Breastfeeding

I don't post too much, but have a few questions regarding breastfeeding. My son Ryan and I got off to a rough start in the hopsital because of his jaundice, his weight loss and his extended hospital stay. So, he was fed formula and has never really taken to breastfeeding. I have seen a lactation consultant, but he still is not interested in the breastfeeding. I have been pumping every 2-3 hours, but my milk supply is not enough and I have to supplement him with formula. Any suggestions to increase my milk supply? I'm still trying to breastfeed, but since it is not working, I really want him to receive the benefits of breastmilk. I started taking Fenugreek today. How much should I be taking? Also, how often should I be pumping? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I didn't realize how hard breastfeeding would be.

Re: Breastfeeding

i take fenugreek too and i take 3 3x a day...i don't really see a difference when i pump..i am still only pumping an ounce...i heard oatmeal and water increase supply also...

Re: Breastfeeding

Did you see an LC at the hospital or did you have her come to your house? Just asking cause when i had an LC come to see me it was much better than any help I got at the hospital.

I also think oatmeal helps with supply. Not sure about the pumping though. Good luck. hang in there.

Re: Breastfeeding

I pumped every 2-3 hours for a little longer then my milk came out, it seemed to help increase the supply.

I am not really the one to ask becuase I was producing a lot of milk, but I know also drink a lot of water.

Re: Breastfeeding

You might want to FM Michele31 she pumped for a year and has a lot of good advice.
I believe Racheee exclusively pumps also so maybe she could help.

Re: Breastfeeding

I do pump exclusively for Noah...its coming up to 5 months now. I don't know what else to tell you to do except spend a few days pumping every 2 hours, take fenugreek (3 x 3 a day) drink lots of water, drink fennel tea. I truly believe that any breastmilk you can give him is beneficial. If you

I have a good milk supply and have managed to keep it up...this is my pumping schedule
8-9 am - pump 12 oz
5-6 pm - pump 12 oz
11 pm - pump 6-8 oz
I always seem to have enough milk, I don't know how but I just always do!!!

The lactation consultant I saw told me that a lot of women who only pump fall into a schedule like this, she also told me that if you pump between the hours of 2 and 6 am, you have a lot of milk. But honey, if I can sleep, I am sleeping!!!

eta, I am taking Fenugreek, but honestly I am not sure I see any difference.

Have you checked with someone to see if your baby is tongue tied??? That can often be a problem if you are struggling with BF'ing. I think this is what led Noah not to want to BF and we have just had his frenulum (sp) clipped at 4 months. I still try to BF regularly, but he isn't interested, as soon as I put him in any sort of BF'ing position, he screams and screams!

Please feel free to FM me if you have any questions or need any pep talks!!!

Message edited 5/29/2006 7:38:59 AM.

Re: Breastfeeding

Don't give up! Try and nurse as often as possible! Advice I was given was to drink lots of water, eat oatmeal and honey nut cherrios... I do all 3 everyday and have plenty of milk for DD

How old is your baby? Sometimes it takes a while for your milk supply to get established. Hang in there, you are doing an extraordinary thing for your child

Also check out KellyMom Lot's of help for nursing moms

Re: Breastfeeding

Don't give up! When Melanie was born she had jaundice too, and I had to stop breastfeeding for 5 days. When I was allowed to take her off the formula, I had a difficult time getting her to latch on. Just keep trying.

Re: Breastfeeding

Don't give up!
I know it is hard, but hang in there!

Re: Breastfeeding

Another Fennel Tea vote. I used this to increase my milk supply. I definitely felt an increase in my supply. I haven't heard of fenugreek. The only other thing I could think of is to make sure you are eating, staying hydrated & getting as much rest as you can (yes, I know it's tough. ). When you have a newborn, many times you overlook your needs. It's important to take care of yourself, particularly if you want to give him breastmilk.

I would consider seeing a lactation consultant again or contacting La Leche for support.

Re: Breastfeeding

I sent you an FM.
What type of pump are u using? THat can make a major difference.
Oatmeal...great for your supply.
Stress is VERY bad for your supply.
Watching that pump wishing more milk would come out is the worst for your supply.
Keep your chin up..You are doing a GREAT job!!!!! It also takes time to get your supply up and running. Sometimes it is just time you need.