how to NOT increase supply

[suddenlyamama]

hi,
I just figured out the answer to my baby who never seems to stop crying. It appears I have been limiting her feedings too much. My pediatrician told me her GERD was from me feeding her too often. Stupid. Should not have listened.

I decided to feed her the other day to calm her down and because of her limited feedings I developed a clogged duct (ouch) She nursed for an hour and a half
I couldn't believe it! I am just learning as I go here, as I dont have much breastfeeding support around me.
Anyways, in the past two days I have let her nurse on demand for as long as she wants. Is there harm in this? She sometimes sleeps for a while and then awakes, so I have also suddenly had incredibly huge milk filled boobies. Which she doesn't empty. But she is way more pleasant. I feel like what I thought was becoming PPD is now leaving me. (Suddenly I love nursing too! Omg!)

Anyways, blah blah blah sorry this is going around in circles, but I am just looking for tips or advice.
Thanks mamas

[EmTheWife]

It sounds like both you and baby are feeling better! That's great How old is your baby? Nursing on demand is great for both of you, and much easier too, isn't it?

If she's a newbie, then nursing for hours at a time, dozing off, and nursing again is totally normal, and some continue this pattern for months, but not that many that I know of. As baby grows, she nurses more efficiently, and gets faster about the whole thing, but may still want to nurse anywhere between every 30 mins and 3-4 hours (if she's growing well, you know she's eating well too).

Yes, your breasts will be filled-with-milk-huge because you are making enough to meet you baby's demand. The fullness will subside in time as your body becomes accustomed to making more milk.

Short-term, for the discomfort of fullness, try cool compresses between feedings, and expressing just a little bit to achieve comfort, but not enough to empy the breast, because then it will fill itself again, thinking the baby wanted more milk than before.

[blake201]

From what I've read/been told, limiting breastfeeding is never a good idea--especially with young babies, nursing on cue is really the way to go. Of course they will cry when they are hungry!

My 12-week old baby sleeps from 6-9 hours at night (this is a recent thing), but during the day she will sometimes nurse every half hour ... and sometimes go as long as 3 or 4 hours between feedings. And sometimes she will happily nurse nonstop for 3 hours without stopping. She is thriving and very healthy and has never had any formula.

Sometimes this does lead to engorgement at odd times, but I usually massage my breasts when this happens and sometimes if it is really bad I express just enough to relieve the discomfort.

[curiouscanadian]

Anyways, in the past two days I have let her nurse on demand for as long as she wants. Is there harm in this?

Generally NO. Usually one of the biggest recommendations with breastfeeding IS to feed on demand. When they want, for however long they want. Doing this over time will regulate your supply to their demand, over the entire duration of your nursing relationship (including in times of growth spurts).

As for with the GERD? I have no idea, but still would think the answer is no if you've been doing it the last few days and your babe is happier. Did your pediatrician explain how BFing was causing your baby's GERD?? Did she just spit up a lot? Gassy? If I recall correctly, too much foremilk vs. hindmilk can have the same effects... (I really don't know much of anything about GERD but it seems a bit hinky to me to say that BF could cause it.)

[PatioGardener]

with my GERDling I was told to BF on demand PLUS to add feedings if possible. More, smaller feedings are best. if i added feedings he'd take less the next time.

also look into oversupply and dairy sensitivity - both can make gerd worse.

nak

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns...nsitivity.html

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html

[suddenlyamama]

thanks mamas, we are doing so much better I can't even believe it. I am letting her nurse on demand still, btw she is 8 weeks old, still so new, and while her GERD is still there and extreme, she is way less fussy.
Also, I am eliminating dairy (boo).

Thanks for your advice. Glad to have some support!