Foods/herbs to boost b-milk, and what to avoid?

[malaleche]

DD2 is 6 mo, exclusively bfed (7 times in 24 hours) and i have the impression my milk supply has dropped in the last week or so. Is there anything I can eat to boost it? Can b-milk 'dry up' even if i'm feeding this often? Am starting her on solids next week but hoped to continue bfeeding for another year...

I believe milk thistle (holland and barrett etc) is good for milk supply

Fenugreek worked for me with dd4, have just bought some today ds1 is 15 weeks

why do you think it is starting to dry up? Is it that your breasts feel emptier, or that she is less satisfied? Have you changed your diet at all (ie trying to lose weight?). If everything else is equal and she doesn't seem as satisfied it might be time for the baby rice this week. Your milk should keep going if you keep feeding her, but she is ready for the hard stuff too now. Good luck with it all.

thanks all -

magnolia - what form of fenugreek? seeds? how do you take it - they're kind of hard aren't they?

badelaide - will check out the milk thistle

sniper - yes they feel emptier and i know this doesnt neccesarily mean theres less milk but i just have the impression shes getting less, have her 6m check up soon so will see what her weight gain is like...

Frequent night feeding is supposed to make a big difference to milk supply because of the hormones produced - but of course you wake up feeling drained by Dracula. Fennel tea can help too... you possibly feel your supply has dropped even though it probably hasn't cause she's ready for solids - hungry!

Fenugreek tablets from Holland and Barret. £7.49 for 100. 3 x daily

There's no reason why your milk should drop, malaleche. If you are certain it has then feeding her more often would boost it far more than any supplement....but honestly, I don't think you need to worry!

It's really normal for your breasts to feel empty after a few months, your body is just being efficient and not making an excess of it anymore. Milk is produced as your baby sucks, so even if they feel empty now your baby will still be getting plenty of milk. Mine feel completely empty right now but I know that if ds needs to feed he will get enough because I can hear him gulping and swallowing!

Your breasts settle down and if you are feeding regularly, you won't have anything like the engorgement of the early weeks. All of these herbs are recommended. The other thing that always increases supply is to get baby to feed for longer?

Many thanks everyone - i know it can feel like theres not much milk anymore even when theres enough but it helps to hear it said again. Will see if i can find milk thistle and fenugreek tablets here in Spain

If you can't find fenugreek tablets you can boil the seeds to make a tea. Smells weird but actually tastes OK.

I've just ordered a special milk supplement from www.breastfeedingheaven.co.uk
have a look!