Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

Hi ladies....quick q for you mommies....I delivered DD last Sat. & due to a C-section & baby initially being in NICU, they gave her formula (& a pacifier...URR) & she's had a hard time latching on.

I truly was devoted to BF, but it just wasn't happening, everytime I attempted it, she'd fall asleep w/ nipple in her mouth or start screetching.

Anyway, we rented a hospital pump & the day my milk came in I pumped a few times (not every 3 hours)....in the days that followed, I wasn't able to pump for almost 1 full day b/c pump was locked in MIL's house....

Long story short, its now 1 week later & I truly want to feed DD exclusively w/ BM, but now when I pump I'm only getting 2 ounces (both breasts together)....is there still hope that more milk will come if I pump every 2-3 hours? Or has my time passed?

Thanks ladies.

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

I did not BF or pump, but from what I've read on here, it is NOT too late. Good luck.

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

I Fm'd you

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

My milk was slow to really come in- my ped told me that I should continue to pump for five full minutes after I stopped seeing milk come out. Also, drink a lot of water. It does make a difference (at least the recommended 8-8oz glasses a day, but more is better).

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

It's definitley not too late. Keep pumping every two hours around the clock. I know it sucks but if you do it your supply will come back up. Once your supply is back up you can stretch out the overnight sessions. Make sure you eat enough and drink plenty of water.
Also if you really want to nurse it's not too late either. I would suggest working with a LC or try getting a LLL member to help you with her latch. It might still work.

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

2oz is not bad - I don't think DD eats more than that when she BFs. That is about as much as I get when I pump too, and I have been BFing since day 1 (we are 5 weeks tomorrow).

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

Not too late at all. Try to keep pumping every 2 hours. Drink plenty of water and try eating oatmeal -- sounds weird but it seems to increase my supply. (This was recommended by the lactation consultant at the hospital.) Also, if at all possible, wait until baby is in a good, well-rested mood and try to get her to latch at least briefly, or at least to nuzzle. These things -- even if they aren't "real" latches -- can trigger a surge or let-down response. Good luck!!!!

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

Cindy... I don't think it's too late. Drink lots of water and make sure you eat.

I suggest you pump every 2 hours. It will stimulate your breasts to produce milk. It may take a couple days to adjust. Mine adapt to DS needs within 2 weeks.

I also suggest talking to a LC. They can REALLY help you. I did not really believe in LC at first but it turns out the person I talk to was very helpful and asked the rights questions to pin point to possible reasons to BF issues.

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

Someone told me to drink a beer - something about it helping the production of milk. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Good luck!

Re: Milk/Pumping/Supply Q...help

It's not too late. I would call a lactation specialist. To build up my milk supply, I would BF DS and then pump after I finished. I would then pump every other hour until my milk supply built up. Sadly, I still wasn't producing enough to satisfy my little munchkin so I supplement with formula. Talk to a specialist and they will be able to help you. HTH!