Losing my milk

Okay, I've been hiatus for the past weeks. My hands are full of to do's. Blame it all to tons and tons of work load, boss from Geneva coming in and addiction to Farmville. The latter is a very, very bad idea as I need to focus my attention to a very important milestone in my career that will happen on Feb 5 of next year. I have to refocus myself. Aside from that, this month has been very, very hectic because of parties, get togethers, and what nots. The stress makes me loss my milk, literally. I usually get disoriented when I can't produce enough milk for Claire. I hate it when I can't even produce 3oz of milk in one sitting. There are times when my mom doesn't have any choice but to give her formula when I'm still not around.

According to BabyCenter:

To increase your milk supply:

• Let your baby feed as often and for as long as he wants and offer both breasts at each feed.

• Give him only breastmilk and avoid using dummies which may reduce the time he spends at the breast.

• Do not be tempted to top him up with a bottle of formula (this is called "supplementing" or "mixed feeding"). Your milk supply will adjust to the demands your baby makes on it. If you satisfy his hunger with formula he will require less breastmilk and your supply will reduce.

• While you are working on improving the way your baby latches on, you could also try expressing your milk after each feed. Removing as much of the residual milk in your breasts as you can will help stimulate your milk supply. If you store this milk in the fridge or freezer, you can use your own breastmilk to give him a bit extra if he gets particularly hungry at one time of day, perhaps in the evening.

• Some herbs are said to increase a mother's milk supply -– they are known as "galactagogues". Malunggay is a popular local herb that is traditionally used to aid in milk production. You can prepare viands and soups using this ingredient or you may also buy them in capsule form to supplement your diet. Many experts believe that nursing moms do not need galactagogues to increase milk supply. However, if you feel the need to try, you should ask your doctor or lactation consultant about using herbal remedies during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.