Expert: Joanna Liberty - 2/5/2012

Question
Dear Joanna,
First of all, thank you in advance for answering my question.

I recently gave birth to a baby girl (17 days old). I have started breast feeding, but apparently my baby was eating enough, so my pediatrician recommended to give her some complements. She had high bilirubin, so it was important to make her gain weight fast so that she can eliminate it.

However, since I have done that, I noticed that my milk production has gone down. I still breast feed her before I give her the milk complement, but I would really like to go back to breast feeding since she seems to be gaining weight, and eating better.

Is there any way to revert the tendency to produce less milk now? I have only given her compliment for 5 days.

Thanks!!!!

Paola

Answer
Hi Paola,

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl!

When babies have high levels of bilirubin, they can develop jaundice which can lead to even more problems. The way that bilirubins are removed from the body are through our waste, which is why your doctor wanted to make sure that your baby was getting enough in so that she would be getting rid of those bilirubins.

You should definitely call your doctor to get their information, but I would think that you would be able to go back to just breastfeeding. Whenever you feed baby something other than breastmilk, it can definitely affect your milk supply. You may find that extra pumping or hand expression will help you to get caught back up with your milk production. After you feed your baby (or whenever you think about it) try to get some milk out - you may not actually get milk out at first, but it will be "placing an order" for more milk, which will encourage your milk supply to go up.

The first month is a time when many people are told to supplement, and it's also an important time when our milk supply is being established. Definitely talk to your doctor - if you're breastfeeding and bottle feeding after a nursing session, you should be able to go back to just breastfeeding. Since it's only been 5 days, your supply should bounce back well.

Also - if you're offering her a pacifier, you will find it easier to boost your milk supply if you no longer offer it. Instead, offer her a time to nurse when she wants to suckle - this will help your milk supply the most!

I would encourage you to see if there is a La Leche League in your area - leaders are great resources for information. You can also find more information about getting breastfeeding off to a great start here: http://www.llli.org/nb/nbearlyweeks.html