I had a reduction 5 yrs ago and am on a pill to help produce but yet I still only get maybe 2 oz every 3 -4 hours. My daughter is not with me but I see her for 2hrs 3 times a week and she nurses awsome and most of the time while I am with her. Is there anything that I can do to help get more milk any suggestions would be appresiated. I have an ameda electric pump and pump for 20 min each time then try to empty what is left manually. Not very succesfull and wanting to give up please help. I have been doing this for 4 months.
2006-06-25 12:16:12 · 9 answers · asked by hockeymom_9706 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
If you want to increase the amount you are pumping, you need to pump more often. Generally, you need to nurse *at least* 10-12 times in 24 hours to increase production. Since pumping is less efficient than nursing, you might even need to pump more often than that.
In addition, I would suggest you be in touch with La Leche League (see sources section below). They are the experts in helping breastfeeding mothers.
And, lastly, you might want to consider contacting a group of mothers who have experience with breastfeeding after breast reduction. See the second URL in the sources section).
2006-06-26 02:44:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem. I took the herb Fenugreek and am not really convinced it helped. I did read that some women don't produce as much when they pump. I read that nursing vs pumping releases more hormones for the milk supply, something to do with being close with your baby, which makes sense. I was in a situation where I could nurse more so I started to pump less (down to twice a day). It helped. I became a cow, I was pumping 4-6 oz at each session. I also read that if you stare at a picture of your baby while pumping it could help. I guess from my experience if you can nurse her more often you may be able to produce more. I wish you all the luck I know it's frustrating but don't give up there is a solution. You sound like a great Mom!
2006-06-25 19:40:28 · answer #2 · answered by 10 pts for me? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a mother of four children and have breastfed them all. I wasn't in the same situation that you are currently in, but, I did find that if you nursed more you would produce more. I would have to say try pumping every hour or two instead of every three to four. Or you can just go to your daughter more often. I don't know enough about your situation to tell you what is best, but hopefully you find the right thing that works for you....even if it means formula feeding. It sounds like you have done a great job and she got four months of breastmilk. Good Luck to you!
2006-06-25 19:27:40 · answer #3 · answered by marisa b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was having trouble pumping some out for my son(who will no longer take a bottle...got too attatched to mom) I would nurse him on one side mostly and let the other side fill up so that it was full enough to pump. After doing this a few times...they both filled up again. He ate so muchoff me, I felt like there was none left but, this method worked. Something worked right ......he was 6.5 at birth and was 13lbs at 2months. Now a big 22lbs at 6 months and just started baby foods.
Good luck!
2006-06-25 22:01:53 · answer #4 · answered by tleigh517 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you taking, Reglan? I know that helps increase milk production postpartum.
All that you are doing are the right things to do. You could start pumping more often just to get more production in those times, which will lead to more milk.
Some people just don't produce much milk. Don't be too hard on yourself. At least you are trying and doing the best you can. Any breast milk you can give your baby helps tremendously. :)
GOOD LUCK!!
2006-06-25 19:23:38 · answer #5 · answered by nateandlexi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try pumping more often. Breastmilk is a supply and demand type of situation. The more that it is demanded, the higher the supply will be. Also try pumping for longer each time, because it will encourage more milk as your body will think that the baby isn't getting enough, because it would seem as though it is still sucking.
2006-06-25 22:44:34 · answer #6 · answered by Jade 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a lactation consultant-don't give up unless it's what you want. You can always change your mind down the road. You may have to supplement w/ formula, but the benefit of nursing is awesome. If you decide that it is time for you to take a different route, and stop nursing, DON'T feel like a failure! Nursing is not for everyone.
2006-06-25 19:54:29 · answer #7 · answered by paralglmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breast pump just does not stimulate milk production like actually nursing a baby does. Keep up what you are doing. Giving her some breast milk is still better than no breast milk.
2006-06-25 19:26:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
an herb called fenugreek. you can get it and any drug store.
2006-06-26 16:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by karylina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