Breastmilk production...this is crazy..

[LosingMyMindInGA]

So you guys know that I was supplementing in the beginning becuase of low supply.  Then I was able to get to where I could eliminate the formula and keep a couple bottles ahead of what Lily was eating.  Now I don't know if I'm producing more or she's eating less or a combination of the two but I have a ton of milk in my fridge now.  I know have 22 bottles (4 oz each) worth of milk in the fridge.  That's about 4 1/2 days worth of bottles for her.  Since breastmilk is only good for 4 days in the fridge I'm going to have to start freezing some now.  This is just crazy.  I stopped taking the fenugreek and alfalfa around the time I eliminated the formula.  Now the only things I take are my zoloft and prenatal vitamin.  Dont' get my wrong I'm not complaining by any means it just seems like it happened out of nowhere.  I wish I could figure out what the trick was specifically!!!   I've now started pumping 3 times per day in stead of 5.  I was getting 2 bottles worth in the morning then 1 each session for the other four.  Now if I time it right I get 2 bottles worth at each of 3 pumping sessions which is far less time consuming and works much better for me.  I haven't decided how long I'm going to continue to pump...with my others I didn't go past 4 months. I'm just gonna go with the flow (no pun intended) and I'll know when it's time to stop.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Try fenugreek, you can talk to your doc about  a script for reglan if you wish.  Pumping after each session can help and feeding on demand.  Also drinking a glass or bottle of water about 20 minutes before each nursing session (or during) will help.  Make sure you stay well hydrated. You have to be very persistent.  It also wouldn't hurt to see a lactation consultant.  Other herbs you can try are mothers milk tea, blessed thistle and alfalfa.

[ehope]

Try the fenugreek, I heard it works wonders for bringing up the milk production.

[mumuvtwogrlz]

How can I get more milk to come in?
I find I have to feed her more formula then Id like!
I just dont know how to produce more!
Can anyone help me out?

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I've read differentt hings, I just go with what the lactation consultant told me :)

[Clysta]

My storage bags all say 8 days. Oh well. She rarely gets pumped milk anyways, so I'm not worried. It's too much hassle for us to use it often. (we're lazy, can ya tell? Lol)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It has to do with breakdown of the proteins and other nutrients.  It won't necessarily smell bad or cause problems, but it won't be as nutritional as it should be.

[Brittny27]

I thought it was only good for 3 days in the fridge. Good to know. I have left bottles out up to 6 hours at room temp and they are still good. Just smell the milk and you will know if it's bad.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

ACtually it's 5 days.  Just remember the 5-5-5 rule.  Fresh milk is good for 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge and 5 months in the freezer (can go longer in a deep freezer)  Thawed milk should be used within 24 hrs I believe.

[Clysta]

It's great that you're getting so much! :) I only pump now when I'm desperate and Kylie is sleeping so I still don't know too much about it. Breastmilk only stays good for 4 days in the fridge though? I've kept mine in there for 8 days and fed it to her. I think she was ok. Bah. It's so confusing. :( At times I'm glad I almost exclusively breastfeed.

[Brittny27]

Oh yeah I also drink a Mt Dew in the morning and one coke with dinner. I drink water the rest of the day though.

[Brittny27]

I built up a huge supply by pumping every 3 hours. After 2.5 weeks I was pumping 10oz every time. I moved to every 4-5 hours and still got that much. At 5 weeks I was finally able to get Kaelynn to latch with a nipple shield so I was feeding her and pumping.

I had to stop pumping I was constantly in pain and now I have huge stretch marks on my boobs from the constant engoregement. It's been 6 weeks and I pump a few times a week just when I need a bottle if I have to be away from Kaelynn for a few hours. She's not to fond of the bottle now.

I'm really happy you were able to produce so much milk.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I plan to start freezing it once I consistently keep 5 days worth of bottles in the fridge.  I will start freezing some of it. I figure I probably won't go past 4 or 5 months of breastfeeding if that long and whatever I freeze I can continue to use after I stop pumping.  

I don't really do much of anything, don't go hang out with friends or anything, I pretty well stay home unless I"m going to a school function for one of the kids or have shopping to do so it hasn't been too hard to keep a good pumping schedule.  This transitioning from 5 times to 3 times though is going to be a bit difficult as far as keeping my supply up.  Atleast I have a good stockpile to help out while I'm trying to rearrange the schedule.  I'm just really surprised becuase this is the 4th kid that I have attempted to breastfeed and I've NEVER had this much milk.  

I'm not sure if this is helping or not but I have been craving a lot of cheese.  I've been eating cheese quesadillas from taco bell, the weight watchers 3 cheese ziti marinara and red baron 4 cheese pizza.  Plus occasional I get a hankering for a good ol hunk of montery jack.  I know they say caffiene can hinder your supply but thusfar it doesn't seem to be doing it with me and I drink a lot of caffiene (mt. dew).

[cherylsangel]

I am so jealous.....you know my situation and its not getting any better. I must say though I haventbeen diligent....I like to go out with my friends and dont always have time to pump....congrats for you though...why dont you freeze you rmilk...or sell it...that stuff is like gold!!