. the location itself can trigger letdown. (everytime I sat up in bed I had letdown in the first three months)

Looking at a picture of baby might help also (according to some reading I did from the lactation consultant.)

I agree with the water thing too... drink water exclusively, while you are feeding also.

[Goosie22]

In the early days of breastfeeding I found that unhindered access to the breast DAY and NIGHT and lots of rest (not only sleeping but just staying home and not overdoing things)

Understanding how Breastfeeding works is also a big eye opener, you need to know that giving your baby formula even occosionally will have conseqences down the line to either your supply, your breastfeeding relationship, or you/babies health.

He cant be hungryagain! (http://www.wiessinger.baka.com/bfing/howworks/hungry.html)

Article written by new mum (http://www.lalecheleague.org/Law/Law45.html)

The ABA (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/index.html) site has lots and lots of information to help work out what is going on.

[Mischief]

Goosie...I love that YOU CANT BE HUNGRY AGAIN site! Must admit I say that to Oliver often! But always offer food first. :) Its is a good point, he's trying to double his weight in 6 months! (and doing a darn good job of it!)

I'm feeding off both breasts now too......I give him one until he decides he's had enough sucking...change him...then offer the other. My milk seems to be coming back.

Also I am expressing 2 feeds now for a night....one I express over the day...draining the breast after he is finished....but the other I express his feed so I can make sure he has had enough..... Last night he downed 130ml like it was nothing...then I gave him my breast (I knew it was pretty much empty though...) and he had a comfort suck for 5 minutes, and went to sleep. he slept for nearly 4 hours!!!!!!

[kymmy]

BREASTFEED ON DEMAND