I have a premature baby still in the hospital and I am pumping. my milk is low, how to get it back .?

Question

I have been slack the past couple of days getting to my pump and my milk supply has gone down. Will it come back with frequent pumping?

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE>>>>I have nursed two other children successfully, the slackness has been from taking care of a 1 1/2 year old since i have been released, and holiday activities, I WILL BE NURSING WHEN THIS BABY COMES HOME!!! (and I nurse when I visit him) I have been incredibly fatigued the last couple of days and haven't had the energy to do much else but sustain life of my daughter at home and visit my baby!!

Answer 1

Bless your heart! What a situation. But conrats on the baby, sounds like everything will be just fine.

1st, make sure you have a relly good pump. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the Medela Pump in Style.

2nd- as hard as it is, especially around theholidays and with a baby in thehospital and a toddler at home and . . . get as much rest as possable. I promise a lazy, lay around and do nothing, veg outi n front of the TV day will increase you milk supply.

Drink plenty of fluids

Eat oatmeal daily

Fenugreek supplement 3 capsules 3 times per day

go here for help http://forums.llli.org/index.php

pump both breast at the same time or use "super switch feeding" switching sides two or three times during each feeding/pumping session

use relaxation techniques, breast massage, and warm compresses for a few minutes before pumping.

Look at a picture of your baby. Inhale your baby's scent from a recently worn article of clothing. Listen to a tape recording of your baby's voice.

More short pumping sessions are more efficient than fewer longer ones

Ten to twelve breastfeeding or pumping sessions per day is a good goal to aim for.

Focus on keeping life as simple as possible (belive me I know, easier said than done!)

Here is apage full of inks that will be helpful during this time
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBmilksupplyissues.html

You also might like to read http://www.llli.org/NB/NBSepOct06p213.html

HTH--Merry Christmas and Go dbless you and yours!!


And to the person who said formula is just as good as breastmilk--I don't think so--did you know Breast milk contains at least 100 (some sources say up to 400) ingredients not found in formula including at least 4 unique proteins. There are unique and powerful immune building properties in breast milk, and it can enhance brain development ?

Breast milk is more easily digested than ANY formula, resulting in less colic, gas, and spitting up.

It reduces or even eliminates food allergies & eczema

Breastfed babies have a much lower incidence of wheezing, prolonged colds, diarrhea, and vomiting

Formula fed children have a drastic increase in childhood cancers

Breastfed babies get protection from bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, diabetes and asthma.

Formula fed babies suffer higher instances of cardiopulmonary disturbances. (Particularly preterm infants)

Breastfed babies have fewer diaper rashes .

Breastfed babies have 5-10 times fewer stomach infections than formula fed babies

Babies who are breastfed are 10 times less likely to be admitted to the hospital during the first year.

Breast milk contains endorphins, chemicals that suppress pain.

breastfeeding can raise your child's I.Q. and there are numerous studies pointing to higher developmental test scores in breastfed children.

Breast fed babies have up to 50% fewer ear infections than bottle fed babies

A recent study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development indicated that breastfeeding was protective against SIDS. (Hoffman, H.J., "Risk Factors for SIDS: Results of the SIDS Cooperative Epidemiologic Study". Ann NY ACAD Sci, 1988.)

Another source states that "Breastfed babies are one-third less likely to die of SIDS."

Breastfeeding enhances the baby's development of oral muscles and facial bones.

BReastfeeding also benefits the mother:
Breastfeeding mothers have lower rates of certain cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial) as well as a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Also, "Women who were breastfed as infants, even if only for a short time, showed an approximate 25% lower risk of developing premenopausal or postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women who were bottle-fed as an infant."
\
Breastfeeding encourages uterine contractions after childbirth, returning the uterus to it's pre-pregnancy size much faster. It has been shown that the uteruses of formula feeding mothers sometimes never return to the pre-pregnancy state.

Breastfeeding also: Boosts prolactin (a hormone that enhances feelings of nurturing and contentment) levels, speeds up post-partum weight loss and helps child spacing.

Breastfeeding boosts women's self-reliance and self esteem: by meeting the needs of their infants, they increase their confidence in their ability parent and nurture.

Breastfeeding reduces women's dependence on medical professionals and validates the tried and trusted knowledge that mothers and midwives have about infant care and feeding.

