Breastfeeding question......?

Question

Hello,
I had a baby on September 1. I exclusively breast fed for two weeks and she was not gaining weight. I tried for a week to supplement with formula and she still lost weight after the third week. Then I started giving her more formula and she began gaining weight. At the time I breastfeeding almost every hour or more. I also pumped and the most I have ever gotten at one time after 45 mins was barely three ounces. I have now done mostly formula, but I still get a little discharge from my nipples if I sqeeze them. Is there any way I can get my supply back up to do breastfeeding exclusively? I have a good medela pump and I work 40 hrs a week, where I could go home for max an hour a day to pump. Also, just so you know, my bra size never changed during of after pregnancy. Is that normal?

Oh by the way, I did have nurses tell me the baby was lactched on correctly and I have also spoken with La Leche league and I tried Fennugeek.

Answer 1

It should be possible. I'm wondering if the problem wasn't that your baby wasn't latched on properly, though, which makes me think you should get in-person help, either from a lactation consultant or La Leche League (or both!).

How to find a consultant:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/bfhelp-find.html

(kellymom.com is filled with very reliable info)

La Leche League:
http://llli.org/

A 'supplemental nursing system' is a great idea; see
http://www.selfexpressions.com/supnursys.html
for an idea of one.

I don't know how common not changing bra sizes is, but it's certainly not unheard of, and not an indication of a problem.

edit: it seems a not insubstantial number of the breastfeeding problems/confusions here came about thanks to hospital nurses. If it was just the regular L&D nurses you dealt with, or one with an extra half hour of training, find a certified consultant!

http://drjacknewman.com/ has some good advice on relactation, too.

Answer 2

Yes, you can do it. The whole breasts not changing thing is not an issue at all. Most women experience breast changes, but you and I didn't and that's normal too.

I had the hardest time learning to breastfeed. It can be hard. You've got a lot of work ahead of you, but it's well worth it.

You'll have to work closely with a lactation consultant. She'll probably set you up with a supplementer. She'll show you how to use it.

Three ounces is good! That's a lot! 45 minutes is way too long to pump, though. I was told to never pump for more than 20 minutes. Any more than that won't produce much milk so you'll waste your time and you'll get frustrated, which will cause your milk to slow down even more. Even when I was pumping for a six month old who didn't take solids, I never pumped more than 3 ounces at once.

Until you can get to the LC's office, why not pump when you can? Don't worry about how much milk you get now--you may not pump a single drop. Just relax and try for ten minutes or so and don't worry about the outcome. Any milk you can get you can just add to your daughter's bottle.

Answer 3

I would stress mostly (of all your concerns) that you need to be trying to pump all the time. It seems impossible but if you put your mind to it you can do it. The only time I wouldn't pump for awhile is while I was working. I used to have the pump on my boobs soooo much even if nothing would come out and I would be drinking glass after glass of water. Then I would take a break, pray for "let down" or any similar sensation and put the pump right back on. I would jack it up to the highest point and let it pull and pull. Most of all I didn't get discouraged because it's a delay. The day you do it you don't get the results. Next day however (or next or next) you will eventually see. For your hour break, I would only pump about 10 mins on each side 2 x's and then rest in between. Make it a challenge, a game. I used to be proud as punch after an hour and an ounce. But trust me, I ended up with so much milk for two of mine that I had to throw it away in the end.

I also agree with the latching on worry but if you have been pumping consistently (watching the nipple pulled correctly by the machine) then that wouldn't make too much sense so again, I think it's just a matter of hanging in there, not letting up at all.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Bra size (and size change) is no indication of breast feedig cability...so dont worry about that.

Tips:

1) Start pumping asap. Constantly and frequently. . . you'll know in a few days if yoru body is responding by producing more milk.

2) Once you're getting a few ounces at a time, Try giving baby some formula first, about 75% of what you normally feed, and then finish off with breast milk. After baby is full, continue to pump.

3) Drink LOTS of fluids. lots, lots lots. And this means water, not soda.

4) REST.

5) Ask your doctor for any vitamin or prescription reccomendations for increased production.

As much as you can, switch baby to breast feeding. Obviously weight loss is a concern. At this point it may be difficult to get the production back, but you can certainly try.

Answer 5

jsut because you only pump 3 ounces doesnt mean anything- i have been breastfeeding almost8 months and sometimes i get less than that- especially if you nurse often- most babies lose wieght the first few days- my son wieeghed 6.6 at birth then 5 13 and didnt get to his birthweight untol week two which is expected- nurse your baby when you are homw and pump at work. my son nursed every 45 minutes at first- i know it was hard and i though something was wrong but everything was right. see if your work will let you take breask to pump there. even if you ahev no where to store the milk you cna always dump it or bring a freezer pack- normal fro your bra size not to change not everyoone's does

Answer 6

You may not produce enough milk ever. I never make enough milk (breast deformity, it sucks) and I have to suppliment. I used an SNS system for the first few weeks, and now I nurse and use a bottle. Find a routine that works for you, and try to enjoy it!! If you have to give formula 99% of the time and simply comfort nurse your baby in the evenings, do it.