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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Ran out of milk the other day.

30 replies

ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 20:11

How can I prevent this happening again?

Which foods are good for milk production?

And what shall I avoid?

He's 15-16 weeks BTW.

OP posts:
moondog · 05/08/2007 20:12

Why do yuo think you ran out of milk?

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:14

Boobs v small. Usually huge (well for me anyway!), then decrease as he drinks his fill. Next feed is on large boob side. However he drained both sides, and that was that.He sucked on and off all evening in the hope some would come . And a little did, but not much.

OP posts:
moondog · 05/08/2007 21:18

Thomas,breast side is nothing to do with how much milk is there.Breasts work on a supply and demand basis.The more a baby needs,the more he will suck.
More sucking stimulates the breasts to produce more.It does NOT mean that there isn't enough milk although unfortunately many women fail to understand this and then panic.

Often people then start giving formula 'top ups' which make the problem worse as of course the baby is full of formula so sucks less on the breast which in turn leads to less milk being produced.

It is really really important that you understand this supply and demand issue.It is crucial to a successful experience of breastfeeding.

Can you see what I am saYING?

uberalicelongbottom · 05/08/2007 21:19

Sounds like he might have just wanted to suck. You did the right thing - just let him suck, and your breasts will twig that they need to produce more. FWIW, I find that drinking water seems to help me produce more milk, even though I've read that the amount you drink shouldn't make any difference.

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:21

Yes Moon dog, but they were really empty, deflated, smarties on a snooker table, etc

OP posts:
Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:23

Am making a concerted effort to drink uberalice. And not just vino.

OP posts:
Habbibu · 05/08/2007 21:23

Sometimes I think you need to think you're doing something to increase supply - although you know the theory, it's hard to believe when they're sucking and sucking and you feel quite "empty". I used to take a break from my daughter's 5 hour evening sessions, and have a 20 min hot bath. That, plus switching sides when she stopped and began to get very fussy, and I couldn't express a drop from one side, seemed to do the trick (in my head, if nowhere else), and in a week or so it stopped seeming like a problem.

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:24

Yes actually, having a shower helps, it comes squirting out for some reason. Will try that Habbibu.

OP posts:
uberalicelongbottom · 05/08/2007 21:25

LOL

MrsBadger · 05/08/2007 21:26

there was a fab analogy a friend mentioned the other day about a tap trickling into a bucket - even if you drink all the water that's accumulated in the bucket there's no need to wait till the bucket refills to have another drink, just drink straight from the tap...

uberalicelongbottom · 05/08/2007 21:27

"smarties on a snooker table"
I like the expression two aspirins on an ironing board

moondog · 05/08/2007 21:36

lol

Mine rarely if ever felt 'full' either but I knew that if my body had been clever enoufgh to make a baby,it was clever enough to feed it.

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:47

Ok, so the message is have faith, it'll be fine.
But is there anything I can be doing to help?
I have to confess I did come v close to a formula feed when it happened.

OP posts:
Habbibu · 05/08/2007 21:55

By letting your baby suck, you are doing what you need to help. Feet up, cup of tea, remote controls to hand and enjoy enforced rest. Doctor's orders.

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 05/08/2007 21:56

Sounds v nice. ok then!

OP posts:
sushipaws · 05/08/2007 22:06

My HV told me to drink a small can of guinness, eat some malted bread and put me feet up. Also eat small and offen. My DD goes through feeding fits that can last days, feel exhausted and empty but it comes back.

Good Luck

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 06/08/2007 20:39

Am bumping for some more ideas on maximising milk production.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 06/08/2007 20:39

Am bumping for some more ideas on maximising milk production.

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 06/08/2007 20:47

Just feed.

Your body's got good at making milk now.

It knows how much he'll need at a feed.

It doesn't over-produce before a feed, it'll be making milk as he's feeding.

You didn't run out of milk because it's not possible.

You don't need to give formula (in fact, if you do, you run the risk of not producing enough milk because your body won't know it's meant to be making it).

You just have to trust your body, breastfeed your baby for as long as he wants and relax.

Please don't bother with herbs and potions and old wives tales. You'll stress yourself out and spend money you don't need to spend.

Honestly. Trust me, I'm a hunkermunker

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 06/08/2007 20:53

Ok I'll stop stressing. Thank you hunkermunker. I can see why so many people switch at 3 months, but I shall continue as I am.

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 06/08/2007 20:59

You're welcome.

I just hate to think of you fretting over something that's not worth fretting over.

Is your DS happy, alert, shiny-eyed, damp nose (oh, no, hang on, that's cocker spaniels) - if he's a lively chap, he's fine.

Also, once they get to this age, they start realising they can choose to do things - or rather, they realise that there are some things they prefer to do (ie nuzzle up to their mums for a milky cuddle) and some things they aren't as keen on (ie stopping nuzzling up to their mums for milky cuddles).

And they're more easily distracted too, so sometimes they'll begin to feed less during the day (because there are Important Things to look at - DS1 used to get transfixed by my arm or a bit of wall, DS2 was very distracted if I wore tops with patterns on them) - breastfeeding's something where you meet new challenges along the way as your child grows and your relationship develops.

It's lovely though - I'm glad you're continuing. It's worth it

Original poster
ThomasTankEngine · 06/08/2007 21:08

Thank you Hunkermunker. He is a very happy little thing. I appreciate your support.

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 06/08/2007 21:09

Any time, TTE

determination · 06/08/2007 22:21

Hi TTE,

I just noticed that i hadn't put my mark here!

Feed feed feed, loads of skin to skin to get the good old prolactin flowing... do not supplement as this will decrease breast stimulation (unless using an SNS), ensure that your positioning and attachment is perfect and some of this if necessary Lactogenic Foods and Herbs or or some of this

Just be very aware that if you start Over producing this could lead to problems such as blocked ducts, mastitis etc

determination · 06/08/2007 22:23

and i have just read the full thread sorry for the previous post! Hunker is dead right... on every point .>>. stop stressing