Breastfeeding is easier and less time consuming. There is no preparation involved, and you don't have to prepare, warm, or transport bottles.

Breastfeeding stimulates a mothers body to produce prolactin and oxytocin, the "mothering hormones" (Prolactin helps you feel relaxed, loving, and calm. Prolactin levels can increase 10-20 fold within 30 minutes of beginning a nursing session)

Breastfeeding provides extra closeness that helps your baby bond and develop trust.

The skin-to-skin contact offered by breastfeeding reduces the stress babies experience when they enter the world from the warmth and safety of the womb.

Breastfeeding provides comfort during illness or pain.

Breastmilk is actually the most ecological food available to humans.

There is less consumption of natural resources and landfill space. The production and packaging of formula uses paper, glass, plastic, and metals, all of which need to be produced and disposed of.

Breast milk composition changes over time, as well as from feeding to feeding. From premature infants to young children, breast milk always has the right proportions of fat, carbohydrates, enzymes and protein as well as numerous other components.

Colostrum is the perfect first food for babies. It is produced during pregnancy and changes into mature milk a few days after baby's birth. Colostrum provides baby with an unequaled immunity against viruses and bacteria.

Breastmilk is a living substance. Each woman's milk is individually tailored for her own baby. What's more, her milk changes constantly - both during a feed and day by day - to meet her baby's evolving needs. When a mother is exposed to pathogens in the environment, she produces antibodies to combat them. The mother's antibodies are then passed on to her baby via her breastmilk.

Breast milk is created by the human body to feed human babies. It is perfectly formulated for the nutritional needs of human babies.

Cow's milk is created by cows to feed calves. It is perfectly formulated for the nutritional needs of calves.

Formula is an industrially manufactured food. It contains chemicals, flavoring, vitamins, and proteins that attempt to replicate breast milk. The multiple processings, ingredients and alterations required to convert cows milk or soy beans to the finished product opens up numerous opportunities for contamination by harmful bacteria, chemicals, insects, and foreign bodies.

There were twenty-two different recalls of infant formula in the United States because of health and safety problems between 1982 and 1994, . Seven of these recalls were classified as "Class I" (potentially life threatening) by the FDA. In random testing,a number of lab-tested infant formulas have been found to contain bacterial and elemental contaminants

Just as good huh???

Answer 2

You haven't really told me enough to know what the situation is. How often does the baby nurse? Is he home, or still in the hospital? Do you pump after feeding him? Every three hours at night, too? Are you making enough for his needs now? Is he your first baby? Pumping for a tiny preemie is a real challenge, and many women have difficulty maintaining a milk supply with the pump alone for such a long time (before the baby can nurse). It is *not* the same as exclusively pumping for a full term baby or breastfeeding. I hope you are double pumping with a hospital grade pump like the Medela Symphony or the hospital grade Ameda. If you are not, it is worth the investment. You can rent it from many hospitals, pharmacies, and lactation consultants. You should be pumping up to 15 minutes every 3 hours around the clock. You can "power pump" much more frequently for a shorter period of time for several days if you wish. That might help increase the milk supply. You can also pump every 2-2 1/2 hours during the day with one 4-hour stretch at night. The absolute minimum number of times you should pump is 8 in 24 hours, but if there is a supply problem, you can pump 10 times in 24 hours. Eating oatmeal 1-2 times a day helps some women maintain or increase their milk supply. You can increase the fenugreek to 4 capsules 3 times a day, You can add Blessed Thistle and/or Goat's Rue and drink Mother's Milk Tea. You can consider domperidone, which is a very low risk drug, but you may have difficulty getting it, even from a physician, in the US as it is not approved for this use. None of these things will help without adequate stimulation, which it sounds like you are getting. You also might just increase your supply as the baby nurses more frequently. Remember that unlike formula fed babies, who need increasingly larger feedings, the breastfeeding mother's supply does not increase in the same way. Breastfeeding mothers' supplies tend to remain fairly static for the baby. I wish you the best of luck with your tiny miracle. If he's not now, I hope he'll be home soon. You might consider breastfeeding on demand for a day or two before he is discharge, Most NICUs are able to make arrangements for a mother who would like to do this.

