Advice on how to produce fattier milk

[Lynann]

Looking for some advice. Last time around with DS I had issues with a lack of fat in my breast milk that led to lactose overload issues and DS self weaning to formula at only 3 months.

I'm pregnant again and would really like to exclusively breastfeed this little one for as long as possible. (This was my intention last time too.)

Is there anything I can do to increase the fat content of my milk?

Thanks for any help or suggestions you can share.

[PatioGardener]

Did you have over supply? Often over supply leads to babies getting lots of milk, but as mum makes so much milk the fat tends to get reabsorbed into the breast tissue as the milk waits to be consumed (or that's how I understand it, anyway.)

What were baby's symptoms? Did your DS not gain weight? Have frothy green poops?

Fortunately there are some really good ways to rectify this situation. I had a MASSIVE oversupply with my DS, and I ended up block-feeding in 10 hour blocks, and also feeding reclined with baby sitting upright, and a bunch of other things. Fortunately I got it under control and we are still going strong at 10 months!

Here is the link that helped me. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

and this was interesting too http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/toomuchmilk.html

It would be helpful if you could describe the situation, how you were told you didn't have enough fat, how baby was nursing, what you tried that didn't work, what lead you to give formula etc that would be really helpful and the Mamas here will be able to give you even more detailed suggestions.

ps Congratulations on your pregnancy and for getting as much info as you can before the cutie-pie arrives.

[Lynann]

Thanks for the reply.

I think it was mostly due to oversupply. I had a LOT of milk and DS could feed for an hour on one side and still want more (and get more)

I did try different positions and block feeding but neither seemed to work for him. At one point he refused the right side so I was feeding him from just the left for two days and still didn't appear to have any fat in the milk.

I didn't realise that the fat could be reabsorbed by the breast tissue if it took too long to empty.

Looking back I think the biggest thing that undermined the whole experience was my determination to make it work no matter what so I waited until it was really bad before I tried to resolve it. By then DS was too hungry all the time to have the patience to work with me in finding a solution. I really think if I had faced the problem sooner he would have been more likely to continue nursing while we tried to decrease my supply.

Now I'm just trying to find out as much info as possible so that if the same thing happens I can get a handle on it much quicker and so hopefully be able to continue breastfeeding.

[PatioGardener]

I also had to use sage to decrease my milk, and I used a pumping process to try to 'reset' milk production. I will find the article and post it here.

Did the kellymom page give you and tips that you didn't try with your first? Preparing ahead of time is a GREAT idea! Hopefully it won't be as bad, but if it is you'll have the info you need in easy reach.

over-supply sucks. I once read that it causes as much early weaning as under-supply. But with support and a plan and a whole lot of work you can get through it - I'm living proof :)

ETA: here is the 'reset' article. http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/2/1/11

I had to do it 3 times.

[Lynann]

Yes, the articles did give me something I didn't try before and that is the "Australian Hold" I will certainly be keeping that in mind for next time.

I loved the article on resetting. I've got it bookmarked just in case I need it in September.

You have been a great help. I really appreciate the time you've taken to reply. Hopefully if the problem repeats itself I can be more proactive much earlier so this next baby doesn't have to go the 3 months of suffering my DS went through.

Thanks again

Lyn

[PatioGardener]

Remember that you aren't alone when the baby comes. Even if you have good support close by (family, LC or LLL) we are here for you as well!

Wishing you all the best for your new little one in Aug/Sept!

[natural&organicmom]

This is phenomenal.  I've never heard it put this way.  This is definitely what happened with my first, but I was accused of not producing enough milk and ended up pumping like crazy and I leaked through cloth & paper pads combined for over a year.  Yikes!  Thanks for the websites.