Problems pumping & Milk Allergy

Topits

Hello mamas! Two part question here about breast pumping and milk allergy. This week has been so draining, and need some support/advice.

1) LO is almost 6 weeks. This past week I started trying to pump (medela freestyle) so that my DH could take over a feeding once in a while so I could finally get some solid sleep. I was starting to get some sleep deprivation induced baby blues. 6 weeks of getting up every 3ish hours to breastfeed was taking a toll. No matter what I do, I cannot get any milk to come out while pumping! I've tried everything. Different size cups, different times a day, pumping while holding my LO... Everything! I know I have letdown, and I know there is milk bc I can put the LO on the same breast I try to pump and he BF like a champ. My LC said that sometimes certain people just can't pump, even if they can BF? Never heard of that. Anyone else just can't pump? I'm going to have to give up BF to return to work if I can't get the pump to work.

2) If pumping wasn't hard enough this week, LO started having blood/mucus in his stool, along with really painful gas and lots of crying after eating. Pediatrician diagnosed him with a cows milk allergy. So basically I have to stick to a strict no dairy, soy, or processed food diet if I want to keep breastfeeding. The dr gave me a special formula (alementum) to use if I wanted, but I'm having total mommy guilt (FTM here). I've made it 2 days with the diet change, but dairy/soy seems to be hiding in so many foods! Anyone successfully BF with a milk allergy? Or is it better for LO to just go to the special formula?

Sorry so long, just figured with the one two punch of pumping problems and milk problems this week, breastfeeding seems more daunting than ever. I'm thinking that a happy mom leads to a happy baby, which makes me lean towards starting the formula. Any stories of similar experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

VitaLuna

1) are your nipples moving in the flanges when the pump is running? If not, it's an equipment/setup issue. If they are, do you feel a letdown and nothing is coming out? Or no letdown at all?

2) lots and lots of women BF with allergy babies. That doesn't mean you have to if you don't want to, though, because it certainly makes things more difficult. There used to be a MSPI checkin on the breastfeeding board you msy want to look for. Google "MSPI mom" and you'll find some resources there, too. 

Topits

@VitaLuna yes, my nipples move in the flanges like the instruction video from medela. I feel the suction, and sometimes can get like 1 drop out in like 20 minutes. I am feeling the letdown like I get before BF, and have tried it when engorged and also have tried to put it on the boob LO just finished to see if I can just keep it going til empty. So weird!

that's promising about the allergy, I'll look up the MSPI board now! Didn't know there was an official term for it, so thanks!!!

VitaLuna

Another option with the pump would be to attach one side while LO feeds on the other to see if it's an issue of not having baby stimulation. That might get you closer to figuring it out. I have heard of people not responding well to the pump, but I think usually they at least get some, just not much. If it continues, try to get an in-person appt with a LC or hit up a LLL meeting to see if someone who has experience pumping can help you get set up. Hopefully you can get some answers! Pumping in general can be really stressful. 

Topits

@VitaLuna Yeah, that's my next attempt is trying while he is latched on the other boob. Seems like I'll need 20 hands to make that happen, if just normal breastfeeding wasn't hard enough! Haha! Thanks for the help and advice! It totally is stressful!

22snc12

I had to give up all dairy as we are testing to see if my daughter has a milk allergy. She was projectile throwing up multiple times a day and crying before eating/fights eating, as soon as I'd go to feed her, she throws up when laid down, etc. she's much better now, still projectiles once a day usually. It's been about two weeks. Her doctor said it takes about 2-3 weeks to get all dairy out of your system and 10 days usually to even see a difference. Make sure you read all labels. A lot of labels will have a note under the ingredients list that says, "Contains: Milk..." or wheat, soy, etc.

VitaLuna

Get a cheap bra like this (doesn't have to be this one, just this type of style), then cut small holes in the nipple area. You can put the flange on and stick it out through the hole, then attach the other pump piece. That bra cup will hold the pump in place on one side, and you can pull the other side down to nurse. I really hope that makes sense.. It's hard to explain!

https://m.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-sleep-bra-2-pack-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-16754657

SgtLou2

1) maybe it's the pump.  With my first kid I had to rent a hospital pump for the first two months because my breasts would not respond to the home pumps (I had a medela and an ameda home pump and neither worked well for the first few months).  You could try a hospital grade pump at a LCs office before you pay to rent one.
2) my LO has dairy sensitivity.  I've cut out 95% of dairy and he is not vomiting or having curdled milk spit up anymore and his gas has improved.  I had a meal with dairy last week and kiddo was miserable for 24 hours afterward.  So, clearly removing the diary has worked well, but it is hard.  I'm looking at trying some Paleo recipes because they do not usually use dairy or soy products.

Good luck!

kinnonam

1) I read once to let your baby feed once your milk lets down to try and pump. My mom had the same issue she wasn't able to pump only BF. Try to relax, I bought a hands free pumping bra because holding that thing ugh.

smushi

Do you have a hand pump?  That was the easiest way I could nurse LO on one side and pump the other.  Just get totally prepped with everything set, put LO on the side of your non dominant hand, then pump with the other (the first couple of times).  I would do that first pump of the morning to get the biggest amount.  It might help to have your DH there for the first few times to hand you stuff or help position or reposition.

