Monday, April 12, 2010

nursing dilemma

I have a dilemma that I thought I would run by all of you other mommies. I am nursing my 5 month old but I seem to be drying up on only one side. Now my baby isn't getting enough to eat so I have started to give her a bit of formula. I really want to nurse her at least until 8 months because we just can't afford formula. Is there anything I can do to get that side producing milk again? Does anyone know why I would dry up on only one side? I nursed my other two and that never happened!

6 comments:

Mama Baer | 1.2.3.4.5 said...

I'm no expert, but here are a few things that come to mind.

Do you feel you offer the other breast more than the one that seems to be drying up?

Try allowing more time or insisting more on the breast that is drying up, maybe even pumping it can help bring up the milk supply.

Drink lots and lots of liquid - either way that's important. But I always noticed that I had more milk when I was well hydrated.

I would offer the breast that is drying up first every time you nurse, then offer the other, and then maybe try to offer it again after wards.

Anyway, these are my thoughts, I know Barbara would have some great tips on what to do...

Good luck!

Aline Carson said...

I was going to say the same thing that Anna said, I really don't know of any other way to do this. I have heard of women that only have milk in one breast though. Do you feel like you don't have enough, is that it?

Mara Rúbia said...

As the tip goes to Leslie, I'll try write in English... But sorry if you don't understand... hehehe...
So, when I was nursing, I had a problem because of a medicine and my milk was drying... My doctor prescribed a medicine called "Plasil". I don't know if the name in English is the same. I took one tablet per day for approximately 10 days, and for me it worked very well. I was desesperate because my baby was only 10 days of life...

Mara Rúbia said...

I'm sorry, Liesl... I wrote your name wrong...
;)

Mara Rúbia said...

... And only complete, I nursed until my baby is 15 months old.

Liesl said...

Thanks everyone! I am going to try what you suggested Anna! I will offer the "dud" first every time and after each feeding to get it producing. If that doesn't work I may check into what Mara's doc. gave her. And Mara I understood what you wrote just fine =) you're English is pretty good! If you ever write me something in Portuguese I can have my husband translate it as well.