Breastfeeding and low milk production

[RoseandThyme]

My baby is 14wks, after her 12wk immunisations she had a poorly tummy which lasted nearly a week and went off her food, she did feed but not for very long and only put on 9oz in 3weeks she normally puts on 6+ oz's (at clinic they were not worried about this). My milk supply has never appeared to be alot but as my daughter has increased in weight I have never worried too much about it. She normally feeds about 8times a day for anything between 20mins and 1hour and 20mins, for the last week though she has appeared not to get much from each feed and my breasts do not feel very full, she is almost avoidant of feeding now when tired which i assume is because it takes more effort. I expressed twice last night but did not get much milk especially not the second time i expressed, I don't seem to be making enough milk within the three hours. This morning I resorted to topping up with expressed milk from the freezer but I do not have very much of this and am worried i will now need to start topping up with formula milk. Do you have any advice please, thanks

Rose, you may have less milk if she's not been feeding so much but it will increase and you can continue to bf if you want to. The best way to increase it is to keep feeding your baby. if you've offered both sides and she still wants more, pop her back on the first side again. Your breasts always have milk and the more you feed the more milk you make.

As for not feeling so full, this happens naturally to lots of women. After the first few weeks your body will be more in tune with your babies needs.

Also how much you can express is absolutely no indication of how much you make, so don't let that discourage you. Your baby will also be far more efficient at getting the milk out.

If you are still concerned have a read of this on Kellymom and have you thought of giving one of the helplines a call?

What Julie said. I can totally understand your concerns, but her weight growth seems fine and if you carry on offering the breast things should be fine. If she doesn't seem interested then don't push it. At her age she's likely to be getting more efficient at feeding anyway, and I'd certainly expect you to start to feel less full by now as your supply matches her needs. That all sounds totally normal. I know women with oversupply who can't express a drop despite clearly being full of milk, and women (including me) where the breast feels empty yet I can express 5oz in 10 minutes. Somehow expressing works for some but not others, but is totally unrelated to milk supply.

Somehow expressing works for some but not others, but is totally unrelated to milk supply. couldn't agree with that more. DC1 became a right little chubster but I could hardly ever manage to express a single drop. It really is no indication of how much you are producing Rose .

Hello, Julie and Carrotcake thank you for your messages they have been really helpful and i found the website you recommended very useful. I have struggled with my mum and sister saying that my baby is large and needs more than i am giving, so I have been very reassured by your comments. Many thanks

Some people say, "your baby is large so will need topping up". Or "your baby is small so will need topping up". Both can't be right .

It is really hard when people say this, but the key thing is that her weight is fine and therefore she MUST be getting enough milk.

Honestly, it all sounds good :)

Agree with organic again. Also, you've managed to sustain her through 9 months of pregnancy and 14 weeks of bfing, I'd say you and your body are doing a great job and everything sounds fine .

Do you mix with any other bfing mums? If you are getting well intentioned but unhelpful comments it might be good to start going along to your local bfing support group or even your local NCT group. Have a look here for where your nearest bfing support group might be or try www.nct.org.uk for their groups or ask at your local Children's Centre.

Again, what Julie said. LOL

(Mutual appreciation society )

But seriously, often Bfing groups can be a great way to get the "real" info on what is normal and not.

Also, if your DD is large how did she get that way? By you feeding her with your milk!

If you are worried about her weight gain, try offering more feeds (if she squeaks, shuffles or opens her mouth offer!) and more 'sides' per feed (e.g. if she starts on the left, when she comes off, offer the right, and if she takes that and comes off, offer the left again and so on). They are the easiest and lowest effort ways to increase milk supply (if you need to) and increase milk intake. I'd much prefer to feed more often for a few days than add in pumping sessions and bottle feeds!

If your DD is happy with what she is currently getting, she will refuse the extra feeds and extra sides, if she wants the extra then she will take it and you have the opportunity to get your body to make more milk for her. Win win!

Definitely agree with the JJJ & OCC mutual appreciation society bfing groups can really help - after all the people there are a) going through it right now or b) have been through and had training in how bfing works too so know their onions (or breasts!).

Thanks for the messages, aswell as
being helpful they made me chuckle. I will try my local group although i have just met a mum who also breast feeds, maybe we can help each other. Thank you.