to make the question easier - I'll put it like this.
Problems -
1)I have flat nipples and baby refuses to nurse without shield. 2)I was away from baby for 2 days without nursing, now there is less milk. 3)only breastfed for first 2 weeks and baby had not gained enough weight, Dr. had me give aditional formula, now baby likes bottle better, probably because she doesn't have to work as hard to get the milk out as with the shield. 4)It takes 3 pumping sessions to get enough milk to make 1 bottle.
5)During the day she will nurse, but once the flow slows down, she gets mad and will not suck properly and feeding has to be finished with formula.
Now the question - Is it possible if I pump or let her nurse at least a couple times a day to continue to make the same amount of milk or increase any, or will it dry up because baby is not completly emptying at each feeding? i do like the benefits of nursing, & baby wants to nurse but gets fustrated with shield and low supply, any suggestions?
2006-11-30 05:18:04 · 17 answers · asked by ebabsto 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
i just had the same problem with my daughter here are some things that help get your supply up:
1) pump each breast every hour (i know this sucks)
2) make your baby naked and take your shirt off and feed the baby that way weather your nursing or not(i know this sounds wierd but it works
3) make sure the nipple on the bottle you are using is shapped like the breast nipple that way she dosn't get used to the easy way
4) if she take a pacifier use the one that works like the nipple i know gerber makes one like this
And no you won't compleatly dry up unless you stop feeding and pumping compleatly. Good luck!
2006-11-30 05:27:52 · answer #1 · answered by sarah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, be sure you truly have flat nipples before you write them off as such. A La Leche League leader can help you determine this for sure. Truly flat nipples do not get erect when they are stimulated or cold.
Flat nipples can be caused by engorgment.
Experts are in disagreement over the efficacy of breast shields. Meaning, they don't always work.
Pumping just before feeding (either manually or with a pump) will help draw out flat or inverted nipples.
To keep your milk supply up: get plenty of rest, water and nurse on demand (meaning: let the kiddo nurse constantly)
Also, look into something called the Hoffman technique for drawing out your nipples.
Place the thumb on either side of the nipple's base, press in firmly against the breast tissue while pulling the thumbs away from each other at the same time.
Some women have had success drawing out flat nipples with a 10 ml syringe.
Best of luck. Hang in there, get some support. Go to a La Leche League meeting ASAP!
2006-11-30 05:31:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a mom of two and I experienced similar feeding problems. Keep pumping and trying to nurse, and you should increase your milk again. Also if baby gets frusturated with the shield try with out. Even with flat nipples ( I have them) baby should be able to get enough in the mouth to latch on properly. Those shields are a pain in my opinion. If baby is not emptying at each feeding try to pump immediatly to empty. Good luck to you.
2006-11-30 05:33:52 · answer #3 · answered by jenbillyoung 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is not too stressing on you, I would continue pumping and trying to nurse her. If it is easier then just pump and put it in the bottle. She is still getting some benefits from the breastmilk if she only gets one bottle a day. Pump every three hours, just like you were feeding her. You can also start out nursing, then pump to empty each breast after she stops. that way your body will be stimulated to make more. BUT, if you are stressed out then stop. Your daughter will thrive on the formula. I have three kids. All three have had formula. I fully intended to breastfeed my daughter but my milk never came in. Good Luck.
2006-11-30 05:27:42 · answer #4 · answered by mommyofthree 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i dont know if this will help you at all but with my first daughter i went back to work when she was 3 months old and i had to pump while i was at work to try and keep her breastfed. my supply went down alot and it was very hard to get milk i would pump for an hour on one side and only get 2 ounces if i was lucky so what helped me increase....i drank as much water as i could in between pumping and didnt eat any bread products because it depresiated my supply and had a snack in between every pumping then i got that mothers milk tea from gnc and i was able to continue breastfeeding until my daughter was 9 months old. not to mention i got pregnant again when she turned 6 months lol you want to talk about a struggle to keep enough milk for her lol. any breastfeeding at all is better then nothing though so good luck hopefully i was a little help
2006-11-30 05:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by undecided 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would continue nursing when you can as well as pumping. Even if it takes multiple sessions to fill one bottle, eventually you will start making more milk. Although you may have to give baby formula, as long as you are still giving baby some breast milk, she will still benefit from the nutrients. Continue to let her nurse, and when your supply run out, have the bottle waiting for her to finish feeding/eating. Good luck and God bless!
2006-11-30 05:25:18 · answer #6 · answered by Sweetie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breast milk is by supply and demand the more you pump or feed the baby the more milk you will have, I had that problem with my little girl because i have what are considered inny nipples, the thing is when they lash on its not just to the nipple its to the whole dark area, at first it was hard to latch her on so I would pump as often as possible and try to get her on as often too. It was hard at fist but well worth it, she was breastfead for 14 months and is one healthy baby. She was in the NICU for a week after birth so I thought I was going to have health issued with her, gratfully I haven't.
2006-11-30 05:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by Mely 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a certified lactation consulatant. Also get an SNS (supplemental nursing system) or Lact-aid and ditch the bottles completely. Formula supplementation will destroy your supply and ruin your baby's latch.
Also, have a nurse-in. Go to bed with your baby for a few hours to a whole day or weekend. Do nothing but drink water and nurse nurse nurse. it will help build your supply in no time.
2006-11-30 06:08:06 · answer #8 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what hon all Moms want to do the best things for thier baby and you are trying sooo hard. But maybe it would just be better to put her on formula since you are having such a hard time with it. Then you could relax and enjoy baby's feedings instead of being always soo concerned at whether she is getting enough. You have breast fed her thru the first month and she got a lot of immunities through that. There is nothing wrong with feeding formula esp. when baby is having such a hard time with it.
2006-11-30 05:31:06 · answer #9 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you offer the breast more frequently, every half hour or so, you will stimulate milk production. Drink a lot of fluids! A cup an hour of water is good. The La leche League has great advice for nipple issues. Stick with it- it's worth it!
2006-11-30 05:27:20 · answer #10 · answered by tiggercat2551 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