Poor BF supply

gizmo909

DS had the typical 34 weeker issues regarding feeding.  I was trying to BF while he was in the NICU but he never got it so we started using bottles.  I've been pumping since day 1 and at the peak I have gotten 1.5 oz per pumping session.  I've been trying to BF at least once a day as well but DS has never "gotten" it.  Until yesterday (which was when he was 40 weeks nonetheless!).  He finally got it!  It was like it just clicked. Great news, right?!?!

Now, for the problem.  When I pump, I am only getting maybe 1/2 oz each session.  That's both sides combined.  DS is eating 3 oz per feeding.  So, I'm obviously nowhere near being able to EBF.  Even when I have nursed him and then given a bottle after, he still eats almost the entire thing, so I don't think he's getting much more from me.  My OB prescribed me Reglan to try, but I'm somewhat hesitant to take it and pass more drugs onto DS.  Quite honestly, I'm hesitant to try anything other than eating oatmeal and power pumping (which hasn't seemed to help thus far).  Has anyone had any luck with increasing their supply to be able to EBF after so long and with such poor supply without taking drugs?  I don't want to give up, but it's hard not to when I get so little.

(I'll post this on the BF board as well.)

New Wife

well im not much help with the ebf part but i was an exclusive pumper for the first 2 months of ds life. i tried reglan which helped a lot but made me really really tired. i was worried about taking it because of passing it to ds but the lactation consultant said it was not a big issue and was completly safe. i would say give it a try atleast but if it makes you as tired as it did me(only happens to some people apparently) then it wont be worth taking it if it makes you unable to function normally. i power pumped, pumped through the night and pumped every 2 hours and was never able to get over 1oz a pumping. my biggest pump got me 2oz and i tried everything. just do your best. also i did lactation cookies (with brewers yeast and flax meal which i happen to have 1lb of each if you are in need) and also blessed thistle as a supplement. hope that helps and just keep trying, thats all you can do!

franciscaz

I'm struggling myself too and this is the 2nd time I've struggled.  My son was IUGR and early so he was bottle fed and BF'd.  So this is my 2nd time and I'm going insane b/c I pump about 1 oz each time and that isn't going to feed twins!

These are the tricks everyone tells me:

~power pump when possible (every 1-2 hrs and as long as possible... I've sat up to an hour when Harm is napping).

~Make sure each session you are fully emptying your breasts.  Try to make sessions at least 30 mins.

~Make sure your pumping is at least every 4 hours... especially at night.

~Take Reglan 2x a day (prescription call your OB) and take Fenugreek, mothers milk tea, etc.   I know you don't want to do any of this but it really is helpful.  I've been to certified LC in Las Vegas (w/my son) and she explained how little gets passed on AND how it is better they get the milk w/a little of this than be getting formula.

 Well that is all I know.  I know I just don't produce a lot of milk and that is life.  It is a frustrating being that way.  It upset me than and it upsets me more with having such fragile premies.  Hang in there... hope it helps.

jkipp82

While Carter was in the nicu I would pump and get about 15mls combined (1/2 oz) per session...if that.  When we came home I tried EBF because I kept being told he can get more from me than i can pump.  Apparently not enough because he lost weight the first 4 days, so i started supplementing formula after every feeding and also started a schedule of:  BF, bottle feed, pump (to build supply). 

I also started taking Domperidone (was prescribed reglan first, but heard it had awful side effects so i never took it).  I now decided to EP because the other schedule was just too time consuming.  I pump about 2oz every 3 hrs and he eats 3oz every 3....so I basically can give him 2/3 bm.  I'm not happy with it, but it is what it is.  i've done a few sessions of powerpumping the last couple days, so we'll see if that helps.   I may try to go back to BFing now that i'm making a little more and see if he can get enough yet.

mcdev

I was prescribed Reglan and had absolutely no side effects except an increased milk supply. ?Unless you are completely against taking a drug, I would give it a try and continue the power pumping, etc. ?Good luck!

Mrslove78

Your doing way better than I did!  I personally suggest the oatmeal and pumping, it's hard, but it'll work out.  Don't beet yourself up for needing to supplement a little for now.  Anything is better than nothing!  The way I was able to get through it was this...  one week I'd have to supplement 5 bottles, then 4, now I supplement about 1 per week.  Wish I could get a stash, but can't.

Oh, I tried the Reglan and it did nothing for my supply.

dmblack

I had this exact issue.  The Reglan did help me but not a lot.  I also tried the Mother's Milk tea, Fenuegeek, power pumping, etc.  Unfortantley I just never had the supply to feed my DD.  I'd give the Reglan a try and see if it helps.  Sorry I can't be much help. 

 As a side note -- I had supply issues with my 2nd one as well (he was a term baby).  I pretty much gave up BF when he turned 4 months old.  I just wasn't producing what he needed. I chalk it up to my body not being able to produce enough BM.  Both my kids ended up on formula.

 Good luck.