Comments on: Diary of Nursing a Low Milk Supply http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html Naturally inspired living for the Christian homemaker Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:07:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Kristenhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-64967 Kristen Sat, 23 Jul 2011 07:24:06 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-64967 I, too, was encouraged to read your posting and all these comments. My son is 10 months old, and I have been struggling with low milk supply since he was 7 months old. Everyone seemed to think my milk was drying up, and that I should just give him formula and move on, but that just didn't feel right to me so I did everything I could and kept persisting with nursing. My husband and I are missionaries in South Sudan, so haven't had access to much support (let alone a good pump!), but I've been emailing someone from La Leche League, and I started taking fenugreek and expressing milk like crazy and nursing ALL day and several times during the night. Somewhere around 9 months I felt like my milk supply was at a good level again (at 7.5 months my supply was so low it felt like there was hardly anything in there!). I've struggled with how to balance nursing and solids (I appreciated your post on solids and I will definitely do things differently with my next baby--more milk longer, less fuss over solids!), and now I'm still trying to prioritize nursing until my son is around 1 year old, but he seems less interested in nursing these days during the day. He just nurses for short quick sessions and ends each session with a bite (ouch!). I want to keep nursing often because I'm afraid of my supply decreasing again, but when he bites I have to stop that session and then often he isn't interested again for quite a while. Sorry that this is getting a bit long-winded. It's just exciting to find an online community of like-minded nursing moms who might "get" my situation when there are very few people here who do! I, too, was encouraged to read your posting and all these comments. My son is 10 months old, and I have been struggling with low milk supply since he was 7 months old. Everyone seemed to think my milk was drying up, and that I should just give him formula and move on, but that just didn't feel right to me so I did everything I could and kept persisting with nursing. My husband and I are missionaries in South Sudan, so haven't had access to much support (let alone a good pump!), but I've been emailing someone from La Leche League, and I started taking fenugreek and expressing milk like crazy and nursing ALL day and several times during the night. Somewhere around 9 months I felt like my milk supply was at a good level again (at 7.5 months my supply was so low it felt like there was hardly anything in there!). I've struggled with how to balance nursing and solids (I appreciated your post on solids and I will definitely do things differently with my next baby--more milk longer, less fuss over solids!), and now I'm still trying to prioritize nursing until my son is around 1 year old, but he seems less interested in nursing these days during the day. He just nurses for short quick sessions and ends each session with a bite (ouch!). I want to keep nursing often because I'm afraid of my supply decreasing again, but when he bites I have to stop that session and then often he isn't interested again for quite a while. Sorry that this is getting a bit long-winded. It's just exciting to find an online community of like-minded nursing moms who might "get" my situation when there are very few people here who do!

]]> By: Alinahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-64856 Alina Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:41:25 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-64856 This is such an encouragement! I have been exclusively breastfeeding my daughter since birth (she's now 7 months old) and feel like I have a low milk supply. I read your post on solids, too, and I'm so glad to hear I'm not crazy. I've been nursing her almost ever 2-3 hours during the day (might be a growth spurt) lately but I want to do whatever I can to keep my supply up and not replace milk with solids as what she needs is the liquid gold. I feel like i'm nursing a lot and it is effort but so worth it to know she's getting the good stuff. Thanks so much for the encouragement! This is such an encouragement! I have been exclusively breastfeeding my daughter since birth (she's now 7 months old) and feel like I have a low milk supply. I read your post on solids, too, and I'm so glad to hear I'm not crazy. I've been nursing her almost ever 2-3 hours during the day (might be a growth spurt) lately but I want to do whatever I can to keep my supply up and not replace milk with solids as what she needs is the liquid gold. I feel like i'm nursing a lot and it is effort but so worth it to know she's getting the good stuff. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

