Milk never fully came in last time, hoping this time is different

Funnygirl34

I am due with baby #2 in May.  DS was born in March of this year and I had all intentions on EBF, but unfortunately my milk never fully came in.  I breastfed for about 8 weeks while also supplementing, but I never produced more than 2 oz total from both breasts at a feeding (I know this bc I was seeing a lactation consultant for weighed feedings).  I am really hoping this time will be different, because I'd love nothing more than to EBF.  I'm wondering if anyone has any success stories with something similar.  Also, is there anything I can start doing in 3rd trimester to help (supplements, etc)?

ncbelle

The best thing you can do now is to educate yourself as much as possible.  Kellymom.com is a great place to start.  What all did you try with your first?  Was the 2oz per feeding after you had started supplementing or before?  When did you start supplementing?  Do you have any medical conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues that might inhibit milk production?  

Sorry for the many questions but more info could help us give you better advice

Generally, nursing as much as possible in the early weeks is the very best thing you can do to build a strong supply.

Funnygirl34

ncbelle said:

The best thing you can do now is to educate yourself as much as possible.  Kellymom.com is a great place to start.  What all did you try with your first?  Was the 2oz per feeding after you had started supplementing or before?  When did you start supplementing?  Do you have any medical conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues that might inhibit milk production?  

Sorry for the many questions but more info could help us give you better advice

Generally, nursing as much as possible in the early weeks is the very best thing you can do to build a strong supply.

The 2oz was after supplements and oatmeal.  Nothing seemed to help much.  I started supplementing when he was 1 week because he lost so much weight, but continued to breastfeed BEFORE the bottle at every feeding (every 2 hours) and I pumped in-between sometimes, as well.

I don't have PCOS, but I did have some hormonal issues thats made getting pregnant the first time difficult... maybe it's related?

Sarelnad

Did you tt your LC about domperidone?

OntheWater

2 oz every 2 hrs is actually pretty typical! Standard is an oz an hour. I agree with the above relies, try not to supplement- make that baby get your supply going. just nurse nurse nurse. nursing around the clock in those early weeks is SOOO important for your supply. Even comfort nursing brongs up your hormone levels. And when your not nurdinf, do skin to skin. Download Netflix and find a good seat!

singingirl96

When I first started bf my son, he also dropped a lot of weight.  The pediatrician was telling me I had to start supplementing... I didn't.   What I did do (for about 2 weeks) was I nursed, then pumped, and fed whatever I was able to pump by bottle, rinse & repeat, round the clock.  I was exhausted.  But it worked. He was EBF, and nursed until 13 months.
If you don't supplement, your chance of success will be much higher.