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North Dakota Babies
So stressed...Help w/ BF
I posted this on the BF board, but thought some of you might have good advice as well.
My son was born in April. I have ebf since then. I am a teacher and started taking him to the sitter last week. I bf him in the morning, pump at 10am, pump at 1pm, pick him up at 4pm and bf him then, bf at 7pm, and 8:30pm. I pump around 11pm as well. He STTN.
The problem is that I'm not pumping very much during the day at work. He takes about 15 oz during the day and I'm only pumping 9 oz total during my 3 pumping sessions combined. (Pumping at school isn't exactly a relaxing environment) So, I've been blowing through my stash like crazy and only have a few oz left. I guess I underestimated how much of a stash I should have. Lesson learned...
So, WWYD? Should I continue doing what I've been doing but do 1/2 bm and 1/2 formula during the day? Should I wean from pumping during the day, ff while at the sitter's, and bf in the morning and night? If so, how do I do this? I'd love to continue bf, but just don't know what to do.
I just started taking Fenugreek, but don't think my supply is going to pick up in enough time to skip formula at all.
PLEASE HELP! I am so stressed about this. TIA!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: So stressed...Help w/ BF
I'm pretty sure Blayne said it all. Keep up with the fenugreek - when I'm feeling low (like now, I just started my 2nd pp period), I start with 3 with breakfast, 3 with lunch and 3 with dinner. It helped me within 48 hours. Also, try to drink as close to a gallon of water a day as possible (I know, it sounds like a lot, but really, it'll help, I promise). Another way to boost your supply is increasing the frequency in which you're pumping. How much time is there between when you BF in the morning and then pump for the first time at work? You might need to add in a pumping session there. I know it's hard when you teach because your preps are scheduled, but you need to figure out how to get some more time in at the pump.
If you have to supplement with formula during the day until your supply boosts, so be it - he'll be fine. Just continue to nurse as much as possible on the weekends and when you're home with K. And the absolute worst thing you can do is stress about it - that almost instantly causes a supply to tank. Just trust that your body will do what it has to do. As long as your nips are being stimulated, your body will produce.
Oh, and when you're pumping, make sure you're using compression and breast massage to get every last drop out!
(And power pumping is definitely an option - there are different ways to do it... I did 20 minutes one boob, 20 minutes the other, for an hour. I think you can also pump for 5 minutes each hour of the day too.)
[url=http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers][img]http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tte03a3.aspx[/img]
Hugs, Eleise!
I'm feeling the same thing right now. I've been having a beer each night to hopefully get the supply up...seriously. At least it relaxes me!!!
GL- you CAN do this!!!
Thanks ladies, I really appreciate it. The start of a school year is stressful in itself, so that isn't helping. And, I have a very challenging class this year. Ugh.
I've heard of the power pumping, specifically when you pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10, and continue that for a full hour. I will have to try that as well.
Carollyn, I'll definitely have to take you up on your advice! Does any beer work?
I can only tell you what they told us in breastfeeding class since baby isn't here and I have no personal experience. But I hope it helps anyway.
We were told in the breast feeding class that dark beer helps milk supply. I figured I'd keep that in my back pocket since fenugreek isn't a good option for me according to the pharmacist (I have asthma and it can trigger an asthma attack). Although I haven't breastfed yet, another thing that was suggested in class was to pump first thing in the morning (assuming you can find the time) after you've fed little one because that is when you have the highest supply of milk during the day.
Good luck and hope that you can find an answer!
I have heard the darker the beer, the better. The yeast is what helps with production, so if you know of a beer that is "yeastier" than others, that would be a good option.
There is also Goat's Root - linky about it here. But I have heard that you should get the pill because the liquid is NASTY. I haven't tried it but a woman in my mommy and me class did. She said it helped her, but since she had a breast reduction, there was no breastfeeding hope for her.
Anyway, I feel like my supply dwindles a little when I am on my completely regular and all too early to come back period. So I make sure to keep up with the fenugreek and I would guess there is a adjustment period for your body to get used to pumping so regularly. So keep up with your water. Eat protein. Have oatmeal for breakfast and a hard boiled egg for a snack.
Is there anywhere else you can go to pump while you are at work? Just maybe leaving the classroom might help relax you a little bit more.
It will get better!
ETA - Check this out. I need to look at Kelly mom more often. There is some fab stuff there.
I have no advice but wanted to give you a big support hug (HUG)!