I'm due to give birth in 8 weeks to my fourth child and want to give breast feeding a really good shot.
I've always tried with my other kids but had latching issues, low milk supply and always had to offer formula after a full 45 minutes of restless bfeeding as Bub would be starving. Being my last baby I really want to go through the breast feeding experience. I know there are some meds to help induce lactation. Is there anything I can safely do or take while pregnant to help induce lactation?
Helping Lactation
Helping Lactation
Posted in:
Pregnancy
2 Replies
See a Lactation consultant? Most hospitals offer their services.
Other than that, when I had issues with my first, and purchased a breast pump to get the supply happening. It was annoying and difficult, but it worked.
With my 2nd, he was in NICU for 10 days, so I started out having to pump every 2hrs like I had my newborn at home. I had to continue pumping after he came home - as being slightly early and jaundiced he would fall asleep quickly after feeding. After a few months persisting it all came good and bub fed well.
I found breastfeeding difficult, and I also know I did my best. As long as you try it's all good.
I had BF difficulties with both my children. First one was undiagnosed tongue tie, not enough support, or didn't know where to go, bub was hospitalised with jaundice and had so much conflicting information but I ended up mix feeding for 6 months.
2nd child I was so determined to BF! So I found a lactation consultant through child health (government funded) and was even given a list of personal lac consultants that come to your home if you're ok to spend around $100. I was told to try and encourage early milk supply by massaging the breast (this is at around 36 weeks pregnant) and trying to hand pump (look this up). I was much more successful second time around, so I suggest seeing a lactation consultant, they attend many courses as opposed to GP's and Paediatricians and will likely diagnose a tongue tie if bub has one which once that is taken care of it is so much easier, my 2nd had a tongue tie and it was cut, BF was so much easier after this.
I also made lactation cookies (https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/lactation-cookies/) (from belly belly website incase that link didn't work) which increased my milk supply in the afternoons when it's usually at it's lowest. Don't leave out brewers yeast! That's the most important thing that gets milk supply up, as well as oats. You can find brewers yeast in coles or woolworths where the home made beer section is. It's around $1.50 for a sachet and you'll need around 4 for each batch of cookies. Otherwise you can purchase delicious "boobie bikkies" which are made by a well known Australian lactation consultant called Pinky McKay, she's also got a great Q and A and blog on her website to help BF issues.
Good luck with everything!