celyn

pkw · February 2010

I am wondering if you have any suggestions for me...

My milk supply is drying up. I pump 3-5 times a day depending upon how many times I manage to BF (...I try to aways balance out to 10 times a day that my breasts are stimulated by either the pump or BF'ing).

I take the supplements (as directed by the LC) and I make sure I am getting the stimulation, and I drink buckets of water. I am doing everything the LC says and everything I have read via La Leche League and doing things that others have suggested, everything short of standing on my head....and yet I am producing less and less.

I am LUCKY when I pump 1 ounce (this is total from both) and this is not after a feeding, this is a straight pump. I do compression and double let down...and finish with hand expression. When I feed EJ I let him go for as long as he is willing to on each breast and often times I will re-try him on the first breast to see if he will get more...but he quits quickly on the second round because I am totally drained, then I give him formula because otherwise he would starve...and he still takes 2oz of formula...so I know he is probably getting less than an oz from me.

Is there anything more I can be doing?

I am coming to the conclusion that my body is just giving up which makes me so very sad since I was just starting to be able to BF again after the infamous injury. The LC basically just hugged me and told me that some women just can't do it and that there is no shame in it.

Celyn · February 2010

Are you using an SNS when you supplement?

pkw · February 2010

I tried but EJ wont tolerate it. It makes him very angry. I even tried sliding it under a nipple shield but he still refused, he will only take a straight nipple, bottle or paci.

Celyn · February 2010

That's part of the problem right there. Pumps just aren't as efficient, so every time he takes a bottle, that's lost time for breast stimulation. Maybe you could try it again and see what happens. Nursing a fussy baby isn't fun, but he will learn that he gets rewarded for nursing with the SNS because he gets more food faster that way.

Common reasons for decreased production are not nursing often enough, not draining the breast, dehydration (80oz a day), malnutrition on mom's part (you need an extra 500 calories a day -- proteins and green leafy veggies), and stress.

You can try resetting your body. You take 24 hours and just lay in bed, naked with your LO, letting them nurse as often as they want -- total access all day and all night for 24 hours with no bottles (and if you can do 48 hours, even better). Make sure you have food and water for yourself and let DH take care of everything else. That's been pretty successful for most people I know who've tried it. Your milk should catch up 3-4 days after the reset.

pkw · February 2010

Celyn:
That's part of the problem right there. Pumps just aren't as efficient, so every time he takes a bottle, that's lost time for breast stimulation. Maybe you could try it again and see what happens. Nursing a fussy baby isn't fun, but he will learn that he gets rewarded for nursing with the SNS because he gets more food faster that way.
Common reasons for decreased production are not nursing often enough, not draining the breast, dehydration (80oz a day), malnutrition on mom's part (you need an extra 500 calories a day -- proteins and green leafy veggies), and stress.
You can try resetting your body. You take 24 hours and just lay in bed, naked with your LO, letting them nurse as often as they want -- total access all day and all night for 24 hours with no bottles (and if you can do 48 hours, even better). Make sure you have food and water for yourself and let DH take care of everything else. That's been pretty successful for most people I know who've tried it. Your milk should catch up 3-4 days after the reset.

I think I might give that a shot. TY

soon2Bkranz · February 2010

Butting in...

The all day with him on the breast might help. I couldnt do all day but did all night and that is the thing that helped the most. And no matter how much water you are drinking add in 2 more glasses!!

Also I took Reglan and Domperidone...2 prescript. meds.

pkw · February 2010

I am not entirely sure I can do it, my nipple is still healing, it has come a long way and I am doing what I can at this point, but I am not sure I can do the 24 hours of continuous access, but I am gonna try.

I think this is going to be my last ditch effort and if it doesn't work and my milk supply continues on this path I think I just need to face the music. At least I will know that I tried everything; I think that will help me let go in the event this doesnt work. But I am going to choose to believe this will work. I am a firm believer in good thoughts and prayers, so I am very hopeful and optomistic. Thank you for your advice, it makes me feel like the fight isn't over yet...no towel to throw in yet!!!!

I can't take those drugs because I have an allergy...otherwise I would have been given the prescription.

Celyn · February 2010

If the damaged side is still to tender to nurse on, you can nurse just on one side. Eventually that breast can be trained to supply enough. Or you can just offer the damaged side every 3rd time or whatever works to keep that one somewhat active. Remember to get enough water and protein while you're resetting.

Oatmeal can help boost production if you can't do the fenugreek or milk thistle herbals.

Want a personalized experience?

celyn

Re: celyn

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

***celyn***

Re: ***celyn***

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

celyn

Re: celyn