]]> By: Jamie Dhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-64793 Jamie D Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:06:04 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-64793 Wow! Did I need this! I can already see that my reply will be rather lengthy as this has struck a cord for me, so I am going to pre-apologize for taking up so much space! I have a one month old little boy who was born premature and also struggles with acid reflux. I talked to a local nurse lactation consultant today and got a little hope from her suggestions, but was still wondering if I could souly breastfeed my son. I have struggled with a low milk supply in the past and was able to breastfeed my daughter for only 3 months. My son had a better latch and drawl so I was very hopeful this time around. I started pumping immediately after he was born and continued to pump on a 2 or 3 hour schedule, determined to get it down this time. But after bringing him home to deal with 2 hour feedings/pumping sessions as well as a two year old and household in need of my attention due to a 5 day stay in the NICU (still relatively short considering some other preemies), I gave in to supplementation with the recommended 22cal formula. I just didn't see any increase in my supply, just a decrease in sleep and energy. I know some would condemn me for giving up..ever..but sometimes sanity has to come first in order to properly take care of your family. I am still trying to nurse him (as we speek) but often feel defeated as he never seems satisfied after breastfeeding (I already know i'm going to have to make him at least a 3oz bottle after an hour to 2 hour breastfeeding session). I have a receipe for Mother's Milk Cookies given to me by the NICU that aren't too bad and am looking into other ways of increasing my breastmilk (phenugreek, etc) so I hope those die-hards will at least give me credit for that. I would be more than willing to share the receipe for those cookies as they are also chalked full of good fiber and whole grains! My daughter even likes them and (regretably and unfortunately) she is a junk food junky! I am extremely jealous of those who can feed and store milk. Stephanie, your milk seemed to come back full force fairly quickly and I can only hope with each child my experience gets better. I appreciate the renewed hope I got from this blog! Thank you and God bless! :) Wow! Did I need this! I can already see that my reply will be rather lengthy as this has struck a cord for me, so I am going to pre-apologize for taking up so much space! I have a one month old little boy who was born premature and also struggles with acid reflux. I talked to a local nurse lactation consultant today and got a little hope from her suggestions, but was still wondering if I could souly breastfeed my son. I have struggled with a low milk supply in the past and was able to breastfeed my daughter for only 3 months. My son had a better latch and drawl so I was very hopeful this time around. I started pumping immediately after he was born and continued to pump on a 2 or 3 hour schedule, determined to get it down this time. But after bringing him home to deal with 2 hour feedings/pumping sessions as well as a two year old and household in need of my attention due to a 5 day stay in the NICU (still relatively short considering some other preemies), I gave in to supplementation with the recommended 22cal formula. I just didn't see any increase in my supply, just a decrease in sleep and energy. I know some would condemn me for giving up..ever..but sometimes sanity has to come first in order to properly take care of your family. I am still trying to nurse him (as we speek) but often feel defeated as he never seems satisfied after breastfeeding (I already know i'm going to have to make him at least a 3oz bottle after an hour to 2 hour breastfeeding session). I have a receipe for Mother's Milk Cookies given to me by the NICU that aren't too bad and am looking into other ways of increasing my breastmilk (phenugreek, etc) so I hope those die-hards will at least give me credit for that. I would be more than willing to share the receipe for those cookies as they are also chalked full of good fiber and whole grains! My daughter even likes them and (regretably and unfortunately) she is a junk food junky! I am extremely jealous of those who can feed and store milk. Stephanie, your milk seemed to come back full force fairly quickly and I can only hope with each child my experience gets better. I appreciate the renewed hope I got from this blog! Thank you and God bless! :)

]]> By: Bekhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-47347 Bek Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:37:29 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-47347 I know this is almost a year old already but if anyone stumbles across it like I did, and you are looking to increase supply, try Fenugreek (herbal supplement). I just got some from the health food store and it doubled my supply within a day or 2. Take it for at least a week but it is safe to take longer. Phase it out when you want to stop taking it so the supply doesn't drop back down and make sure you take it with food. On an empty stomach is painful. I know this is almost a year old already but if anyone stumbles across it like I did, and you are looking to increase supply, try Fenugreek (herbal supplement). I just got some from the health food store and it doubled my supply within a day or 2. Take it for at least a week but it is safe to take longer. Phase it out when you want to stop taking it so the supply doesn't drop back down and make sure you take it with food. On an empty stomach is painful.

]]> By: Brendahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-30843 Brenda Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:00:04 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-30843 Hi Stephanie, I just found your blog and was reading through all your breastfeeding posts. Did you know that peppermint can really decrease milk supply? I saw it in your tea recipe. Two great resources on herbs and breastfeeding are Sheila Humphrey's "The Nursing Mother's Herbal" and the section "Herbs and Breastfeeding" on kellymom.com It's so great to see your commitment to giving your babies mama's milk! Hi Stephanie,

I just found your blog and was reading through all your breastfeeding posts. Did you know that peppermint can really decrease milk supply? I saw it in your tea recipe. Two great resources on herbs and breastfeeding are Sheila Humphrey's "The Nursing Mother's Herbal" and the section "Herbs and Breastfeeding" on kellymom.com

It's so great to see your commitment to giving your babies mama's milk!

]]> By: Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmethttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-29211 Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:02:16 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-29211 Stephanie! You've done such a great job getting your milk supply up. Yeah! Truthfully, I was so worried for you. My sister just did a ten day trip and her little one (older than yours) entirely forgot how to nurse and refused to try. Nursing had to be given up completely in the end (though she still pumps a little for him). So I was so worried that it would happen to you to. So glad to see the happy ending. :-) From my own experience I can say that nursing often really does the trick of increasing supply. I nursed Elena often anyways because it was the only way I kept my breast infections at bay, but there were a few times (after a severe flu and after I had a medication that dried up my milk) where my milk supply was quite low. I nursed her as often as she wanted even when I didn't have any milk (about every two hours) and it was back within no time. I know that's not everyone's experience, but I do think that some people aren't as willing to nurse more often because of scheduling difficulties. It was so worth it for me though. :-) .-= Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet´s last blog ..<a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2009/11/the-healthy-1-menu-peasant-lentil-kale-soup.html" rel="nofollow">The Healthy $1 Menu: Peasant Lentil & Kale Soup</a> =-. Stephanie!

