Comments on: Establishing a good milk supply

By: Jennifer G

Jennifer G — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:11:34 +0000

Our 2nd son was born 3 weeks ago. In the hospital, the nurses and the lactation consultant who supported me for the first few days were fantastic. They worked with me and ensured that I was able to nurse before I went home. Unfortunately, my son lost quite a bit of weight in the first day so the pediatrician strongly suggested supplementing with 1/2 oz of formula a couple of times a day. The first time I attempted it, my son screamed because he didn’t like the taste. But feeling like I was doing him a disservice if I didn’t push forward, I gave him a couple of bottles, maybe 3 at the most, with formula in them. HUGE mistake. He learned very quickly to bite and lick instead of suck. Which HURT a LOT when he was nursing. So I did my own “scientific” experiment and I expressed milk with a manual pump one night while he was drinking the formula. In the time it took him to drink that 1/2 oz of formula, I was able to pump 2 full oz of milk. After learning that, I decided to ignore the pedi advice (my own choice, I am not advocating that anyone else should do that) and strictly breastfeed. It has been 2 full weeks, possibly 2 1/2 weeks since he had those bottles and we are still dealing with the biting and licking during some feedings. I am hoping that he will forget that learned behavior soon. At his last Dr appt he had not only gotten back to his birth weight, but has surpassed it.

By: Patches of Thyme

Patches of Thyme — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:45:13 +0000

Great great advice and encouragement. From a former La Leche League , the only thing I would add is to contact your local La Leche League group or leader. you will find such encouragement. They are well trained in many areas of breastfeeding, even if you are having no problems. And yes nursing is natural but sometimes it does not always come easy. Very well worth it though!!! Thanks for such a great post

By: Natalie L.

Natalie L. — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:58:46 +0000

Thanks for the advice! I was never able to get a decent milk supply for my baby. I don't know if it was because I didn't produce enough milk, or that my daughter didn't stimulate my breasts enough to make enough milk. For the first 5 months of her life she only took one side at a feeding. When she was 6 months old I got pregnant again, and that reduced my milk even more so that I had no choice but to supplement her. (I make her formula using raw goat milk as a base, and it's worked out really well!) It just about killed me to have to start weaning so early, I had been hoping to tandem nurse. She was completely weaned at 9 months old. I'm praying that nursing will go way better this time, but was wondering if you had any advice for being able to keep a steady supply of milk during pregnancy? Just in case God decides to bless us again soon after this baby arrives.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:18:38 +0000

My first had nursing issues and we only made it four months. In the birthing center, they recommended taking her to a cranial sacral therapist for help with the nursing. I thought it was a crazy suggestion. For baby #4 and baby #5 I was once again encouraged to go. I am so glad I did. Within 24 hours it was if I was nursing a different child. I nursed baby #4 for 12 months and baby #5 is just 2 weeks old, but nursing great. So, if your baby is struggling to nurse, it may be worth a try to get outside help. I will also put in a plug for Mama's Milk tea. It helped my milk come in much quicker this time. I also used Eden Salve from the Bulk Herb Store on my sore nipples and rubbed it all over my chest when I was engorged. It took the redness right away.
Kim Crawford