i had inverted nipples and my baby wont latch on to breastfeed so i am pumping. Is my milk going to dry up?

Question

I have tried using a nipple shield and it doesn't work. he latches on sucks two or three times and gives up. i have plenty of milk to pump but is it going to dry up because im not nursing? My baby is ten days old today.

Answer 1

If you keep pumping milk, you'll keep producing. As long as the milk is leaving the breast consistently, your body thinks that it's the baby nursing so it'll produce as much as you need.

I'd recommend you pump on a schedule / routine so your body will think that it's the baby's feeding schedule and you'll notice your breasts filling up with milk around that time of the day that you pump.
Good going on not giving up just 'cause you've got inverted nipples ... :-)

Answer 2

Just keep trying the shields and pumping, I had to do this with my first. He finally got the hang of it and did great. Your milk should not dry up if you pump on a regular basis and get a good deal of milk each time that you do. Your infant would be nursing every 1 1/2 hrs to 2 at the most at this age, so you need to pump that often. Good luck and I will pray for you.

Answer 3

i had the same problem as you, nothing i did could get my baby to latch on. i pumped my breasts for 3 months and then i just couldnt do it anymore. because you have to pump every single time your baby eats to keep your milk supply up. so i would have to wake up several times in the middle of the night, feed the baby, get the baby back to sleep, and then pump. it was so much work. and you cant really go out because you cant exactly pump in public. but if you think that you can handle it, more power to you, i say give it a try. your milk supply will not dry up as long as you pump every time the baby eats. also with the nipple shield, do you fill it up with milk before he starts sucking on it? a lactation nurse told me to try that. because if you can get him on that it is much much easier. good luck.

Answer 4

I had to pump for the first 3 months because my first baby was a preemie and my milk supply was fine. I drank plenty of water and pumped frequently when it was convenient. Eventually I was able to make the change to nursing her, but it was hard.

I saw many miracles with the babies that were getting breast milk, so it was well worth the challenge of pumping for me. I am NOT bashing people that choose formula, just sharing my experience.

Answer 5

just keep using the pump and your milk should not dry up , i had to do it with my last baby , he would not latch on my baby ,what he is two yrs old now and i still have a little milk in my breast

Answer 6

Keep pumping and don't give up. Sometimes if you pump enough your nipple will come out. Make sure you're using a good hospital grade double electric pump. Also, a good lactation consultant can be a real help with this. I'm sure your OB can refer you to one.

Answer 7

Not as long as you are pumping. Your boobs don't know the difference between baby and the pump all they know is that the mlik is being expressed and they will contiune to produce as long ans you pump. I have a freind who has been pumping for over 6 months and she still has lots of milk .

Answer 8

Have you tried pumping to draw out the nipples and then trying to latch him on?

Are you working with a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a La Leche League Leader to try to get him to nurse?

Answer 9

Congratulations! As long as you continue to stimulate your breasts and express the milk it doesn't matter if the baby latches on or not. Your body will still produce the milk as long as the breasts are stimulated. So continue to express and massage your breasts daily.

Answer 10

if you are pumping, it is the same to your breasts as nursing. don't fear and don't give up. you're doing the best thing for your baby. keep pumping!!!!!

p.s. make sure you empty the breasts each time and do it often to maintain the supply...