Re: Breast Milk

Molly, do you have more info? Has the mother had a breast reduction? What was her birth like? Natural or any meds? Was the baby put to the breast immediately? How often is the baby nursing? Has the nursing duad been evaluated by a lactation consultant or LLL leader to rule out any physiological abnormalities that would contibute to poor supply? Has a bottle or pacifier been given? Is the baby gaining? What makes the mother think she doesn't have enough milk? Is baby being encouraged to sleep all night?

If baby is not sucking effectively, baby can be latched and not emptying the breast. Not emptying the breast will signal the mother's body to produce less milk. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand propsition - the more the breast is emptied, the more milk that is produced. If baby is not nursing effectively (has the baby had trouble organizing movements?) mother needs to pump at least every 2.5 hours. She can nurse and pump simultaneously with an electric pump. Lots of skin to skin contact is also good.

I would really encourage her to contact LLL or see a IBCLC. If there is no physiological issue, she can get her supply back but it may take a extra effort on her part.


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