Lactation foods and a bit of AW

[isabel]

When did you notice a difference from eating foods that help with lactation?

I started eating overnight oats with flax seeds this week. It's only been 4 days, but my milk production has been awesome. I was pumping 17-18 ounces between two sessions. Yesterday was 20 and today was almost 23. I'm trying to figure out if I can attribute this to the oats and flax or if it's just my body getting into the swing of pumping. If it's the food, I might have to find more to incorporate into my diet!

[lmb5109]

I started eating oatmeal from day one and my pumping was awesome for months (I got 15 ounces in one sitting when DD was 3 months old). I took 2 flaxseed pills a day also. I got sick of oatmeal after 4 months and I could see a dip in my pumping. With the next baby, I will suck it up and eat oatmeal everyday.

[Deleted]

That is a lot of milk! How many times do you pump a day? Are you EP? You may not need or want to increase it further.

The most I've ever pumped at once was 13 ounces and that was a freak combo of nighttime and massive plugs in both sides clearing.

I normally pump 6-7 ounces and am making 15-20 ounces a day more than my baby eats. At a point that's just annoying to freeze:)

[isabel]

Jun 18, 2015 18:19:05 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

That is a lot of milk! How many times do you pump a day? Are you EP? You may not need or want to increase it further.

The most I've ever pumped at once was 13 ounces and that was a freak combo of nighttime and massive plugs in both sides clearing.

I normally pump 6-7 ounces and am making 15-20 ounces a day more than my baby eats. At a point that's just annoying to freeze:)

I've only been pumping twice a day. I did add a pump on one side today per recommendation yesterday. DS ate on one side, so I pumped the other.

He's averaging about 17 ounces a day while I'm at work, so I was concerned about not keeping up. Plus, DH sometimes gives him a bottle during the night, which is another couple ounces. I feel pretty good about this now. It gives me some cushion to freeze a little extra and not worry about depleting my stash too quickly.

I'm going to stick with the oatmeal because I'm pretty happy with this result.

[isabel]

Jun 18, 2015 17:57:43 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

I started eating oatmeal from day one and my pumping was awesome for months (I got 15 ounces in one sitting when DD was 3 months old). I took 2 flaxseed pills a day also. I got sick of oatmeal after 4 months and I could see a dip in my pumping. With the next baby, I will suck it up and eat oatmeal everyday.

Ok, sounds like I need to stick with it. Hopefully I can vary it enough to keep eating it!

[sarahsas]

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

[caramia]

Do you think instant oatmeal packets would have the same effect? It'll be difficult for me to make real oatmeal the first couple of weeks while my daughter is in the NICU

[t]

I'm not sure about instant oatmeal caramia, but I would think instant is better than nothing.

I discovered these little muffins called Aussie Bites at Costco and I'm wondering if they will help with milk production. Ingredients are rolled oats, flax, chia, coconut, etc.

[isabel]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

This happens to me with my morning pump session. I unscrew the bottle and quickly put a new one under to catch the drip, then screw it on. They do make a larger version though. Until I get those, I won't be able to pump on my commute. I overflowed one the other morning.

[isabel]

Jun 18, 2015 23:33:03 GMT -5 caramia said:

Do you think instant oatmeal packets would have the same effect? It'll be difficult for me to make real oatmeal the first couple of weeks while my daughter is in the NICU

Do you have access to a fridge? Overnight oats are basically equal parts oats, yogurt, and milk. I mixed a huge batch last weekend and portioned it out in individual containers.

I hope your kiddo is out of the nicu soon!

[ewall]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

I use the Medela ones. I grab a 3rd bottle when I pump because my left breast is an overachiever. I just slide off the assembly, unscrew and replace bottle, then slide it back onto the shield. I'm not talented enough to replace the bottle when it's attached to my hands-free bra

[Deleted]

Me and my low supply. I never have to worry about swapping bottles while pumping. My first pump of the day only nets me 5oz combined, and then it decreases as the day goes on. I rented a Symphony on Monday, and my output has increased a little bit. Even better, it's taking me about 1/2 the time to pump.

[shortstax]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

I only get 5+ on my first pump of the day, so I use these:  www.amazon.com/Gerber-Essentials-Clearview-Bottles-Silicone/dp/B007M2OQK4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8


They screw right into the Medela pump. I've even bought the smaller 5oz ones for during work just because they're cheap and give me more pump bottles to work into the rotation.

[linz]

I never noticed a difference from eating oatmeal. But I think my body is also at the point of not being able to produce anymore then it already does.

[linz]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

I just unplug the pump, unscrew bottle and screw new one on and keep pumping. I have a hands free bra and it's simple to do. There might be a drip or two but usually I can switch them out fast enough.

[imimahoney]

Wow, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Over 3 pumps I get 11.5 oz at the most. My daughter is 13 weeks and eats 11 oz at daycare.

I'm eating oatmeal every morning, drinking tons of water and haven't seen any improvement.

[sent]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

Medela makes larger bottles.  If you want the MMM route, you can buy the Gerber 9 oz bottles and those work perfectly fine with Medela pumps.

I bought a pack of those 9 oz bottles in anticipation that I would be pumping more and would need them, and that down the line, DD would drink more than 5 oz and need it too.  Neither ever happened.  

[caramia]

Jun 19, 2015 6:56:12 GMT -5 isabel said:

Jun 18, 2015 23:33:03 GMT -5 caramia said:

Do you think instant oatmeal packets would have the same effect? It'll be difficult for me to make real oatmeal the first couple of weeks while my daughter is in the NICU

Do you have access to a fridge? Overnight oats are basically equal parts oats, yogurt, and milk. I mixed a huge batch last weekend and portioned it out in individual containers.

I hope your kiddo is out of the nicu soon!