Charlottesmotherseven

Hello topits!! I am in the same situation as you, so I can totally relate to you!  My baby is 7 weeks and wen she was 2 weeks she started to have bloody diapers! ! I was so scared to see that!  I took my baby girl to the emergency room and they told me to stop breastfeeding for 2 weeks and use nutramigen and I did and she was doing fine until last Wednesday she started to bleed again!  I took her to see the allergist and he told me to stop all milk products wich I did before and soy and all grains!  He told me to eat chicken ,vegetables, fruit, beans and potatoes for carbs and obtain energy, and water that is all that I am eating!  I am going to try the diet and pray to God that it works ! She is my 7th baby and never had a problem before with any of them and I breastfeed all of them! I know the diet is hard, but you will get used to it!  I lost  30 pounds and 7 weeks! !! But I am willing to do anything for my baby you know! ! The dr. Told me if the diet doesn't work for her, to stop breastfeeding and to keep with the formula!! Wich makes me sad, but at the end  I did everything possible to breastfed her!  If you have questions or you need a  friend don't hesitate to contact me ok.God bless you I am with you!  Take care! .

ashleyandjody

Hello, I am a lurker from Jan16 and I have the same issues. I am unable to pump as well, but LO nurses just fine. I have just given up trying to pump and come to terms that LO will have to go on formula when I return to work in August. I had tremendous guilt over this, but DH has really helped me work through my emotions. I hope you are able to find a solution so you can pump, and I'm sorry I can't offer any advice. Just know that you're not alone. My LO also expressed a milk allergy through green mucousy/bloody stools and painful gas around 6 weeks. I cut out drinking milk and eating ice cream. LO has had no issues to date and just cutting those 2 items out of my diet did the trick. I recently ate some ice cream and LO had some mucus in her diaper, so now I completely avoid it.

Topits

Hello everyone! So helpful to read all of your advice and experiences. Glad to know I'm not alone in all these problems! So update....

1) my husbands work sent us a random brand breast pump. After giving up on the medela pump, ironically I remembered that we had this random one in the closet. I tried it and it worked like a charm! Turns out the medela had a faulty motor, and when it was on full speed it was only barely pumping. (Didn't know it wasn't full speed, never had experience with pumping before). So if anyone has a pump problem, try out another brand if possible!

2) wish I had the same luck with his dairy/soy allergy but not so much. I was super strict and cut out all dairy, soy and processed foods for 2 weeks. I was doing really well and trying to stay positive, even though it was really hard. One day I think I had accidental dairy in my food from a restaurant, and for the next 12-36 hours LO was in so much pain. It was so frustrating knowing that I was hurting him. It's like a switch just flipped and his gas pains were back and he was screaming after each feeding. So I went out and bought the allumentum formula. I'm currently trying it out for 3 days to see if it makes a difference, while pumping to keep my supply just in case.

personally I have had so much mom guilt with this decision. I was so frustrated at myself and felt like such a failure. But at the end of the day, even with trying so hard to cut out dairy/soy, I don't want to be hurting him. DH is trying to cheer me up with knowing that I tried everything, and if formula helps him, then a happy baby is worth it. But so many tears and stress about it. FTM here, so learning to deal with the punches! (Also had an emergency c section) 

@Charlottesmotherseven @ashleyandjody @22snc12 @SgtLou2so glad to read your responses. Thanks so much, glad I'm not alone. Good luck with your situations and keep me posted on how everything goes.

BabySeaTurtles

No advice on the milk allergy part but when I had the same problem with pumping for DS, a nurse told me to start pumping like normal a put wet cloths as hot as you can stand on the tops of your boobs. It helps relax everything in there, not mention just feels good. Another suggestion is taking s hot shower right before pumping to help it all get going. I know I have let downs and leak milk in the shower all the time so if this happens to you maybe it will help. Good luck.

radfordthomas

What the videos on stanford.edu to help pump! Give breasts a message before starting and hand express some milk, then massage as you go. I had a problem at first as well. Also, when are you pumping? If it is right after baby feeds, your LO is probably just emptying your breasts.

Charlottesmotherseven

@Topits ,update for you, Today I'm very happy because, I got the OK from the allergist to restart the breastfeeding !!! The rice, and oatmeal is out of my sistem!! I am praying to Jesus Christ that this diet help my baby girl! !.because she was crying last night because she was very constipated with the formula! ! I only breastfeed my baby for 2 weeks when this night mare started! !! Because I had to detoxify my body for 2 weeks and I  restarted again last week on Wednesday and she started to have bloody diapers!  And the pediatrician told me to stop breastfeeding and  to continue with my diet, and  pumping and discard the milk!  It is almost 5 weeks that my sweet baby girl is out of  breast milk and suffering!  Wish me luck ,Because this diet is even harder ,because I am only aloud to eat chicken and vegetables ,fruit, water, beans, lentils, potatoes, that's it!! But he told me that it was going to be for a few months, I am willing to do anything for my baby girl, because I want her to be healthy and happy, praying for my miracle and yours, this is day 1,I will let you know how we are doing and post an update, take care, and God bless you! .

Charlottesmotherseven

@topits Hello! My baby girl is doing fine with the breast milk hooray! !! My diet is working, she is not longer having blood and mucus on her diaper! ! Thank you Jesus! ! I'm very grateful to God for this miracle!  And how are you and your sweet baby doing?  I hope you are OK, I wish you the best, talk to you soon, take care.