How to improve supply?

[~Kimba~]

Jethro is 13 days old now and got weighed yesterday, he's only gained 65g in the past 7 days since leaving hospital - the EC nurse said it should be more like 100-150g. So at least he isn't losing weight (yet) I suppose, but I'm still scared that my milk isn't enough for him to thrive :no: She's going to weigh him again next week and is expecting a 150g gain, I'm so scared I can't make it happen.

My boobs never feel full/ hard and while I know there's milk there, it just doesn't seem to be enough for him. During the day he's quite unsettled and grizzly and seems hungry even after a feed. I'm now trying to stick to feeding him 2 hourly in the day, although it feels like he would feed constantly if he could, but the EC nurse said not to feed him under 2 hours "to give the milk a chance to build back up between feeds". This kind of contradicts other advice I was given (by an ABA counsellor on the phone) to just let him suck whenever he feels like it, even comfort sucking, to increase my supply.

During the day it takes about an hour per feed, because I was told by the EC nurse to make sure he stays on each breast for at least 20-30min to ensure he's getting the hindmilk. At night he's started sleeping in blocks of 3-4 hours at a time (hope this continues, it's bliss!) and doesn't take as long to have a feed before going back to sleep (about 30-45 min)

I've also ordered a breast pump to try and express after feeds so I can increase my supply and give him a top up when he seems hungry.

What do you suggest, how else can I increase my milk supply, how often should I feed him? Should I just put him on the breast whenever he's looking for it, or should I limit it to 2 hours between feeds at minimum? I really don't want to give up on BFing, but I want my baby to be happy and healthy, so unless I can improve my supply and satisfy my little mans hunger I might not have a choice :no:

[Pinky McKay]

Dear kimbaleo,

Wow! you are under enormous pressure to 'perform'! This is so counter productive as breastfeeding is as much about confidence in your ability as physiology.

I notice you had a caesarean. This can slow things up a bit as to how quickly lactation is established -it doesnt mean you wont produce enough milk. Just as you have grown a beautifiul baby, your body will make enough milk. This will take some patience and persistance so please dont let people undermine you.

The fact that Jethro is gaining weight in his first week home is positive - this is a really hard time of adjustment. It is wonderful that you have been in touch with the Australian breastfeeding Association - counsellors are well-trained and see lots of women overcome breastfeeding doubts and difficulties.

Allowing your baby access to the breast as often as possible is the best way to stimulate milk production - research shows that an 'empty' ( your breasts are never completely empty) breast produces milk more quickly so it isnt evidence based to postpone feeds to 'allow' your breasts to 'fill up' between feeds.

One lovely way to quickly increase supply is to get some DVDs ( or watch Oprah!) - sit back on the couch or in a rocking chair with your feet up or on your bed - and open your shirt and snuggle your baby against your chest, skin to skin and chill out. This lovely skin contact will increase your oxytocin levels ( a breastfeeding hormone) and very quickly will help your milk supply. It's also important to REST, eat healthy foods and drink healthy fluids - water is just fine. Some mothers also find herbal teas or tablets such as fenugreek or blessed thistle helpful and if you are really concerned, there are some prescripton medications that can aid your milk supply until it is established. See your GP or a lactation consultant.

Seeing your baby has started to gain weight, it sounds as though you are on the way -please hang in there and surround yourself with positive voices to encourage you that you WILL get there soon.

Pinky