Good idea! I'll try that. And thanks- she's not born yet, so I'm just planning ahead

[lmb5109]

Jun 18, 2015 22:56:27 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

I feel like my milk didn't fully come in until ds was 8-9 weeks. Weird. I'm pumping extra to freeze at least but would like a little more. I have ingredients for lactation cookies but haven't gotten around to making them.

For those of you who pump a lot per session, do you use special bottles? My medala bottles are the standard ones and hold 5oz each, and on occasion I fill one and could keep going but can't. What could I do?

I got the 8oz Medela bottles. My right could do 10 ozs at one time the first few months but my left never produced more than 5 per session. 

[lmb5109]

Jun 19, 2015 8:44:15 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Wow, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Over 3 pumps I get 11.5 oz at the most. My daughter is 13 weeks and eats 11 oz at daycare.

I'm eating oatmeal every morning, drinking tons of water and haven't seen any improvement.

Get flax seed pills or add flax seed to your oatmeal. I ate the steal cut oats and used whole milk (for the fat) and added fruit to my oatmeal. I did 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup of milk.

I'd also eat 8oz of of full fat greek yogurt a day with adding honey, flax seed, 1/2 cup of granola and fruit

[imimahoney]

Jun 19, 2015 11:42:12 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

Jun 19, 2015 8:44:15 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Wow, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Over 3 pumps I get 11.5 oz at the most. My daughter is 13 weeks and eats 11 oz at daycare.

I'm eating oatmeal every morning, drinking tons of water and haven't seen any improvement.

Get flax seed pills or add flax seed to your oatmeal. I ate the steal cut oats and used whole milk (for the fat) and added fruit to my oatmeal. I did 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup of milk.

I'd also eat 8oz of of full fat greek yogurt a day with adding honey, flax seed, 1/2 cup of granola and fruit

Thanks. I'm dairy soy and nut free for my daughter so I know I'm not eating not enough full fat stuff. I'll try flax. I'm using steel cut oats.

[lmb5109]

Jun 19, 2015 11:44:17 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Jun 19, 2015 11:42:12 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

Get flax seed pills or add flax seed to your oatmeal. I ate the steal cut oats and used whole milk (for the fat) and added fruit to my oatmeal. I did 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup of milk.

I'd also eat 8oz of of full fat greek yogurt a day with adding honey, flax seed, 1/2 cup of granola and fruit

Thanks. I'm dairy soy and nut free for my daughter so I know I'm not eating not enough full fat stuff. I'll try flax. I'm using steel cut oats.

Oh that stinks! I think you can take up to 3 flax seed pills a day. I never saw an issue with DD when I took that much. I never got brewers yeast but that could be added to the oatmeal also. 

[nessness]

Jun 19, 2015 8:44:15 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Wow, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Over 3 pumps I get 11.5 oz at the most. My daughter is 13 weeks and eats 11 oz at daycare.

I'm eating oatmeal every morning, drinking tons of water and haven't seen any improvement.

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. According to kellymom it's more common to get less than your baby needs than more. I average about 12 oz over three sessions and DD eats 18 oz, so I have to add in extra sessions during the week (fortunately I only work part time so this is doable). But yeah, I've always been jealous of the people getting like 10 oz per session.

[imimahoney]

Jun 19, 2015 11:47:57 GMT -5 nessness said:

Jun 19, 2015 8:44:15 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Wow, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Over 3 pumps I get 11.5 oz at the most. My daughter is 13 weeks and eats 11 oz at daycare.

I'm eating oatmeal every morning, drinking tons of water and haven't seen any improvement.

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. According to kellymom it's more common to get less than your baby needs than more. I average about 12 oz over three sessions and DD eats 18 oz, so I have to add in extra sessions during the week (fortunately I only work part time so this is doable). But yeah, I've always been jealous of the people getting like 10 oz per session.

Thankd. My daughter is tiny, only 10th %so of course I'm hyper aware and nervous about my supply. I'm only at work for the next week and then I'll be back to nursing ft and she won't be getting bottles. I'll try the flax and see if that changes anything. I know there are supplements I can take like go lacta so I'll probably try that as well.

[nessness]

Jun 19, 2015 11:51:10 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Jun 19, 2015 11:47:57 GMT -5 nessness said:

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. According to kellymom it's more common to get less than your baby needs than more. I average about 12 oz over three sessions and DD eats 18 oz, so I have to add in extra sessions during the week (fortunately I only work part time so this is doable). But yeah, I've always been jealous of the people getting like 10 oz per session.

Thankd. My daughter is tiny, only 10th %so of course I'm hyper aware and nervous about my supply. I'm only at work for the next week and then I'll be back to nursing ft and she won't be getting bottles. I'll try the flax and see if that changes anything. I know there are supplements I can take like go lacta so I'll probably try that as well.

Since you're keeping up with her daycare intake with pumping, you should be fine nursing, since the baby is more effective than the pump. But if you have concerns, like if she's still acting hungry after eating, you could see about doing a weighed feeding to see how much she's getting.

[imimahoney]

Jun 19, 2015 11:58:50 GMT -5 nessness said:

Jun 19, 2015 11:51:10 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Thankd. My daughter is tiny, only 10th %so of course I'm hyper aware and nervous about my supply. I'm only at work for the next week and then I'll be back to nursing ft and she won't be getting bottles. I'll try the flax and see if that changes anything. I know there are supplements I can take like go lacta so I'll probably try that as well.

Since you're keeping up with her daycare intake with pumping, you should be fine nursing, since the baby is more effective than the pump. But if you have concerns, like if she's still acting hungry after eating, you could see about doing a weighed feeding to see how much she's getting.

Thanks. She gets about 2ish oz when she eats. I've done a weighted feed several times and it's always the same.