Help with increasing flow?

[my1stbump]

Im not sure what you do and thought you guys would know what is best..

I have been BF deacon since he was born, but over the last 3 weeks or so he doesnt seem satisfied with what he is getting from me, I explained this to my HV and she said that he has had a growth spout and thats why he seems to be feeding all the time.

Whilst this was going on I was topping up Breastmilk with formula and this seemed to make him setteld. And occasionally I would make him a full formula feed.

I bought a breast pump so that I could avoid full formula feeds and was managing to produce 9oz from one boob alone, I also had a painful let down and was tested for Thrush in the boob and was given the all clear.

Here's my prob...

I dont seem to be getting as much milk from expressing now, and I end up topping up most of the time with formula, I really want to carry on BF but they feel EMPTY.. (when he is attached tho he seems to getting loads)

I know they aren't but I cant believe the difference, is this because I have mixed with formula and my boobs are just producing what I need? Or are they giving up... I feel like I am too.

How can I increase my flow???

 

[jenstar]

There are loads of tips on here for increasing supply.

Skin to skin worked best for me, just lying in bed all afternoon with baby and no clothes on. A bit impractical but hey!

Dunno why you would be producing less, I know it's supposed to be supply and demand but I would have thought that using your pump would be much the same as the baby suckling so that would let the boobs know to produce more..........?

Good luck anyway hope it all works out.

 

[marley2580]

Your supply has regulated, which means that it's only really producing milk when your baby feeds, whereas prior to this your breasts were making milk automatically. If you really want to increase your supply and/or exclusively breast feed, you really should drop the top ups, as they won't be helping at all. Your supply will up itself within about two days.

 

[Ragirl]

I agree with Marley. You have the stop the top offs (which does make for a rough few days) and try to bf more frequently and for longer periods. Also, if he does get full and stop nursing and you think there is more there- you can pump AFTER he is done to make sure they are drained so your body knows to produce more. Pumping is not the same as having baby nurse directly- for whatever reason, your body gets different messages. For example, I work full time- so I pump during the week at the exact same times she would normally be nursing and I pump until they are dry. Yet, my supply goes down over the course of the week and on Mondays it's great again after a weekend of her nursing directly.

Other things to increase supply: be sure you are drinking enough water, Mother's milk tea, Fenugreek supplements, and beer (I hear Guniness is the best though I usually drink a light beer and it works too). Good luck and don't give up!!!

 

[ani]

Apparently oatmeal porridge has worked well for some people, too!

 

[Serene123]

Drop the topups! You will only make things worse with those. They get used to the flow of the bottles, and bottles are ALOT easier than breast. Get him on all day everyday and your supply will increase x

 

[Mervs Mum]

Its hard but its the same old story - you just have to keep putting them on. I fed every 2 hours yesterday sleep and I can already feel a difference since I got up this morning.

Well done hun - you're doing a fab job. xx

 

[Samantha675]

The others have already said it, just wanted to add my support and say well done love!!!