Ok, I make the assumption firstly because the baby is spending less time on breasts while he needed 50 minutes to squeeze out the very last drop of milk from both breasts previously. Secondly, he is able to sleep for longer hours (occasionally more than 4 hours) without a feed now. Thirdly, we no longer need to supplement him with formula unless we are going out and know that we might miss the feeding time. Fourthly, he is more happy nowadays, spending his time watching "Baby Einstein" and self talking.
I certainly hope to maintain the current condition as long as possible because it allows me to have more rest time and baking is becoming possible again. I am glad that I did not give up breastfeeding when problem occurred. What could be more intimate than breastfeeding your own baby??
Sharing here are a few methods used by me so far to boost milk production.
From the photo (left to right):
1. Rivella Bleu - A soft drink from Switzerland containing dairy milk extracts. I only drink it occasionally as I am worried about the calories intake.
2. Galactogil - A French supplement that supposedly increases milk production in nursing mothers. Personally, I did not see a significant increment in milk production plus I think it is pricey. You can get it in local pharmacies with the price of CHF 19.80 per can of 210 g. White granules to be diluted in some liquid, 1-2 tablespoons, 3 times per day. You might finish a can within 2 weeks time.
3. Fennel Tea - Can easily be found in all local supermarket and pharmacies. I bought the one in granules form which can be diluted directly in any liquid instead of boiling hot water for the tea bag type fennel tea. CHF 3.20 for a can of 200 g.
4. Silacten - Another stimulant but in drops form. 15 drops per intake in some liquid, 5 times a day. CHF 11.20 per 50 ml. I prefer this over Galactogil as it is light, almost tasteless and a bottle can last you about 3-4 weeks.
5. Beer without alchohol
Additional ways to stimulate milk supply:
1. Papaya fish soup - I cook the soup once per week as another source of protein and liquid intake.
2. Barley drink - Boil pearled barley in water and and add sugar if desire.
3. Oatmeal - I noticed a significant increase in milk supply after taking oatmeal as breakfast daily. I either cook the oat in milk with a bit of sugar or boil it in water and mix with Marmite when I prefer something savoury.
Extra readings:
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/baby/5-ways-to-increase-breast-milk-supply/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivella
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/archive/index.php/t-939424.html
http://www.mobimotherhood.org/MM/article-diet.aspx
