Supply

[Baileyjaysmum]

Hi

I am currently pregnant with my second child and have 7weeks to go. With my first baby, when baby was four weeks I was told to comp (with formula) by the child health nurse as he wasnt gaining weight. I successfully breast feed and comped my baby until he was 6months old. With this one I am really hoping to just breastfeed and for a bit longer and was wondering if there is anything I can go to keep my supply up. With my first I was put on Maxolon and Blessed Thisthle which I dont think made that much of a difference. Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Baileyjaysmum,

You did really well last time to combine breast and comping for six months. Often introducing comp feeds is the 'beginning of the end' of breastfeeding because as your baby takes more and more milk from a bottle, your breasts dont get the signal to keep producing milk so supply is likely to dwindle and babies often favour the faster flowing bottle.

The good news is that because this is your second baby, your breasts will have developed more glandualr tissue so you will naturally produce milk more efficiently - and breastfeeding will be easier.

Of course there are other factors to consider:

Firstly, did you cue-feed last time? Or were you following a strict feeding schedule? Many strict feeding schedules are related to poor milk supply and failing to thrive babies.

Did a health professional ( your nurse or a lactation consultant) actually watch you feed to see that your baby was properly attached and sucking well at the breast? Sometimes poor weight gain can be related to sucking difficulties ( eg short tongue/ high palate/ low muscle tone) rather than the mothers 'inability' to make sufficent milk.

You would probably feel much more confident if you saw a lactation consultant before you had your baby. If you have a plan in place for early breastfeeding help and support and know and trust the person who will be supporting you, it will be easier to avoid problems bedore they occur.

You really persevered last time and being your second baby, so much will already be easier about handling a baby in general so please dont let worry spoil your experience - breastfeeding will come more easily this time.


Pinky

[Baileyjaysmum]

Hi Pinky

Thats for the advice and hopfully breastfeeding will be more better this time!