Nipple Pores

vecooper1104

Hi everyone!

My baby and I have had issues with breastfeeding since the beginning. She was having major weight gain issues at the beginning, so we had to supplement with formula.

When I hand express or pump, I have noticed that I have only one nipple pore on each side. Sometimes I can get a good stream going, but most of the time it's just droplets coming out. How many nipple pores on average should milk flow from. It doesn't seem that others are clogged, as I have tried all of the cleaning methods to unclog ducts and pores. I also have no pain.

When I nurse her, it takes over an hour, and she still seems hungry afterwards so I have to top her off with expressed milk or formula. Pumping is becoming a pain because I am only able to express about an ounce every 15 minutes, and I never feel empty.

Has anyone else had this issue? What did you do? Is this something that will effect future children?

I'm returning to work next week and planned to pump, but won't be able to take hour long breaks several times a day to pump. I'm afraid I will have to give up on breastfeeding all together if I can't get this figured out.

Thanks in advance for your help!

BootsOrHearts

Have you seen a lactation consultant? It might not be a supply issue, it could be a latch/milk transfer issue where baby is not able to get enough milk out.

I doubt there would be an issue with your nipples per se. It's either that you're not making enough milk or baby can't get it out efficiently or possibly both.

Do you have a high quality electric pump? A hospital grade one would be best. Hospitals and some BRUs now rent them out. You should pump for 15 minutes and do compressions while you pump. Breasts are never completely empty, they're like bladders, you can always get a bit more out so don't worry about that.

Definitely suggest seeing a LC to evaluate the situation, they can help you do a weighed feeding to see how much baby is getting.

MomtoH

If you're asking how many little streams of milk shoot out, I'd say it's at least 8-10 per side when I pump.

Chichigo

I never feel empty and only feel full if LO sleeps longer than 5 hours. My milk flows from at least 3 pores; I have no clue what is normal. Most people will tell you to see a lactation consultant, which is excellent advice. Also see if you can attend a support group, such as la Leche Leauge or breastfeeding USA or a group at a hospital. 

Other things to try:

Rent a hospital grade pump to get more milk per session. It can be expensive, but probably not more than always supplementing wiith formula.

Do skin to skin before pumping.

Look for donor milk if you are comfortable with that.

Make sure everyone feeding your daughter with a bottle uses paced feelings. Use preemie sized nipples if you weren't already.

Don't feel too discouraged if you need to supplement with formula often. Feeding your baby is what's most important. Don't let pumping become so stressful that it effects your health and happiness. There's nothing wrong with switching between nursing, formula, and expressed milk. 

vecooper1104

Thanks for all the advice.

I have seen a LC on multiple occasions and consulted with my midwife about the issue. They keep telling me that my baby has a great latch, strong suck, and good rhythm, but is lazy. She tends to fall asleep 5 minutes in. I am assuming that she curbs her craving and gets tired of having to work so hard to remove the milk.

I have asked the LC and midwife about only having one stream/nipple pore per nipple. They both told me it must be a clogged pore and gave me advice on how to clear it. I tried those options and saw no change.

I currently have a Lansinoh double electric that was purchase by me and an Ameda double electric from my insurance company. I may try to rent a hospital grade pump for a while and see if that makes a difference.

If anyone else has experienced this, please let me know if there was anything.that helped improve your situation.

SMF12345

Hi! I too only seem to have one pore that gives off milk in one breast. Baby falls asleep/loses interest within three minutes nursing on that side. Did you ever learn anything useful about the single pore/single stream issue??? I would LOVE any insight!!!