can i ever fill up my 11 lb 2week old baby?!

by Alicia Tovar
(mansfield, Tx)

Question: My daughter was born 2weeks ago at 10lbs and 2 oz. but she finishes both brests, and acts full usually falling asleep at the breast. But soon wakes up,rooting for more. I hate to start her on cereal this young because my oldest daughter acted the same and I gave her cereal as directed by her dr., and my milk soon dried up. This may be my last baby and I'd like to breast feed her as long as possible. Should I take vitamins to increace milk production? Or should I start her on cereal, and hope my milk doesnt dry up?

Answer: Congratulations on your big, healthy baby! You are correct that starting solids too early can decrease your milk supply (in addition to being very difficult for your baby to digest until their tummies mature at about 6 months).

Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. By allowing your daughter to nurse whenever she indicates a need, this will increase your milk supply. Over time, she will also get better and better at it and will need less frequent meals.

My advice is to let her nurse as frequently as she wants to even if it seems like you are nursing around the clock. This intense schedule will not last forever. It usually takes about 6 weeks for your milk supply to completely stabilize to your baby's needs.

One last thing to consider is your breast size. Smaller breasts can make just as much milk as large breasts, however, they can store less at a time. Therefore women with smaller breasts may need to feed more frequently, but again, can certainly make as much milk as anyone else.

Keep an eye on your baby's weight and diaper output. As long as those things are on track, there is no need to give her anything but your milk until closer to 6 months of age.

Best of luck!