Low supply first baby, expecting 2nd & need advice

makaylats

Hi, I’m looking for general advice and recommendations on more portable/hands free pumps for the second baby.

My daughter was considered small when she was born by induction a handful of days early at 6 lbs and 11 oz. She latched ok in the hospital on the first couple tries but she was small so a nurse immediately gave me a nipple shield saying she would breastfeed better with it. My colostrum or milk wasn’t coming in super well while still in the hospital so we started formula supplementing while still there.

We went home early on a Friday morning and didn’t have a doc appointment until the next Monday so she’d dropped just below the recommended weight so we had to continue supplementing with formula.

While on maternity leave, I still breastfed with the nipple shield and also tried power pumping several times but always supplemented. I had low supply and never recovered, only producing about a 1/2 ounce on each breast on my Spectra pump in a full day of power pumping sessions so I quit breastfeeding when I went back to work.

While I think I did several things wrong the first time (nipple shield, maybe not enough power pumping?) for my first baby, I’m expecting our second early February 2024.

I still have my Spectra but was considering getting a battery powered or hands free pump to have on hand. Is this a bad idea considering I had such low supply the first time and could have it the second?

meggyme

I would recommend that you find a lactation consultant and be willing to play it by ear.

00kim00

I would go ahead and find an IBCLC. The Lactation Network is a great resource that may be able to find someone covered by your insurance. You can make an appointment with the IBCLC before birth, even get her opinion on pumps. My guess is you may be advised to stick with the Spectra or similar rather than wearable (you generally get LESS output with wearables), and maybe not supplementing in the hospital. Your IBCLC may even be able to visit you while you're in the hospital before you're discharged