Increasing milk supply - any suggestions?

[LackingNicknameInspiration]

Hello

Am wondering if anyone can offer any tips here....

I'm currently BF 4 month old DD2. BF DD1 until she was 9 months with no probs whatsoever but am currently a bit concerned about my milk supply. DD2 was much bigger than DD1 (9lbs 10 rather than 8lbs 5) and I've never quite felt that I had as much milk as first time round - for example, I've always had to feed from both sides and am never entirely sure that she's had enough when she stops feeding as she's sometimes a bit tetchy. She is now taking quite short feeds during the day, which I realise might just be because she's more efficient, but she's also feeding every 2 hours or so at night - which I can cope with but am wondering if it's because she's not getting enough milk from me in the day. DD1 is 2 1/2 YO, and life would be easier if DD2 fed more in the day rather than at night so I could get a leetle bit more sleep (even if only for a week!!) but, despite making a conscious effort to offer DD2 feeds more often during the day, I'm still concerned that I don't have enough milk in the day. Any suggestions for increasing supply during the day or should I start to think about weaning - she's just turned 19 weeks old but I'd like to hold off as long as poss as I'm a bit paranoid about various allergies on my side of the family.

Any suggestions gratefully received - thanks!

Sounds like you're doing really well. My children are 9 and 10 now but 19 month age gap. Lots of work for you having a toddler and a baby - you have my sympathy! I found it got easier when baby was 6 months and could sit up. Keep putting her to the breast during the day. If at all possible (ie if someone else could care for DD1 for a long morning/afternoon) go to bed with baby in day and put her to breast as much as you can. Rest and relaxation and having the baby close to you will help increase milk supply. I used to sit down with my toddler with a BIG pile of books and read as much as possible while baby was feeding. Do not feel guilty about sitting down lots with TV/DVDs for toddler. Don't give up!

Not sure how you feel about this but in Germany they advise drinking sparkling white wine to improve milk supply. I haven't tried it as I've not had any supply problems up to now, but I know someone who has and it really did work.

My dd often liked to have four or more sides at each feed. It was almost as though one was meat and the other potatoes, so she would have a bit of each until she was full. So you could try going back to the first side when she pulls away. There is a 4 month growth spurt and feeding during the night is in fact the best way to stimulate your supply.

Watching this thread with interest and i am loving janiemouse's suggestion- will show it to DH and try and convince him to let me try this!

Hi All
Thanks so much for the replies - witch, I'm pleased to hear there's a growth spurt around now, had completely forgotten when they are and hopefully that means that this too will pass - and will try and cram a bit more into her as you suggest! And if that doesn't work, I'd be delighted to try out janiemouse's advice - in the interests of research, obviously.
And thank you very much indeed, Fifi for your kind words and practical advice - perfectly timed as I was just going to see if introducing a formula feed would help and would really prefer not to, as I managed BF only to 8 months with DD1 and would like to do the same for DD2 - particularly as the end is in sight now. Have the in-laws down in a week's time, so am going to postpone the IKEA trip and take your advice - if nothing else, will be some lovely time with her. Appreciate the encouragement too - sometimes that's all you need, isn't it.
Thanks again to you all - off now with a warm ready-brek style glow to have a rest before the 10pm feed!

When i was breast feeding i tried every possible suplement as well as domperidone on prescription. Nothing worked. My sister ate / drank and rested really well and is still breast feeding at 11 months. However, her baby does have excema and is always the first to get a cold. I say to friends do your best but dont torture yourself, bf is not for everyone. Good luck.

Hi Lacking,
It does sound like DD is going through that 4 month growth spurt - poor you!

I tried fenugreek for poor milk supply as well as expressing between feeds. I also kept swapping breasts during a feed. On the mornings that my other DSs were at school/pre school, I just sat and fed as much as I could.

Are you co-sleeping btw? It's the one thing that has kept me sane as my 6 mo. is still feeding a lot through the night and I can just roll over and feed and doze.

Can the in laws take your 2.5 yo old off for an afternoon and let you get some rest and skin to skin time with your LO?

There's loads more advice on kellymom, but I guess you've probably been there.

Stick at it though, things seem rubbish at the moment but it will be a distant blur when you look back on it. (well that's what I keep telling myself!)