Michele, Katy, TX

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I recently had my 5th baby, (6-13-07) to be exact.  I have nursed all 5 of my children but never had the answer to this question.  In the beginning, you have this over abundance of milk until your body figures out exactly what the baby needs.  During that time, I do a lot of expressing to keep my milk supply up and of course stock up on when I return to work and have to be away from the baby.  But after some time, my milk supply just seems to dwindle and I want to nurse for as long as I can up to the 1st year.  Is there anything I can do to up my milk supply?  Can I increase my milk supply at this point.  I pump twice at work each day and then I like for her to nurse when I'm home but I know that sometimes she is not satisfied and what I have is not enough to last her through the night.  I have had to give her formula a couple of times because it takes several hours before I will have enough milk on my own to satisfy her again.  Pumping more frequently or for longer periods of time has not helped.  Is there some sort of supplement I can take???

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Thank you so much for all of your responses; then and now.  Gee, am I a little late with the thank you's or what???  Sorry about that......

I had to go see my ob/gyn in December for something unrelated.  I asked him.  He prescribed me something call Reglan.  It is not for that.  This medicine has another purpose.  This is just a side effect.  It has really helped.  I was ready to quit a couple of weeks ago, but decided I should finally try this medicine that my doc prescribed.  Took it and it worked really well.  Just wanted to put this on here incase anyone else had the same question and because I had some updated info.

[Tina22]

My understanding is that beer is an old wive's tale and suggested to loosen the mommy up enough to relax and have a better let-down.  No idea if that is true. You can try Mother's Milk tea, or Fenugreek supplements to boost your supply.

[degriffdog]

Keep us posted if this works for you!

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I have been meaning to call him but never think about it at the right time, but recently found this web site.  My friend had told me that about the beer but I never really paid attention because I didn't know there was any medical reason behind it.  But with advice from you and prayerful wife, I will try this.  If for some reason, I don't see a difference, I will then call my doctor.  Thanks.  

[degriffdog]

I agree with prayerful wife. My mom had to drink beer as well but her dr told her to use non-alcoholic kind and it worked for her.  Have you asked your dr what you could do?

[prayerful wife]

I'm in NO WAY suggesting that you get the baby drunk! (SMILE)  Let me just clear that up before these women start jumping on me!  (You know how you ladies get)  But when I was nursing my OB told me to drink 1 to 2 Beers; reason being is beer is made primarily of yeast, and yeast is what the body needs to produce milk.  After you drink, you need to pump and to be on the safe side pump again a few hours later and THROW THIS MILK AWAY!  That worked great with me and it helped me nurse for as long as I wanted to without having to do much supplementing.  Hope this helped.