Expert: ruth kraft - 7/7/2011

Question
I am a mother of a 3 week old baby boy. He is my first child and i have decided to breast feed. When he was born the wouldn't eat so they feed him through a tube. I had an infection and they wouldn't let me breastfeed him so they feed him formula. Now that we are home i try to breastfeed him but i don't think that he gets the amount to satisfy him. when i pump a barley get 2 oz and he eats 4. How can i get more milk to produce so that way he can only feed on breast milk?

Answer
continue working on latching him on effectively and nurse him as often as possible. He will be the best way to get your milk to come in more. Even if he isn't hungry just keep offering and let him nurse as much as possible. Never use a pacifier, just keep offering your breast. ANY sucking on your breast will help them make more milk. You can also try fenugreek ( an herb ) ,increasing your intake of fiber will also help a great deal, mothers milk tea helps many women, and pumping more frequently.

Also remember that pumping only 2 ounces means he is likely getting more from you than the pump because the pump isn't as effective as a baby nursing. But keep pumping and nursing and you will wean him off the formula a feeding at a time. If he is still hungry keep having him breastfeed.

You will know he is getting enough by watching for at least 6-8 wet diapers a day. Take out one feeding of formula, and watch for 6-8 wet diapers a day.If he has that many after you reduce one formula feeding, then take out another feeding and watch for the 6-8 wet diapers a day. and so on until there is no formula left.

If you have to supplement with formula in the mean time, or expressed breastmilk, then feed the baby through a SNS ( supplemental nursing system ) or a Finger feeder, or an eye dropper or syringe. This way, he wont have so much nipple confusion. Most lactation centers have these devices or you can order them online.

Good luck!

Ruth Kraft CD CLD HBCP FOCEP CCCE
Mother of Emma & Jacob
Doula Trainer & Mother Mentor
www.honoringwomen.com