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Breastfeeding/how to create more milk

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Expert: - 7/2/2008


Question
My baby is almost 5 months old and I am breast feeding him exclusively. I work part time and go to school but I have been doing this for 3 months. Starting about a week ago the amount I pump is way down, I want to continue breastfeeding him but I'm afraid I won't have enough milk for when I'm not home. Are there any ways to create more milk? Am I doing something wrong? I don't understand why this is happening all of a sudden, not much has changed. I am stressed but I always have been.
Please help I want to what's best for my son.
Thanks in advance,
Laura


Answer
Hello Laura - this time of year it's common to see a drop if you are not well hydrated.  Your body in summer months will need additional water to keep volume up, so try to increase your water intake and see if that helps.  Also you can try to pump an extra session to increase your production.  Sometimes you can get overall more breast milk in three smaller pumping sessions that in two larger ones.  All the best!

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Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

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