Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Have a question

I thought of something today--- (a little history) I started pumping for now about 3 weeks. I have been pumping 4 times a day and I have been getting roughly between 1/2 to 1 1/2 ounces per breast each time. Well I have been really excited about it but I got to thinking, do I change anything that I eat or drink if I am keeping the milk and freezing it?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I do drink probably 2-3 Dt. Cokes a day and I have not changed anything that I eat.... Should I be???

Thanks for your help!!
Shelley <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm no expert, but after reading how even a small amount of caffeine can do to an infant, I wouldn't be drinking it. Maybe you could switch to caffeine free drinks? See what some of the other ladies think... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

things like spicey foods, brocolli (sp?) and foods like that cause alot of gas in babies. Also you might cut your dairy. I have several donors that had to get rid of their freezer stashes because their babies could not handle the dairy in the milk.

Hi Shelley,

You may not know if your infant has a sensitivity to foods until it's too late. One thing that's important to avoid is nuts. There is anectdotal evidence to suggest that we can inadvertently pass on a peanut or other nut allergy through breastmilk. Don't ask me for the references, all I can tell you is that it happened to my sister and so I'm letting others know.

As for caffeine, we actually use this in the NICU to help preemies prevent apnea and bradycardia. So I wouldn't worry about it. You can drink your diet coke, so little ends up in the milk that it's not an issue. Also, 2-3 cups of coffee is ok.

Broccoli, and cauliflower and other gas producing foods may or may not pose a problem, you won't know until you know. So if you're not a big fan of these, leave them out of your diet.

Hope this helps. Warmest regards,

Shelley:
Are you adding oatmeal to your diet? And lots of water? I noticed my supply increased after adding these.

Good luck!

Thank you for all your words of wisdom!!! I was starting to worry... Lenore, I did privately email you and it kept coming back that it was undeliverable!

I do not like some of those green veggies, so it wont be hard to stay away from <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />, but thank you for the heads up, I will definately keep that in mind.

I am only taking 4 dom right now, and I know I do need to increase my water intake, and eat more oatmeal! I was thinking that I would do that when we get closer to getting a baby.... What do you guys think? It really is no big deal to me.. Do you think I should build it up more or wait.........If I increased my Dom, drink more water, and ate more oatmeal it will probably increase, I do not know if I will need more in the freezer then I am getting or just wait and use the baby for it to increase?? Any suggestions??

I have been pumping for just about a month now and it is kinda between 1/2 and 1 1/2 oz. it varies from pumping to pumping... I also get a wet shirt in the AM if I do not pump the 4th time before bed..... I can get sprays out of each breast! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Let me know what you guys think--- ~ thank you again for all your help~ by far this is my favorite board!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi Shelley,

Sorry about the email problem it's been cleared up. Seems the virus scanning software malfunctioned. You can always reach me at lengold@sprynet.com if the lenore@asklenore.info email is on the fritz.

The most important thing you can do is frequently drain your breasts. Feeling full and sore is not a good thing. That sets up the feedback inhibiter of lactation to tell your breasts to shut down. So get pumping girl!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Warmest regards,