Fort Worth, Texas,
05
October
2017
|
14:46 PM
America/Chicago

"Am I Making Enough Breast Milk?"

A lactation consultant gives the answer and explains how moms can increase their supply

"Am I making enough milk?"

Often, moms perceive that they do not make enough milk because they do not make “extra” milk.

Other times they think the baby is eating too often, or the breasts feel too soft, or the baby is fussy at certain times of the day, or they are unable to pump much milk.

Many complain they do not leak, that their baby nurses quicker than he or she once did, or that they are unable to feel a letdown.

Reality is, that none of these things mean that a mom has inadequate supply.

As the virtual lacation consult at Cook Children's, I ask questions like:

  • Is the baby is growing?
  • Are they having plentiful output (poops and urine diapers) each day?
  • Are they waking often to feed and seeming satisfied after?

Since breastmilk is easily digested, breastfed babies may eat more often than bottlefed babies at somewhere between 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. The baby will be described as alert and active, and seems satisfied after feedings; often times with relaxed hands. Mom will also report hearing swallows during the feed.

The greatest indicator of sufficient milk intake is weight gain, though an initial loss is normal and expected as they shed the extra fluid in their tissues. Once the milk supply is in, we expect most babies to gain close to an ounce per day. After 3-4 months, the number will gradually slow down.

Another reliable indicator is output. By day 6 we expect to have 6 pale and mild smelling wet diapers and >4 bowel movements that have transitioned to the yellow, mustard, seedy stools. Over time, the number of stools will fluctuate and breastfed babies may go many days without a BM as their body is absorbing all of the nutrients. Even then, we expect soft and profuse stools.

The older the baby gets, the more adequate they feed, therefor spend less time at the breast and since many mothers do not feel their letdowns, that nor the firmness of the breast tell us how well the infant is being fed.

How do I increase my milk supply?

 

 

Virtual Lacation Consultation Program

Connect to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBLC) from the comfort of your own home. When caring for a newborn, it is important to have support for successful breastfeeding and nutrition. Cook Children's now offers that to you and your baby when and where you need it: in the comfort of your home. Click here to learn more about the program.

Schedule an appointment now

Consultation topics include:

  • Correct latching
  • Milk supply
  • Feeding schedules
  • Pump options and supplies
  • Pumping routines/schedules
  • Return to work planning
  • Nutrition and skin care
  • Newborn positioning
  • Milk storage
  • Pain or possible infection
Meet our Lacation Consultant
 
Holly Erwin, LVN, IBCLC, is a mom of three boys and has worked as a pediatric nurse for over 11 years within the Cook Children's Health Care System. When not working, she spends her time running to and from sports for her boys, being outside with her family and dreaming of traveling with her husband of 10 years. For now, she settles for their bi-annual date-night!

Through her own children and the thousands of moms that she has helped over the years, Holly found a special interest in infants and breastfeeding. In 2015, she became internationally board certified as a lactation consultant and now works as an IBCLC virtually through the Cook Children's telemedicine department.

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