Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Patti, breastfeeding and milk supply operates on a " supply and demand " principle. The sucking stimulates the pituitary to make prolactin to manufacture milk. The amount the baby takes out is the amount the breast will re-supply. If mom has twins they will take out more and her breasts make more. If she has a 5 pound preemie, for instance, who can only take out and use about 10 ounces a day, then her breasts make 10 ounces a day. After milk supply is established you could cut the pituitary out and the breasts would continue to operate on a supply and demand basis. Now matter how many galactagogues she ingests, her breasts will produce the amount that is taken out. While mom is at work and the babysitter is giving the baby a bottle, her breasts have to be given the message there is still a baby out there needing a certain amount of milk per day, hence the breast pump substitute. The only other choice is to bring the baby to the mom's place of work every 3 hours or so to empty her out personally. The challenge is that she has to make sure she pumps enough (long enough) to really empty out and keep up with the baby's growth spurts, not just pumping the same amount every three hours month after month. This will avoid needing supplementation with formula. Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD Postpartum Care Services Rogue Valley Area, Oregon http://mypeoplepc.com/members/vmyork/ http://vmyork.ikarma.com/id269 - Patti Garland ayurveda Friday, November 02, 2007 9:43 AM PerinatalAyurveda forum Question... Hello Dear Friends, I met a woman yesterday that had a baby three months ago. She's gone back to work and is using a pump for " milk production. " This is not as easy for her as breast feeding the baby. Are there any recommendations on how she can increase her milk production? Her massage therapist recommended taking fenugreek capsules. Thank you so much for your help. xo Patti -- Patti Garland Ayurvedic Chef and LifeStyle Coach Bliss Kitchen http://www.BlissKitchen.com (760) 902-7020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Yes, and the hand pumps are much more difficult to produce good supply with than the double electrics, be sure she knows. One woman was producing well but not letting down (common of course) referred to me by lactation consultant. The Ayurvedic mothers home spa treatment (hot oil application, warmth, rest, heat treatment) did wonders, but one of the keys for her was the lactation consultants brilliant thought for this mother to sing while pumping. She happened to be an opera singer whose emotions were feeling dampened in terms of the strong expresson she was used to (all this gentle baby and fatigue stuff!). It worked WONDERS! Actually a strong galactagogue can increase the supply dramatically, with some mothers just drinking fennel tea does this. I think the principle is right but the math not so scientific as you explained, Vicki, for how much we make, though again, basically the concept is so important to understand. Ysha The challenge is that she has to make sure she pumps enough (long enough) to really empty out and keep up with the baby's growth spurts, not just pumping the same amount every three hours month after month. This will avoid needing supplementation with formula. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Yes, a Medela double electric pump is a must. I thought the question was can she take galactogogues instead of pumping. Galactagogues will increase milk supply while pumping/nursing. But there will not be enough milk for the baby if she doesn't pump while at work even if she takes the galactagogues. Not sure which math you were referring to but a 8 pound baby, for instance, does need about 20 ounces in 24 hours or about 2.5 ounces every 3 hours. I understand it takes about 3 cups a day of any particular herb to have any effect. One thing I have questioned myself is can the alcohol in tinctures dry up rather than increase milk. It also bothers me that gentian violet compounded in alcohol ulcerates a baby's mouth if used more than 4 days for Candida/thrush. Is there no other way to hold gentian violet? Vicky Vicky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I love the idea of singing while pumping for women who have trouble letting down with a pump. Vicky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 and yet another... Patti Garland Ayurvedic Chef and LifeStyle Coach Bliss Kitchen http://www.BlissKitchen.com (760) 902-7020 On Nov 3, 2007, at 7:49 PM, <VMYORK <VMYORK wrote: Yes, a Medela double electric pump is a must. I thought the question was can she take galactogogues instead of pumping. Galactagogues will increase milk supply while pumping/nursing. But there will not be enough milk for the baby if she doesn't pump while at work even if she takes the galactagogues. Not sure which math you were referring to but a 8 pound baby, for instance, does need about 20 ounces in 24 hours or about 2.5 ounces every 3 hours. I understand it takes about 3 cups a day of any particular herb to have any effect. One thing I have questioned myself is can the alcohol in tinctures dry up rather than increase milk. It also bothers me that gentian violet compounded in alcohol ulcerates a baby's mouth if used more than 4 days for Candida/thrush. Is there no other way to hold gentian violet? Vicky Vicky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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