Expert: ruth kraft - 3/17/2009

Question
Hi,My baby is now 41/2 months old. From last couple of weeks i started having problems with breastfeeding. She doesn't want to latch on my breast for her feed. This reduced my milk supply. Then I started to pump and feed her with a bottle, as i wanted her to have mother's milk as long as possible. Now the quantity of milk supply is different on different days. I did not have a good flow when i started with the pump. After a week i started to produce around 350ml per day but now my supply has reduced abruptly to 100ml per day. Am scared that my breasts are begining to dry up. What do i do toincrease the supply of milk. I am worried if this continues i will not be able to produce milk to feed her. How do i increase the milk supply and how do i get her to latch back on my breast. Please help me. Is their any specific diet that would increase my milk supply. Also please note that i am a vegetarian.  

Answer
The best way to build milk supply is get the baby latched back on. I would see a breastfeeding councelor, lactation consultant or la leche leage leader in your area to help with that.  I cant diagnose the issue since I dont see you in person. you can pump more frequently and take herbal suppliments and tea, like mothers milk tea  and fenugreek and blessed thistle.

you should be able to get those at a health food store.

Good luck!
Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com