Re: The moms that bf or pump please help

I put details in another post that I will put a link in when I have access from my computer....I had a very similar experience in the beginning and at first was disappointed that we never got a good latch and we were both uncomfortable with the whole process. Once I went to exclusively pumping, it's been great! I know exactly what she eats and I'm not the only one who could feed her. Plus pumping now that I'm back at work gives me a little time during the day to do something special for my little one even though we are apart. I'm now down to pumping 4-5times a day and have more Milk then I know what to do with. I found drinking tons of water and small meals/snacks throughout the day made all the difference....as soon as I don't drink a lot of water or eat enough, I notice a drop in milk...it quickly comes back as soon as I drink and eat more. I would try that before the supplements mentioned. Some f the supplements have different effects that you could probably avoid. if you have any questions fm me. In the beginning I was barely making enough for her next bottle...it took a few weeks forthe to really get ahead of her, but found food water and longer pump time made allllll the difference.I used to only pump 15 ms a pop...then had to go up to a half hour to get more milk to come in. now I'm back down to about 20 minutes. It helps in the beginning to pump whenever your child will eat...ie I did pump every three hours in the beginning for 15 minutes....then went to 6 times, now I pump 4-maybe 5 times a day. I did 30minutes 6times a day and i was way over producing. Remember that your body will only produce enough milk that you 'demand.' if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I was the only person in my circle of life that exclusively pumped. I got over the judgements quickly and focused on what was best for me and my child. Ill never forget the first time i was finally ONE feeding ahead of my daughter and i dropped the plastic bottle and the lid cracked eight off..whoever said you shouldnt cry over spilled milk never breastfed a baby!!! Its tough in the beginning but you will get through it and the tears will soon turn to laughs! My daughter has been sleeping through the night since she was a month old and naps 3 times a day...Her belly is fully and my sanity is in back check ;0)

The moms that bf or pump please help

My son is almost 8 months; and I pump 4x a day to get his milk for daycare and then nurse him at home. I remember those first few weeks how PAINFUL his latch was! It was a toe curline pain! Felt like someone was taking my nipples squeezing them and then twisting them! My baby had a bad latch. It would take 10 minutes or longer and 30-50 attempts to get him to latch on just to feed him! He'd cry so much from being hungry it would break my heart. But it got easier. Like others have said pumping isn't as effective as putting the baby to the breast. For me I have to pump 4x to get the milk for his bottles. The initial pumping session is at 6am while I feed him where I can get 4oz; my first pump at work I get 6oz; and all sessions after that only 4 (in total so 2oz on each side). But I know that when I nurse him he's eating more than just 2oz. Like others have said I will pump even after the milk stops flowing and then put the pump back to the let down setting and hope I can get another let down (sometimes I do). I eat Oatmeal everyday for breakfast; and I drink a TON of water. I haven't had to take any supplements but just pumping and nursing more often has helped to keep my supply up all these months.

Re: The moms that bf or pump please help

The moms that bf or pump please help

Crashing: Dont you DARE feel like a failure. Sometimes mother nature just won't let you do what you want.

I hope you can continue on the path you have chosen and commend you for it. However dont feel like a failure. Its NOT fair to you. Do your best, and if BF does not work out you are NOT a failure!!

Re: The moms that bf or pump please help

Posted by Robbiesox15

If you are having pain with the baby latched, then you DO NOT have a good latch.I am surprised a LC would say it's ok, when clearly it is not. I would try another LC. The LC's in the hospital after giving birth were not particularly helpful either time for me. I used a private LC with both my kids (one couldn't latch at all and the other latched on like Jaws :) Here are 2 recommendations:
Joy Padula, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Bellmore Lactation Services (516) 728-4336 (I used her with the baby who latched like jaws)
or
http://www.cwgenna.com/services.html
Catherine Watson Genna is the LC who trains other LC's around the world. I really think you just need better help. Also like a PP said, try a nipple shield. The more the baby is at your breast, the more milk you will produce. In regard to pumping, try "power pumping", which is 10 minutes pumping, 10 minutes off, for 3 cycles. You can do that at least once (or more) times a day. You are not failing at all, you just need better help. If you need to supplement a bit while you get help that is ok. Keep up the good work! You are really doing great!! Feel free to PM me if you want!

Message edited 8/13/2013 2:24:52 PM.