Am I Making Enough Milk?

Breastfeeding and the New Mom

Something I haven't mentioned that I also do for families is I support breastfeeding for many mothers, and as a postpartum doula client with us, you will receive free, ongoing breastfeeding support as part of our care. If you choose to bottle feed or formula feed, don't let that stop you from getting help.  We support all families, but we DO have the ability to help you through all phases of breastfeeding - should you decide that is how you want to nourish your little one.

This isn't the norm for doula care.  I've received special training and certification as a Lactation Support and Educator.  Not all doulas have this additional training, but many are still wonderful when it comes to the basics of breastfeeding support.

Like the mother I met with today, at times, you might also find yourself wondering if you are making enough milk. Babies go through growth spurts that can trick us into thinking we aren't producing enough because they are gobbling it all up and wanting more - which is good, because in the end, it will increase your supply.

Think:  More Demand => More Supply. 

 

So today, I was visiting a lovely mama who is adjusting to life with her new baby.  She asked me to visit because she was concerned about her supply.  I offered to bring my newborn scale so that we could do a little experiment... 

 

We were able to weigh the baby after waking and a diaper change (9 pounds, 3 ounces), then she fed from both breasts for a total of 25 minutes (he was efficient, relaxed and happy when he was done).  Then we weighed him again (9 pounds, 6 ounces). 

 

Low and behold! Even though he had been eating like a crazy little monster and acting like he wasn't getting much, he was actually eating 3 ounces total from both breasts - which is a lot for a newborn of his age (3 weeks)!! 

 

He has also grown over a pound since I last saw him, we discovered. So that answers a lot of questions for that mom, and reassures her that she is doing everything right and he is just growing super fast and that her breasts WILL catch up to his demand for more milk. :)

 

My #1 piece of advice for new moms who are experiencing what feels like a set-back in their breastfeeding relationship, is to seek out qualified help.  Do you have a breastfeeding consultant who can come to your house?  Those are the best.  We have support available, and if a situation goes above and beyond our expertise, we have resources in the community that we are happy to direct you to, in order to get your needs and the needs of your baby met, in a timely, professional manner.

 

Keep checking back, because soon, I will be posting another segment on how to make your best milk.  Quantity AND Quality.  :)

 

For now, keep loving those babies, mamas!

Anne

 

Postpartum doulas and lactation support in San Antonio

 

 

 

Tips For An Easier Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Here is a great little article I wrote back in 2002 with a list of tips for pregnant mothers...
Enjoy!

To make life easier as a pregnant mother, we've put together some wonderful tips and reminders for you!

• Take time to pamper yourself. Relaxing benefits you, the baby, AND the new dad!
  
• Drink lots of water and fruit juice. Traditional Medicinals brand and Yogi brand (found in the natural foods part of the grocery store) have a wonderful pregnancy tea and Red Raspberry Leaf teas.
  
• Red Raspberry Leaf tea is also a wonderful uterine tonic, used by women for centuries to strengthen their uterus and ease/hasten childbirth.
  
• Buy lots of pillows and USE them in bed!
  
• Make sure to take your prenatal daily. A "green" prenatal is going to allow your body to absorb more nutrients because they are made with food, not synthetics. Some women even find that switching to a "green" prenatal lessens their nausea tremendously.  After the birth, sometimes those prenatals can be the source of baby's tummy discomfort. 
  
• Be sure to get plenty of protein. Your body needs lots of it to grow a healthy baby. High blood pressure can often be avoided by keeping your high quality protein intake high. Try almonds, yogurt, eggs, cheese and lean meats. Women struggling with high blood pressure will find help here.
  
• Read all you can get your hands on, and look at birth photos, videos, etc. Familiarity with what to expect can prevent anxiety.

• Hire a doula. Doulas are very knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and can help you brainstorm to solve any comfort issues you may have.  When looking for a doula, consider her training, certification and make sure her credentials are legit and current.  Oh, and always, always do a background check!  Here's my agency's website:  http://www.tranquilseasons.com

 

• Journal. Your child will find your ramblings so precious and reassuring when they are having their own babies or as a graduation or coming of age present.
  
• Buy an exercise ball and sit on it as often as possible. This can relieve back pain, and also keep your pelvis limber for the big day.
  
• Find a local La Leche League group and plan to attend a meeting or two before the birth. These ladies will become a great resource for after the baby arrives.  If you find them too militant, seek out other local lactation support groups.
  
• Don't apologize for having to go to the bathroom all the time.
  
• Buy a reacher/grabber thing to get things up high and down low. You'll be surprised how off-balance that belly can make you.
  
• Buy slip on shoes. It's nice to eliminate bending over at the end of your pregnancy.
  
• Recruit your other children to help out around the house.
  
• Plan and ASK for help from family and friends for after the birth. Don't try to be Superwoman!
  
• Consider hiring a Postpartum Doula.
  
• Buy lots of paper plates - even one package can make a big difference.
  
• Store pre-made casseroles in the freezer.
  
• Don't go crazy decorating the nursery and buying tons of "stuff". Simplifying your life makes having a baby easier. Valuable baby equipment might only include diapers and blankets at first.
• Write a birth plan.  Ask your doula to help you.  This will help you to educate yourself on what is available to you as far as options and will also help you to narrow dow what you feel is most important to you, in regard to your birth experience ideals.