Hi Erika

The reasons for the low milk production will be multifactorial, i.e.
affected by previous infertility/hormonal aberrations, delayed breast
emptying, maternal-infant(s) separation, surgical birth, postpartum edema,
blood loss, type of pump, how many minutes of pumping, fit of flange, use
or not of hand expression with pumping, effectiveness of infant suckling if
any, prematurity, etc.

If she is getting 1/2 oz with each pumping and she is on her first days
postpartum, that might not necessarily be low production. (Of course it
would not be enough for multiple babies). If she is getting 1/2 oz total in
24 hrs, and she is several days out, that is certainly low. I don't believe
there is a "magic bullet" as far as diet. There is anecdotal evidence or
belief that oatmeal can help, of course there are some herbs and some info
on malungay (I can't google this right now and I'm sure it's spelled wrong)
as a sort of super food I think. I believe that mother should be helped to
eat as nutritious a diet of whole founds as she can, however I don't
believe diet to be a really big factor.

Regular frequent milk removal will be the key. She may be able to remove
more milk by hand expression so she should have a trial of that or do
"hands on pumping" which combines breast massage, hand expression, and
"hospital-grade" pump use.
Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA

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