[mamma bear]

Hi everyone,
I've been breastfeeding my 4 month old quite well since birth, no issues at all.....until now!

Unfortunatley he hasn't been sleeping well, so I have been feeding him through the night on & off. Sometimes he may be suckling for an hour or more. And therefore I find I have a very low supply in the morning,

He usually hours 3-4 hours between feeds,

2 days a week he goes to child care (while I work) where he has 2 x 150mls of formula. Other then these bottles he is breastfeed.

Now tonight he was looking for a bf earlier then usual, around the 3 hour mark. When I tried to feed him.....nothing!!! I tried both sides several times. Oh and so I ended up giving him a bottle, he was starving.

I'm freaking out!!!! I feel like this can't happen- I feed my now 3.5yr old for 17 months.

I've downloaded the cookie recipe and will get some Feenruk(sp?) Tea.
I'm going to start expressing again too.
But please reassure me, I can come back from this?

Oh also it is a big worry as he has been losing weight. He has gone from 25th percentile down to 5th. He is just above 6kg.
Tia x

[*mylittleprince*]

First off I would give the Australian Breastfeeding Association a call for advice - 1800 686 268

Here is some info:
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/co...80%93mum/supply

Some friends swear by Jungle Juice:
Jungle Juice:
Want to increase your milk supply? Make some Jungle Juice, One litre of Apple juice, two litres of water, 50ml thornberrry elixer, one packet of black currant rehydrate. Drink three litres in 24 hours. Then one and a half every second day. You can add ten rescue drops to each glass. Please also eat a healthy balanced diet, excluding rich and fatty foods and allergenic substances. Please do not eat more than one gas forming vegatable a day, drink enough water and do not believe what you find on some internet sites as far as diet goes. This recipe is not suitable for diabetics or engorged mothers. Please never exceed the prescribed amount! When we drink to much fluid we dilute our "salts" and can go into a coma. The best way to increase breastmilk supply remains to breastfeed on demand and to be in a "good mood". Sounds silly but the love hormone (oxytocinon) is a big role player in this one!
http://www.pebabynet.co.za/index.php?optio...=5&Itemid=2

All the best

[laridae]

He may be going through a growth spurt, in which case, letting him suck as much as possible may help. Hopefully in a few days your supply will catch up!

[MrsDamonSalvator...]

when i was struggling with my supply i used the fenugreek tea. it really helped. i had the recommended 3 cups a day for 2 days and it really kicked in, i then had one cup a day for a week and havent needed it since... HTH

[trishalishous]

i agree i could just be a growth spurt. my dd has had stages or being attached to me 24/7, usually illness or growthspurt

[mamma bear]

Thanks girls!!!
Will get onto the tea asap and go from there!

[bottle~rocket]

It's possible that your supply is being affected by the formula feeds on the days you are at work, even if it is only 2 days a week. It's better for your supply if you can express milk for your baby while you are at work.

Here information from the ABA about increasing supply:
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/co...93mum/lowsupply

[Kafkaesque]

Four months is common time for this to happen. Just keep feeding as often as he wants.

I must say the drop in growth is a concern so I would go see your child Health nurse.

[SarahM72]

Oh also it is a big worry as he has been losing weight. He has gone from 25th percentile down to 5th. He is just above 6kg.
Tia x

First of all, this doesn't sound to me like he is losing weight, just that his weight gain is slowing down. Babies don't necessarily stay on the same percentile line, they can move up and down at various times. Some babies are born big and move to their lower natural percentile over time, while others may be born small and move up over time. Is the doctor or child health nurse worried? If not then I wouldn't worry either.

Also, maybe you were feeling a bit stressed and didn't get a let down due to stress? Plus of course it is normal for breasts to not feel so full all the time (or at all) after a few months of breastfeeding. This doesn't mean you have no milk.

But yes, it is possible for breastmilk supply to be lowered once bottles are introduced - as obviously your baby is taking less milk so the breasts make less. Are you able to express at the times he is in childcare? This would help keep up your supply.

Also, once a baby has bottles sometimes they prefer the faster flow and the quicker "letdown" of a bottle. This could be why you thought you had no milk, as your bub was a little impatient waiting for the letdown, which takes a bit longer than bottles (especially if you were feeling a bit stressed).

I don't really know what the solution is apart from trying to express when he is at childcare, and just try and feed him more when you are at home, and try to relax! (Yes, sometimes it is so hard I know).

I myself used to use fennel tea and munch on fennel seeds, which is reputed to increase breastmilk. I don't know how true it is, but the tea tasted quite nice. Get some advice from a herbalist perhaps?

I hope some knowledgeable people come on and give you some good information.

This post has been edited by SarahM72: 09/04/2012, 12:58 AM

[Mumof1OneontheWa...]

You could see a naturopath or accupuncturist to help. Also Weleda make a nursing tea which you can get at some chemists or online. Pinky McKay has also just launched breastfeeding biscuits - not sure when/where available. If you have a pump could also pump after each feed 5 mins each side (repeat this). Good luck