Questions & Answers

Paperheart, I use a nipple shield every time I offer my daughter the breast. She still won't take it. Her lip tie is bad enough that she even has trouble with a bottle. I'm hoping that after her surgery it will be easier for her.

All good suggestions. Many women have great results from oatmeal in any form (instant, steel cut, cookies, whatever). As was mentioned, antihistamines may impact your supply, as well as dehydration, stress, exhaustion, lack of sleep, and those lovely things that go along with being sick, sometimes. Have you tried a nipple shield in lieu of pumping? Many lactation consultants will advise against them, though anecdotally, I've seen them help many moms and babies through trying periods who were able to successfully transition to nursing without them. It may be a better alternative than the pump if you fear your body isn't responding well enough to it to sustain your baby's needs. That's just me. My approach is to usually do what gets me through the moment and cross later bridges when I get there.

I agree with HzlGreenEyes. Oatmeal definitely helped me increase my milk supply...even oatmeal cookies! There are also recipes out there for lactation cookies...I've never had them but I've heard that they help too! AND having a beer also gave me a quick burst in my supply. I am not a fan of beer so I had a hard time even choking one down but even half helped give my supply the burst I needed to pump more milk.

I've read to pump often and in short spurts to increase supply and demand. Also read that decongestants and antihistamines will lower your supply... so i'd look into the pumping more often. also eat oatmeal and have a beer!!!