Does anyone have any tips for encouraging lactation?

butrfly · Feb 3rd, 2009, 19:32 PM

Does anyone have any tips for encouraging lactation?

My mom wasn't able to breastfeed her kids (including me) because the doctor said she wasn't making enough milk. And this might be a genetic thing (or so the doctor says)... so I'm a bit worried about being able to breastfeed my son once he's born.

I really want to be able to breastfeed and wondered if anyone can offer advice on how to encourage lactation.

When should I start expecting a bit of milk to come out? Do I have to have a special diet? Do I have to massage my breasts? Please send some info my way...

godivalocks · Feb 3rd, 2009, 20:27 PM

I'm no expert, but everything I've read said that boobs are a supply and demand type factory, therefor, the more you give in to the lo's demands, the more supply should come in.

The books also said, it should take a few days for your milk to come in after birth, but that a newborn is equipped to help feed itself during that time (fat stores, etc).

Also, I read that a newborn's stomach can only hold about a teaspoon (which isn't very much at all) so the colostrum that you produce during those first few days should be enough until your milk comes in.

Don't know if that helps any.

cinnamum · Feb 3rd, 2009, 20:31 PM

i agree with godivalocks breastfeeding is very much supply and demand.
my mum couldn't breastfeed and i breastfed fine, so fingers crossed for you hun! x x x x
if your worried about not producing enough, pump some off after his/her feeds and your boobies will make more milk and then you'll never have too little! x x x x x

ajarvis · Feb 4th, 2009, 00:19 AM

I agree with supply and demand, but also you need to drink plenty of water, and make sure you're getting enough to eat. My lactation consultant always said to make sure to drink a bottle or glass of water while nursing and one in between feeds and that it'd help keep supply up. Also be aware that your milk might not come in right away. No one told me it can take up to 5 days lol. My son lost his mind on the 4th night about 4 or 5 hours before my milk came in cause he was tired of colustrum lol. I talked to so many women that had the same experience and almost or did gie in to formula which makes it worse because then you're not having baby on the breast demanding milk!

DolceBella · Feb 4th, 2009, 01:42 AM

If you go to the Le Leche website, they can really help you out! It's www.llli.org

mariucha77 · Feb 4th, 2009, 03:54 AM

I can recommend you a great book. It's called "So that's what they are for". I bought it when I was pregnant with my first. So funny but also filled with information. Never had a problem breastfeeding.

Sarah88 · Feb 4th, 2009, 03:58 AM

Most doctors don't know jack sh!t about breastfeeding, get in contact with a good lactation consultantand have a chat with her!

Feb 3rd, 2009, 19:32 PM	#1
butrfly Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bali, Indonesia Posts: 1,427	Does anyone have any tips for encouraging lactation? Does anyone have any tips for encouraging lactation? My mom wasn't able to breastfeed her kids (including me) because the doctor said she wasn't making enough milk. And this might be a genetic thing (or so the doctor says)... so I'm a bit worried about being able to breastfeed my son once he's born. I really want to be able to breastfeed and wondered if anyone can offer advice on how to encourage lactation. When should I start expecting a bit of milk to come out? Do I have to have a special diet? Do I have to massage my breasts? Please send some info my way...

Status: Offline

Feb 3rd, 2009, 20:27 PM	#2
godivalocks Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: In front of my computer Posts: 893	I'm no expert, but everything I've read said that boobs are a supply and demand type factory, therefor, the more you give in to the lo's demands, the more supply should come in. The books also said, it should take a few days for your milk to come in after birth, but that a newborn is equipped to help feed itself during that time (fat stores, etc). Also, I read that a newborn's stomach can only hold about a teaspoon (which isn't very much at all) so the colostrum that you produce during those first few days should be enough until your milk comes in. Don't know if that helps any.

Status: Offline

Feb 3rd, 2009, 20:31 PM	#3
cinnamum Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Poole, Dorset Posts: 3,361	i agree with godivalocks breastfeeding is very much supply and demand. my mum couldn't breastfeed and i breastfed fine, so fingers crossed for you hun! x x x x if your worried about not producing enough, pump some off after his/her feeds and your boobies will make more milk and then you'll never have too little! x x x x x

Status: Online

Feb 4th, 2009, 00:19 AM	#4
ajarvis Pregnant (Expecting) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 2,301	I agree with supply and demand, but also you need to drink plenty of water, and make sure you're getting enough to eat. My lactation consultant always said to make sure to drink a bottle or glass of water while nursing and one in between feeds and that it'd help keep supply up. Also be aware that your milk might not come in right away. No one told me it can take up to 5 days lol. My son lost his mind on the 4th night about 4 or 5 hours before my milk came in cause he was tired of colustrum lol. I talked to so many women that had the same experience and almost or did gie in to formula which makes it worse because then you're not having baby on the breast demanding milk!

Status: Offline

Feb 4th, 2009, 01:42 AM	#5
DolceBella Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,286	If you go to the Le Leche website, they can really help you out! It's www.llli.org

Status: Offline

Feb 4th, 2009, 03:54 AM	#6
mariucha77 Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 522	I can recommend you a great book. It's called "So that's what they are for". I bought it when I was pregnant with my first. So funny but also filled with information. Never had a problem breastfeeding.

Status: Offline

Feb 4th, 2009, 03:58 AM	#7
Sarah88 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 3,573	Most doctors don't know jack sh!t about breastfeeding, get in contact with a good lactation consultantand have a chat with her!

Status: Offline

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