You've done such a great job getting your milk supply up. Yeah! Truthfully, I was so worried for you. My sister just did a ten day trip and her little one (older than yours) entirely forgot how to nurse and refused to try. Nursing had to be given up completely in the end (though she still pumps a little for him). So I was so worried that it would happen to you to. So glad to see the happy ending. :-)

From my own experience I can say that nursing often really does the trick of increasing supply. I nursed Elena often anyways because it was the only way I kept my breast infections at bay, but there were a few times (after a severe flu and after I had a medication that dried up my milk) where my milk supply was quite low. I nursed her as often as she wanted even when I didn't have any milk (about every two hours) and it was back within no time. I know that's not everyone's experience, but I do think that some people aren't as willing to nurse more often because of scheduling difficulties. It was so worth it for me though. :-)
.-= Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet´s last blog ..The Healthy $1 Menu: Peasant Lentil & Kale Soup =-.

]]> By: Emilyhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-28922 Emily Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:02:30 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-28922 I am so glad that this all went so well for you! I must say though, even what you call 'low supply' sounds like a lot to me - and makes me slightly jealous, in a healthy way. :) (who has struggled with 2 and a low supply both times, especially with my son) I always nursed on both sides (sometimes not with my daughter) and was every two hours through 4 months and at least once through the night until we were on some solids. Be encouraged! and keep up the diligence when it is disheartening and tiring! I am so glad that this all went so well for you! I must say though, even what you call 'low supply' sounds like a lot to me - and makes me slightly jealous, in a healthy way. :) (who has struggled with 2 and a low supply both times, especially with my son) I always nursed on both sides (sometimes not with my daughter) and was every two hours through 4 months and at least once through the night until we were on some solids. Be encouraged! and keep up the diligence when it is disheartening and tiring!

]]> By: Cynthiahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-28910 Cynthia Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:38:57 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-28910 WOW! Stephanie... I am totally impressed! Maybe one of these days (if I ever get time) I will post about how I had to nurse.... pump.... train.... help.... and use an SNS system (thanks to my wise midwife!!) to get my little special needs guy (complete with heart defect and hypotonia--weak muslces) to nurse! What a challenge!! BUT-- what a blessing! God Bless! ~Cynthia WOW! Stephanie... I am totally impressed! Maybe one of these days (if I ever get time) I will post about how I had to nurse.... pump.... train.... help.... and use an SNS system (thanks to my wise midwife!!) to get my little special needs guy (complete with heart defect and hypotonia--weak muslces) to nurse! What a challenge!! BUT-- what a blessing! God Bless!
~Cynthia

]]> By: Twin Momma Kathleenhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-28903 Twin Momma Kathleen Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:02:40 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-28903 Hi Stephanie! I just stumbled upon your blog and LOVE IT!!! I am the mother of twins, so I needed to constantly pump in order to produce enough milk to satisfy both my son and daughter. What I found most helpful is a product that I hope every nursing, or pumping mother gets the chance to try...its a bra that allows you to pump completely HANDS FREE...and When you are hands-free you are not constantly thinking you are pumping...so...you are more relaxed...which then usually allows you to produce more milk! It’s made by Easy Expression (www.easyexpression.com). Thanks for sharing, I look forward to your future posts! Twin Momma Kathleen Hi Stephanie! I just stumbled upon your blog and LOVE IT!!! I am the mother of twins, so I needed to constantly pump in order to produce enough milk to satisfy both my son and daughter. What I found most helpful is a product that I hope every nursing, or pumping mother gets the chance to try...its a bra that allows you to pump completely HANDS FREE...and When you are hands-free you are not constantly thinking you are pumping...so...you are more relaxed...which then usually allows you to produce more milk! It’s made by Easy Expression (www.easyexpression.com). Thanks for sharing, I look forward to your future posts!
Twin Momma Kathleen

]]> By: chttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/11/diary-of-nursing-a-low-milk-supply.html/comment-page-1#comment-28864 c Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:13:44 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=982#comment-28864 I'm prego with twins (our first) so there was a lot of helpful info in here for me...trying to do all I can to prep and educate myself on nursing both of them. Thx .-= c´s last blog ..<a href="http://inspiration4theday.blogspot.com/2009/11/guess-what.html" rel="nofollow">Guess what????</a> =-. I'm prego with twins (our first) so there was a lot of helpful info in here for me...trying to do all I can to prep and educate myself on nursing both of them. Thx
.-= c´s last blog ..Guess what???? =-.

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