Any tips for increasing milk supply?

[EJThompson2]

Hello.

My baby is 5 days old, I formula fed for the first day due to having flat nipples and trouble latching. I've since been expressing my breast milk but I only manage to express an ounce at a time so I'm still using formula every other feed. Baby is healthy and had gained weight since birth but I'm wanting to eventually exclusively breast feed.

He will drink between an ounce to 2 every 2 - 3 hours so my supply isn't too bad I just want to get rid of the formula

Any tips/experiences will be greatly received! Thanks x

[Donn001]

Hi, my dr told me that oats is good for milk supply and plenty of fluids. Also i found when i breast feed i was never sure how much my son was getting and with weather being really warm last july, i expressed also. How often are you expressing? I would have got about 5 onzes from each breast in the evening and used that for his night time feed but he started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks so because he wasnt latching on at night time that reduced my milk flow during the day, as i was told the night feed will keep the milk supply flowing. Mine gradually reduced to about 2 onzes each breast over next 2 weeks then i commenced him on formula as i wasnt making enough. Try increasing your expressing and see if that helps. Also if your health visitor is good they should be able to give you advise x

[EJThompson2 in reply to Donn001]

Hi thank you, that's really helpful. I haven't been expressing at all at night so that's a good idea! I've just been doing it when I feel like my boobs are full. Should I stick to a routine? Like pump every 2 hours? Also how long did you pump for? I've been doing 10 mins at a time cos I find it really draining but I really want to get him solely on breast milk x

[Donn001 in reply to EJThompson2]

When i got my manual pump i would maybe express about 2/3 times a day and would have breast feed first thing in the morning and once or twice more during the day. My mother in law was over at our house every night for weeks as it was her first grandchild and i didnt feel comfortable feeding the child infront of anyone apart from my partner so thats why i bought the pump. I did find when i breast feed i tended to make a little more milk as the baby will suck at their speed and probably because the pump is a little harder and a different speed to baby it maybe doesnt make as much.. im not sure sorry..

I did it maybe every 3 hours or so and popped it in fridge if not needed straight away. It can be saved for upto 5 days and mixed if cooled in fridge first and date of first one used as initial date if that makes sense lol..

I pumped until my flow slowed down, massage sides of breasts too when doing to try and get as much as you can. Do it in the morning after he has had a feed, even formula for another while until you get more milk supply and store that for next feed. Even do it watching tv or something so it doesnt drain you as much.. and dont be ashamed of using formula either. I would have liked to have breast feed for longer but wasnt much point as i wasnt making enough and he got a good 8 weeks worth which i was happy with. You have to look after yourself too congrats btw x

Also i did feed during the night also but after about 4 weeks i found it very difficult for him to latch on properly and get enough so i used formula some nights as was handy made when you have a very hungry son lol..

[Blue1986]

Congratulations on your little baby 😀

I’m make sure that whatever you are doing that baby is having a lot of skin to skin with you. You need to make sure that you are pumping regularly as to empty your breast and increase milk production, every 2-3 hours preferably.

Have you tried letting your baby latch again? Maybe a nipple shield would help? Make sure you are drinking a lot of water and yes oats are great.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Hidden]

Like the others said keep pumping every couple of hours and night time too I think the hours after 1am you produce more of a hormone and im sure I was told it's one of the reasons they want to feed a lot in the early hours because the milk is good. Definitely call the national breastfeeding for advice helpline they are amazing ! Also if the pump isnt doing well check the flange size is right for you perhaps that affects it. I drank a lot of oat milk too. Good luck ! And combination feeding is a really good option to so don't out too much pressure on yourself

[Cook7786]

I had the same trouble. Please try a nipple shield for the first three or four weeks - it was an absolute game changer. Mam or Medala ones are the best. X

[EJThompson2]

Thank you all for your advice. I've noticed the breast pump I'm using makes my nipples easier for him to latch on! Lol So he had a good hour feed. But he was still fussing afterwards so he drank an ounce I had expressed into a bottle. Is this normal? He seemed like he was getting alot of milk on my boob, he kept falling asleep and when he was done his mouth was covered in milk. Maybe he's a really hungry baby?

[plp4]

Yes to all the tips above

Supply equals demand..so signal your brain to increase supply by pumping both breasts preferably together..and yes especially the middle of night pump.

Put baby to breast all the time..

And then later top up

My nipples improved with baby sucking

Lots of hydration

For quick increase in supply ..try Indian remedy Shatavari or shatavarex powder...it is basically asparagus root powder and is an excellent galactagogue which I can swear by..( may be available on eBay) I have an extra sealed pack btw

Also my HV suggested fenugreek capsule..but some babies get gassy with it..but very effective in long term

Could also try cumin seeds..added in curry or just swallow few with water..all these are herbal and kitchen remedies and I did all and it was so helpful..

And relax..and enjoy..easy said than done..supply takes time build up and first 12 weeks are very important..

Hope this helps xx

[EJThompson2 in reply to plp4]

Thank you that's very helpful. I've noticed him latching much easier the passed couple days. I pumped 2 oz today instead of 1 so I'm getting there! Hes only had 1 formula bottle since 2pm yesterday so I'm hoping next couple of days I can get rid of the formula completely