I'm trying the Nutramigen hypoallerginic formula....don't know why I typed the word SOY by that name in my above post. Guess I'm sleep deprived.

Baby seems very hungry and is not as satisfied at the breast anymore. I thought we were doing so well.

Please email Lenore. You can find her email at the bottom left of the page.

Oops that should be bottom right

I used the address [email protected] since I didn't actually see the address at the bottom right or left! However, I'm a bit drowsy since Lil Miss arrived

The first email was returned, but I tried again. Hopefully the second will go through.

I'm still thinking it is a latch problem, but am so puzzled as how to get more into this precious child.

are you pumping after feeds to empty your breasts? If so then the hind milk will be there and the doc is crazy not to let you give that to her. (sorry I am just a wee bit passionate)I am going to forward this thread to Lenore so she sees it.

I'm not sure about the whole diet/calories. It is my understanding that it is not directly related. I found this related information from THE BREASTFEEDING ANSER BOOK, 2003, pg. 436: "Research from developing countries and other parts of the world indicates that even mothers who are mildly malnourished produce an adequate supply of good quality milk fro their babies and only under famine or near famine conditions will a mother's nutrition affect her milk supply or the composition of her milk."

The composition of human milk is very similar all over the world, even comparing wealthy and impoverished women. The body will use what it needs first to make the milk and what is left will go to the mother. If mother is not eating enough of something it will take what it needs from the mother's reserves.

If she is not draining your breast completely, then I would start with trying to get her to drain it! Allow her to nurse as long as she is willing on the first breast, and use breast compression. Don't switch to the 2nd breast until you feel she has completely drained the first.

To do breast compression, put your baby to your breast and let her latch on and nurse. You'll see the little fluttery sucks at first while she is waiting for the milk to let down, then her sucking will change to slooooow sucks and you'll be able to hear her swallowing. That's how you know your milk is flowing (also called ?letting down?).

When the milk stops flowing quickly, your baby will go back to the quick, fluttery sucks. Then you grasp your breast, with your hand well back away from the nipple, and squeeeeeeze and hold. You'll see that your baby goes back to the sloooow sucks again, as your milk begins flowing quickly and she drinks your milk. Keep holding the squeeze until she goes back to flutter-sucks, then release the squeeze for a few moments, and repeat. You can continue breast compression, followed by releasing the compression, for the whole nursing session. Doing breast compression can really help your baby get a lot more milk in a short time.

I would try this, plus adding a feeding or two every day. More skin on skin?

Many mothers have found skin-to-skin is the absolute best tool we have for increasing milk supply and getting babies to nurse really well. Spending as much time as you possibly can with you undressed from the waist up and your baby undressed except for a diaper, just letting her sleep in your arms against your skin until she wakes and wants to nurse, will help so much. It organizes baby's suck and it stimulates your milk supply. Skin-to-skin contact also keeps your baby warm and secure and helps her use all her energy to grow.

The two of you can cover up with a blanket when you?re resting together. When you?re up and around, you could carry your baby inside your shirt/jacket (a button up works best) when she is wearing nothing but a diaper. Babies love to be held so I'm sure she would be thrilled! If you have a sling or soft baby carrier you can carry her in that under your shirt/jacket.

Warm baths have been known to help too. There's something not only relaxing about a nice warm bath, but it also help the milk flow. If you bathe with your baby that is even better. The warm water helps baby relax and nurse better while it helps you relax and your milk to flow better. For safety only do this when someone is available to help you in and out of the tub.

How about a 48 hour skin on skin nursing marathon (with breast compression). See if you can weigh her at the Dr. on Friday, spend all weekend with the "marathon" and then weigh her again on Monday.

If you don't see a weight gain on Monday then you know you need to supplement.

Thank you so much for all your replies.

Lalle, I'd thought about draining the breast, but was hated to pump when she is nursing so often. However, that does make sense.

Maggiemom, your timing is perfect. My husband took the boys for a weekend at our country house to leave me to fatten the baby! I'll do lots of skin to skin without little boy eyes around.

I tried your breast compression technique. I was squeezing then letting go, but your idea worked a lot better! I noticed what you were saying about the sucking. Thank you so much for sharing such excellent ideas.

Well, off to nurse skin to skin, asymmetrical latch and squeeze and hold....then drain the breast if any left. I'll keep you posted.

Blessings to you all for helping us!

Spoon, I just want to say, you are doing an awesome job keep it up!!! I love your dedication.