Kathy asks about an apparent sudden drop in milk supply at 7 mos. Since we do not know if mom
is pregnant, there is still a lot of conjecture of course. But, has anyone considered that there might be a
problem with the pump since she believes the baby is content at breast? OTOH, he may only appear
content if he is getting a lot of solids. I am wondering why you would suggest a drug with very negative
potential side effects when there are so many safer and more effective herbs?
I am also curious about this response from Maria:
"What you want to know is how much and how often solid food is given to this
child. This is common with mothers who feed solids too much, too frequently
which will quickly lead the supply down. Done correctly, milk reduction is
naturally slow process with the baby dictating the supply. Remember, the
staple of the baby's diet is and should be, breastmilk for the first year.
The solids should not replace a breastfeeding. Solids take up space and
nutritionally don't pack the punch breastmilk does. So if she is feeding
solids to this baby more than once a day and more than a tablespoon I would
suggest she back off the solids and nurse as much as possible..the baby
should drive that supply back up. Caution her from undo dieting or reducing
her carbs.(which is also common with moms at this time)...I would bump her
healthy carbs to over 50% of her daily intake and make sure her caloric
intake is adequate."
I of course agree that solids could be the culprit. I would also evaluate the baby's actual readiness--if
he is taking solids in a spoon rather than self-feeding, he is likely overfed and/or not ready. OTOH,
when moms drop supply where solids are not the cause, I would rather see baby get solids than AIM
while mom is away.
My question, though is about the comment on carbs. Most people have no idea what healthy carbs are
and given this advice will eat more grain products, not more vegetables or nutrient-dense foods.
Nutrient-density is the key to a healthy diet, not whether the food is defined as a fat, protein or carb, so I
am wondering which foods you are specifically suggesting? French fries are complex carbs, but are
nutrient-poor. If I see diet as implicated in loss of milk supply, mom usually needs more vegetables, EFAs,
nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut, dark leafy greens and possibly beans. I will often suggest moms have a
smoothie for breakfast that includes a green powder and possibly a protein powder as well as sources of
EFAs, like seeds to really pack in the nutrition.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC
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