Expert: ruth kraft - 4/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: At first when my baby was born she couldn't stay latched on. I really want to give her breast milk throughout her first year. So, I started pumping the milk for 3 months. Now that she's 3 months I tried putting her on the breast and she latches on well. So, I put her on the breast every 3hr or on demand. I also give her cereal. My milk was coming in good when I was pumping and could pump a 4oz bottle. Now my milk seems to slow down. And my period started back. Am I doing anything wrong? At night I breast feed her when she wakes up.

ANSWER: Your body wasnt used to feeding all the time , so your period came back. Great for nursing ! the baby is one smart cookie :) Keep doing that, nurse her as much as possible and pump when needed. If you can not give cereal until she is 6 months, it will be better for her digestion. Only breastmilk for 6 months is best.  

About now, your breasts no longer will feel so full. that is normal. If you are pumping less, it is likely because she is nursing as well and that is better for her also. Just keep nursing and it sounds like you will make easily enough food!  Night feeding is important also :)

GOOD JOB MOM!

I hope that helped.
Ruth Kraft
If you want to join my monthly tip newsletter, email me at Ruth@honoringwomen@gmail.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Last week it seem like I could breast feed my baby till she had enough or falls asleep. Now its like I don't enough milk that would make a 2oz bottle. I feel so bad now because I think I am losing milk. I wish I've never stop pumping milk. What can I do to get my milk supply back? I want to keep trying. Should I go back to pumping it out till it comes back the way it was?

Answer
to increase your milk, nurse and pump more often. and also eat a high fiber diet, take metamucil, that is high in fiber. The more gastric motility you have, the more milk you will make ;)

I hope that helped!
Ruth Kraft
to join our monthly newsletter for tips email me at Ruth@honoringwomen.com