How do I ensure that I successfully breastfeed this time around?

Question

I am pregnant with baby number 3 ..I successfully breastfed my first child but the second one I had no milk! I am wondering should I take reglan weeks before I have the baby ..has anyone else had this happen to them...I tryed for 2 months and worked with a lactation consultant but no matter what my milk was extremely low while the first child I had an extremely abundant supply

I was under extreme stress because of family issues and many other things..wow, I didn't know that would cause the low supply though

Answer 1

My advice is the old Nike saying - "Just Do It!" Every baby/breastfeeding experience is different. I have had 4 kids, and breastfed all at varying lengths of time. My first fed well, but I chose to wean her at 6 months. My second had health problems and wound up bottle fed. My third was a nursing champ for 2 years! My recent baby, now 9 months old, nursed well, but my supply was low. I, too have had lots of stressors in my life this past year which affected my milk supply. I began supplementing her with formula, but she preferred nursing! I just feed her when she's hungry, always offering her the breast first, and let her nurse until she's full. I'm proud to say that after two months of doing this, she exclusively breastfeeds and now is full in 30 min. or less instead of an hour. Keep trying and try to relax. Do something that makes you comfortable and drink lots of water/eat enough healthy food. Do what works for you and ignore all the junk that old ladies and childless people might tell you. Also, if the baby prefers one breast over the other, and wants that side even though it's not the "right" one to start them on, give it to him/her anyway! The experts even tell you that this is okay to do. Your breasts will adjust and your milk supply will increase if baby is happy and nursing well. If things still don't work out and you MUST formula feed, it's not the end of the world, and at least you tried. Baby's health and happiness are most important (as well as Mom's sanity). Good luck!

Answer 2

I bet your body is super stress sensitive, thats the biggest thing with low milk production. Since you were fine with your first, yet not so much with the added stress of the second it makes sense.

Talk with your OB, they can work with you to do all possible to get your supply going.

The biggest thing is prenatals, water, and relaxation. Your body wont produce unless it has enough of everything.

You might consider talking with an accupuncturist, i know it sounds asinine, but they can do wonderous things, including helping with issues like this.

Answer 3

Reglan is not approved for use during pregnancy, I looked it up ages ago because I am breastfeeding and pregnant.

I would just eat well and take care of yourself, I think that is all you can really do.