QUESTION: I was nursing my son exclusively until a month ago when I went back to work (he didn't even drink from bottles) and my milk supply was very good. Sometimes I would have to pump because my breasts were so full, but since I've gone back to work when I try to pump out milk for the bottles I can barely get anything out- sometimes only 1 oz comes out. I must pump the night before and in the morning before work but the couple of ounces I get are hardly enough for my son. He is eating food now too. Is he weaning himself and is there anything I can do to increase my milk supply because I would like to continue nursing as long as possible. The pediatrician says it's better for me to nurse more rather than feed him food and that he isn't gaining weight now as quickly as he was before. What am I doing wrong?

Thank You,

Jennifer Vargas
 

Dear Jennifer,

What kind of breast pump are you using? If you are not using a good quality double electric breast pump while you are working it will impact and decrease your milk supply. Your baby will slow down on his weight gain in the second six months of life. He should double his weight by 6 months and triple it by 1 year. At 6 months of age he should just be starting on solids. One new food per week is fine. I don't really think you are doing anything wrong. Nurse more, or pump with a good double pump and you will increase your milk supply.

Denise G Hewson RN IBCLC

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