Answer 3

Yes you can get it back up but it will be very hard, I was in the same situation and I gave up I hope you don't. Pump every two hours and in the night. I know it is hard to wake yourself to do this but you have to pump at night too or you will lose it. Drink lots of water try not to stress out because that can really affect your milk supply ( I know its hard even though your in a stressful situation) I would also talk to the lactation consultant at the hospital and use the hospitals pump if they allow you while you are there. They are better pumps then you would have at home. After you breastfeed in the hospital use the pump to completly empty the milk and this will tell your body to produce more milk. There is also a herbal product called fenugreek that increases your milk supply but again I would talk to the lactation consultant before taking this. Good Luck and keep up the good work. Hope you baby comes home soon. And Congratulations.

Answer 4

Yes your milk will come back it will produce what your baby needs. If you don't pump it will go down and the more you pump the more you will get. The best is to actually breastfeed the baby then pump, the sucking stimulates the breast to drop your milk better. When you are establishing your milk it is important to pump or feed at least every two hours until your milk is really in. You said you baby is still in the hospital I also would get up at least one during the night to pump.
Good luck hope they come home soon:)

Answer 5

This sounds like a question that I had just a month ago. My son stayed in the hospital after he was born too, and I also had the problem with not producing enough milk. I would be so frustrated and sometimes stress myself out because of it. I knew that I wanted to nurse when he came out of the hospital, so I was determined. I read one of your answers and they said to keep your breasts warm; this is true. I would sleep with my oversized robe at night and in the morning I would pump 2 bottles full of milk! This wouldn't happen every time though. I asked his doc if it was ok to alternate formula and breast milk and she said it was fine. I started this when he was 2 months. He's now 3 months and Im still alternating. Don't feel bad if this is something that you have to do. You don't need to be stressed out because of this. It will just cause you to produce less milk. Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

Hope your baby is doing well, I can imagine it would be very hard to leave him/her in the hospital. I think if you can manage it pump often and when your baby does come home the milk should pick up. Have a chat to the nurses at the hospital. Good luck

Answer 7

It will come back with frequent pumping. Pump every 30-45 minutes religiously, even in the middle of the night. Your body will correct itself if it thinks a baby is eating every 45 minutes. Also, eat lots of whole grains and if you drink non-alcoholic beer it helps. The hops generates more milk.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I have been in same situation (but no aother at home). My nan is great believer on oats. She told me to eat it at night though, which seemed to help.
Another thing i've been told (tried but couldnt because dislike) is beer, theres an ingredient that boasts it also, my cousin did it now and again and shes got a huge flow.
With my 2nd i was getting low (because i had to keep taking her off..her sucking reflex was tearing my nipples off :( !!
Anyway with my 2nd i was told by nurse to try MOTILIUM TABLETS. The DR gave them to me but told be it was a side effect of the tablet (increase milk flow, not actually for it,for nausea or alike). I gave it a go and man a few days and they were huge!! BEST OF LUCK

Answer 9

Yes it aught to. try to make a recording of a newborn baby crying, play this whilst you express and it will help the milk flow, drink plenty of water. I know that this sounds wierd, but milk stout does help build up milk in the breast, don't get yourself drunk take a little at a time. Another thing that works is rooibos tea (this is from South Africa and if there are Soouth Africans near you or a South African shop you may be able to get it there, unless the supermarkets stock it). Eat healthily ie fresh fruit and vegies and increase your milk intake ie yoghurt, cheese, milk and such. Another added tip if your breasts swell and get engorged wash cabbage leaves and put them in your bra this will aid to reduce the swelling and the pain IT WORKS stop laughing!!!
Happy Xmas!!!

Answer 10

lots of water, fenugreek, oatmeal and pump as much as possible, i know thats hard with other kiddos to care for.
maybe after nursing the new babe pump for 20-30 mins while still at the hospital.
good luck and i hope he gets to come home soon.

Answer 11

I am breast feeding and my doctor told me to pump every 2 hours to start getting a good milk supply.

Maybe some of these sites can help you:

http://www.nursingbaby.com/catalog/default.php/cPath/30/galactagogues?site=google&keyword=increasing%20breastmilk%20supply
http://www.motherlove.com/faq_lowbreastmilk.php