Expert: ruth kraft - 9/22/2010

Question
My son is seven months old and has been breastfed since birth. This included breast milk in the bottle. Since I've returned to work four months ago, I pump throughout the day in order to prepare milk for the next day's feeding.
So, he gets breast milk in a bottle during the day and I breastfeed him in the evenings and at night.  However, my milk has decreased so I am lucky if I get 3 bottles for the next day. I've been trying to supplement for two weeks now, but he is rejecting the formula. I've tryed 3 different brands of formula (Earth's Beast Organic and Good Start) and he will not drink it. He will sip on the Good Start and then pushes it away.  He will be starting daycare next week and I am nervous that he will not get enough milk because of my low supply and his refusal to take formula.  I've read that it's dangerous to mix breastmilk and formula because of the potency.  I've also thought about taking an herbal supplement to increase my milk supply but am afraid that it will harm my baby.  How do I transition him to formula AND how do I increase my milk supply?  I would still like to breastfeed at night.  Please help... I am getting scared, nervous and feel stressed and guilty.

Answer
Hello! Congrats on doing so well ! I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but you are actually doing FABULOUS! It is normal when a baby is 7 months to start getting less milk in pumping. As the baby starts easting solids, the milk supply gets a little less and also gets more condensed so to speak to give nutrients in smaller amounts as the baby has perfected nursing :) So, what this means for you is that you don't have to give formula. Continue to pump and give what you get, and then let him eat whatever solids work well for his system.  You have a smart baby to push the formula away :) He knows it is not the best for him :)

I can also tell you, that even if you didnt nurse him or pump at all during the day, that he would nurse at night and make up for his day feedings.You have to trust, that he will get enough because he is such an efficient nurser, just as he has for the first 7 months of his life as that is when they need the most milk anyway :) After that, with food supplimentation, they don't get the same amount of milk. But he will get all he needs for sure being the great nurser he is.

If it makes you feel better to try to increase supply, I suggest pumping one extra time in the am after you nurse him when he wakes up. You can take metamucil or eat high fiber diets, the intestinal movement increases your milk. ( have no idea why ) there are teas like mothers milk tea and some herbs, most are very safe like fenugreek and fennel seed.  do not try them all at once, as that could be TOO much. Start slow and see how each one works for you.

It sounds like you are doing much better than you realize though! It is also normal for your breasts right now to not be nearly as full as they used to be and almost feel "deflated". this means your body has adjusted well, not that you don;t have milk :)

GREAT JOB!

I hope that helped!
Ruth Kraft
honoringwomen.com