STM- anyone had difficulty with first, but able to BF with second?

MUAprilTiger · January 2013

I'm 33 weeks pregnant. I could not make enough milk for our first child, but was wondering if the second time around could be different. It was completely a supply problem, because my son was a great nurser! What have been your experiences?

kcircell · January 2013

Our pedi says STMs are often dripping in milk since they're bodies know what to do. GL

kegallagh · January 2013

I don't have personal experience, but I have many friends and acquaintances who had an easier time the second time around.

That being said, I think your best bet would be to read a TON (kellymom.com, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, this board and others, etc.) to really arm yourself with information. Unfortunately many people are given bad advice by well-meaning family members, friends, and even pediatricians/OBs and then find themselves struggling with BFing as a result. I read many women on these boards writing "if I had only known" or "next time, I'll try x, y, z" or similar sentiments.

ilenegrace · January 2013

I personally don't have experience with this but I go to a breastfeeding support group and there is a woman there who is successfully BFing her second LO after not being able to nurse her first due to supply issues.

Find a LC and get connected with a local support group it will help. Good luck!

candr09 · February 2013

I struggled with supply issues for DD. I was able to EBF her for 6 months, but it was a struggle and she didn't gain weight well.

This time no issues so far! I havn't pumped yet so I don't really know how much milk I'm making, but DS is gaining a ton of weight and growing like a weed, so I'm sure it's enough!

GL

PD0323 · February 2013

I could not nurse my first one at all. Major supply issues. With this LO, I had alot better knowledge going in (Kelly Mom, PP already said it) and have had a pretty good experience. I still have some supply issues that I am dealing with, and I have had to supplement to make ends meet, but it has been really worth while in general.

Make sure you have alot of support, (family, friends, support group) and lots of info, and ask anything on this board. They are fellow mommies who have been there!

ELCJet · February 2013

I EPed with my son and struggled to maintain my supply.....at the 4 month mark, I had to start supplementing and by 6 months it was game over.

With my second, she nursed much better and I actually had an oversupply, which caused its own set of problems. I'm now sitting on a 500 oz freezer stash at nearly 5 months and no noticeable drop in supply yet. So yes, there is hope!