Poor Milk Supply

Almost all women don't have a problem with producing

enough milk to breast feed. The ideal way to make

sure that your baby is getting enough milk is to be

sure that he's well positioned, attached to the

breast, and feed him as often as he gets hungry.

Some mom's that are breast feeding will stop before

they want to, simply because they don't think they

have enough breast milk.

There are signs that might make you believe your baby

isn't getting enough milk. If your baby seems hungry

or unsettled after feeding, or if he wants to feed

often with short pauses between feedings, you may

think he isn't getting enough milk - which are often

times not the case.

There are however, two reliable signs that let you

know your baby isn't getting enough milk. If your

baby has poor or really slow weight gain, or is

passing small amounts of concentrated urine, he's

not getting enough milk.

All babies will lose weight within the first few

days after birth. Babies are born with supplies of

fat and fluids, which will help them keep going for

the first several days.

Once your baby regains birth weight, he should begin

putting on around 200g for the first four months or

so. To get back to their birth weight, it normally

takes a few weeks.

If the weight gain for your baby seems to be slow,

don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse to observe

you breast feeding. This way, they can make sure

that your technique is right and if they think your

baby is breast feeding often enough.

To help you with your breast feeding, here are some

ways that you can increase your supply of milk:

1. Be sure that your baby is positioned

correctly and attached to your breast.

2. Let your baby feed for as long and often

as he wants.

3. If you feel that your baby isn't breast

feeding enough, offer him more breast feeds.

4. During each breast feed, make sure you

feed from both breasts.

5. If your baby has been using a dummy,

make sure you stop him.

6. Some babies may be sleepy and reluctant

to feed, which may be the cause of problems with

milk supply.

By following the above tips, you'll do your part in

making sure you have enough milk when it comes time

to breast feed. If you are uncertain or have other

questions, be sure to ask your doctor, as he can

answer any type of question you may have.