Breast milk supply getting low after having gallbladder removed

by Stephanie
(California)

Hi I Just had my gallbladder removed two days ago and now that Ive been in so much pain and can't hold or put my baby on my stomach and I am noticing my milk supply is decreasing, I'm pumping and I can get more than an ounce out. My baby was getting plenty before I had surgery but I can't seem to get out much right now and I've had to supplement with formula more than I would like to. What can I do to increase my milk supply? I've tried holding baby in the football hold but he's getting frustrated because he's not getting enough. Please help!!

Answer from the lactation consultant

I am assuming from your question that over the last two days you have not been emptying your breasts at regular intervals due to the pain from your surgery. Milk supply is a simply demand=supply system. What you empty you make/replace, what you dont empty, you lose/dont replace. So, if you want to make more milk, you need to nurse all the time, literally lay in bed with the baby for a day and nurse hourly or sooner. If you supplement, (which I do not recommend) make sure you are pumping or nursing at least every 2 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night. If you empty more frequently for a few days, the supply should return. I would NOT suggest any herbs to increase your supply with your recent gallbladder removal. Drink lots of water and make sure to take your prenatals. Dont give up. It will come back if you keep emptying. Try the lying down hold, it will keep the baby off your wound.

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC