There are four questions I always ask moms when they tell me they have no milk.
First, I assess whether or not the baby seems to be getting milk. Do you hear them swallow? Are they feeding 8-12 times per day? Are they wetting and or soiling their diaper at least 6 times per day?
If you answered yes to the questions, there is probably enough milk. If you answered no to any there could be a problem with milk production. If you think there is a problem, Next I ask 4 questions?
1. Are you emptying your breasts at least every 3-4 hours during the entire 24 hours per day? This is important; your body will only refill what is used. It is a simply Demand=Supply system.
If you do not empty when your baby misses a feeding your milk supply will dwindle. It is imperative that you empty by pumping or manual expression if you are supplementing with a bottle. This means no sleeping through the night without emptying during the first few weeks AND you must pump every 3-4 hours while at work if you want to make the milk. If you don't your body will automatically produce less milk. You did not demand/empty it so it will NOT make it. Even if this means pumping at 3am. (sorry new moms letting daddy give a bottle so you can sleep will reduce your supply) It is better at 3 am then have too little milk and have a fussy baby. It can take days to restore your milk supply if diminished. Trust me, I made this mistake. I was working and did not make time to pump, and the next day was miserable for myself and my daughter.
2. Are you drinking enough water? Enough is more than you think, it is recommended to drink 10-12 eight ounce glasses of water a day. Coffee and cold drinks DO NOT count. So drink, drink and drink some more. Studies have also shown that drinking adequate amounts of water will help relieve symptoms of exhaustion.
3. Are you getting sleep? I will not even say enough sleep. That is a joke. As I discuss on my website, sleep when the baby sleeps. When you are exhausted, your body goes on survival mode and milk production is not on the survival list.
4. Are you taking a prenatal vitamin? This is a must, the entire time you breastfeed. The baby will deplete all your resources.You may feel horrible and your milk supply can dwindle if you neglect to take your vitamins everyday. Because believe me, you will not have time to have a well balanced diet. Especially the first few week
I would like to mention that there are herbal supplements and prescription medications called galactogogues available for insufficient milk supply. BUT I NEVER recommend use of these if you are not doing #1-4 religiously with no success. So please, do not look into taking anything to boost your supply if you are not emptying every 3-4 hours throughout the day and night. I have had clients with success using herbs and some prefer the prescription route. Contact your physician or local health food store for more information.
There are options out therefor those moms who are having trouble in this area. Don't give up!!!
Watch for dehydration in your baby if you are concerned about your milk supply. Symptoms can be dry mouth (run your fingers across their gum line, it should be moist, not sticky), monitor wet diapers remember at least 6 wet and/or dirty in 24 hours, arousability: your baby should awaken easily to nurse at least every 3 hours as a newborn. If any of these symptoms occur contact your pediatrician immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. Babies can become dehydrated quickly, so do not wait hours for a call back from your doctor. Follow your instincts if you feel something is wrong, go to the doctor, it is always better to ere on the side of caution.
Last but not least, find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support person who can help you along your lactation journey. If you can't find one locally, use my website as a resource.
Liz Pevytoe is a RN, lactation consultant in Texas. You can ask her questions about low milk supply on her website http://www.askthelactationconsultant.com/breastfeedingquestions.html.
