Q&A: Is there something I can do to boost my milk production?

by Marie O'Sullivan, RN

My baby is nearly five months old, and has been breastfeeding from the start with very little problem. She started sleeping through the night at seven weeks. I feed her around 11 p.m. and she wakes up at 7:30 or 8:00 am. Otherwise she feeds about every three hours, give or take a half hour.

I would like to give her only breastmilk for a few more months if possible. She shows some interest in solids, but it's not excessive. I think she would be satisfied with just my breastmilk for a while longer, except that I don't feel like I'm making enough. I'm fine in the morning, but by late afternoon and early evening, my production is really diminished. If I pump in the morning I have about 120 ml. of milk. At 6 p.m. it's more like 30 ml.

Is there something I can do to boost my afternoon milk production to prolong pure breastfeeding for another month or two? Or is it time to start supplementing with solids? Going to solids isn't a bad thing, I was just hoping to keep life simple a bit longer.

The best way I know to help boost your breast milk supply is to have the baby nurse or pump every two to three hours during the times you are awake. By emptying your breasts this frequently, you are stimulating them to produce more milk. Another suggestion would be for you to contact your local chapter of La Leche League or other breastfeeding support group.

from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
Your crash-course in all things baby.
Look Who's Talking New
in BabyZone Community
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names