Just wondering... can you significantly increase breastmilk production 4 months into bf'ing?

[JamesAndTheGiantBanana]

We're mix feeding at 15 weeks but it's mostly formula, and then two or three smallish breastfeeds (usually for comfort/if he wakes in the night at an unusual time and shouldn't be hungry for a bottle/if his bottle isn't ready yet)

Just out of interest, if I was to feed him more and more myself, could my supply increase at this stage?

[whomovedmychocolate]

You could. But you would probably need to feed a lot to do so. Are you looking to exclusively feed him? It has been done in the past successfully by lots of people. Have you tried taking a weekend and just feeding him as much as he'll have every few hours?

[fishie]

don't see why not. you have kept the night feeds going. but you would have to put a lot of feeding time in.

[JamesAndTheGiantBanana]

Don't think I'm looking to exclusively feed him, I just wanted to know if I could as I feel a bit sad it seems to be getting less and less and I love the closeness etc.

I may do what you said and take a weekend to boost my supply so that I could perhaps replace his night feed entirely (no carting bottles and powder upstairs... bliss!)

[Washersaurus]

Hi Banana! I hope you and James are well. Sorry I haven't been on the other thread for so long - I feel a bit too guilty to post as I never have a chance to catch up properly

George is proving to be quite demanding (proving wrong all those laid-back 2nd baby claims). He is both the happiest and the grumpiest baby I have ever come across

[Woollymummy]

Try feeding as much as he can take, AND express in between feeds, to simulate the extra amount you want him to have, esp easy if you can supplement feeds until your supply is up. Your boobs will try and catch up about 24-48 hrs later.

[JamesAndTheGiantBanana]

Thanks for all the advice! think I might give it a go to stop the breastfeeding dwindling off altogether (I need it, not him! He'll drink it any old way, he's not bothered!)

Hi Washersaurus, I think a few regulars of the postnatal thread feel that way, the thread just got too busy to catch up on! But we've just started a new thread if you want to say hello link

Glad to hear you and George are ok, just looked at your pics, he's gorgeous! So he's grumpy AND happy eh? (and probably several of the other dwarves too at times I bet!) James is mostly sunny and smiley but he has a right little temper and a thunderous scowl on him- I've been smacked a few times now when he's throwing a diva strop!

[PrettyCandles]

When dd was 8m or so she had a bout of gastro, and all she 'ate' for nearly a week was breastmilk. She fed almost as often as a newborn, and I could feel myself making more milk. I don't tend to get engorged, and certainly not at 8m, but I could feel my boobs gettting hot and lumpy, just as they do in the earlier weeks of bfing.

After a couple of weeks, as she started increasing her solids again, and reducing her bfing, I had to express a few times to ease off the pressure until my boobs adjusted to produce a little less.

[absandme]

You can increase your milk, don't forget to eat & drink plenty when you are! Also rest as much as poss when you're boosting your milk, beleive it or not, it does help!
If you do express inbetween extra bf don't be dissapointed if very small amount, it will all help!

Good luck!

[moocowme]

i am trying to do this at the moment but only 8 weeks in and got major possible thrush, other than that am feeding as often as possible and am taking motilium which is available over the counter from the chemist.
i can definately feel it working.

you should try to put him on for every feed if only for 10 mins. anything for stimulation.