question about milk supply while BF

[Mellymama]

Hi ladies,
I breastfeed 9 week old ds exclusively and he is quite the little piglet. Anyway, I have some days where I have tons of milk and some days where I don't seem to have all that much, and never experince the milk ejection reflex (let-down). Any suggestions on what to do to keep up my milk supply? I've been drinking lots of the Mother's Milk tea by traditional medicinals. Anything else?
Thanks!
Mel

[dini]

The biggest thing is to nurse, nurse, nurse. And some women never feel let-down, but have lots of milk. Babies take different amounts depending on time of day, day of week, age, how they are feeling, and what they are doing. As long as your son is growing well and has lots of wet diapers, I wouldn't worry about it. Is he showing signs that he is not satisfied? Or are you worried that the lack of let-down means that you have no milk?

If you have time, drop by a La Leche League meeting. You can attend any of them (they don't have to be the closest one) and you don't have to be a member to show up. Also, the "Motherly Art of Breastfeeding" is a great reference.

Oatmeal sometimes helps increase milk supply. Also, make sure to keep up your fluid intake and take naps when possible during the day. Dehydration, stress, and lack of sleep can have an affect on supply.

Good luck, and congratulations on your new baby. :)

[Mellymama]

Thanks dini!
Your advice made me feel better and realize that there is nothing wrong. O has plenty of wet diapers, and seems satisfied.
I guess because I usually feel a strong let-down it worries me when I don't!
I'm going to look for the book you suggested, and try the oatmeal!
Thanks again,
Mel

[paacollins]

I totally agree with nurse, nurse, nurse and get plenty of rest. Oatmeal really helped me. I could eat a few oatmeal cookies and the next day I'd be overflowing. One day your baby may nurse like crazy and the next not nearly as much. Your supply will go up and down according to his/her needs. You also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids because if you get dehydrated your supply will go down.

Remember you don't have to be bursting at the seams in order to have enough milk. If your baby has an adequate supply of wet diapers and is gaining weight and seems happy, you are most likely producing enough.

[midwifetx]

Usually between 8 and 12 weeks, your milk supply gets really in sync with your baby's demand, and the strange days of engorgement pass. When this happens, many moms see it as a decrease in milk supply, but it is actually a sign that your body and your baby are doing perfectly.