How To Increase Breast Milk?

Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Jul 2014 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

I am 34 yrs old and I have one month baby girl.. She is not properly drinking milk.. She sucks for 5 to 10 mins very slowly and then sleeps.. Again she feels hungry very soon.. I thought that my milk production is very less.. But today I pumped the milk after the feed and I got 100 ml even when the breasts are soft.. So can u plz suggest whether my milk production is less or baby has problem with the drinking milk and sucking..
Plz suggest medicine to increase breast milk.. Right now I m using perinorm tablets..

Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Arun (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can use lactare and perinorm

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your milk output seems to be fine as you are able to pump out adequately.

It is possible that there may be improper positioning and attachment at the nipple and areola . Baby should suck not only at the nipple. It should have the nipple and areola together in it's mouth. Please check if there are any deficiencies with latching on.

As far as medicines are concerned, you can also use lactare along with perinorm.
Try drinking plenty of liquids and milk.
This will increase milk output.

Wishing your child speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr Arun.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Arun (5 hours later)

Baby is feeling irritating and she is sucking only for 2 to 3 mins and then she is sleeping and she is leaving the nipple and feeling disinterested in drinking and sucking.. I am feeling that she is feeling lazy to suck.. So I m giving formula milk 2 to 3 times per day as I m worried that she is not getting enough milk from me..and formula milk I m giving through bottle .. Earlier I used to give formula top ups with spoon but as she is getting satisfied with spoon from 4 to 5 days I m bottle feeding..but I really want to feed my baby with only breast milk.. Plz suggest whether there is pblm with latching or wat else culd be the reason..

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
nipple confusion

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Babies fed on both bottle and breast get nipple confusion. They will start expecting milk to flow out from breastfeeding as they get in bottle .
Solution: avoid bottles, use spoon only .

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T