Supplementing while waiting for milk

meechellebelle · February 2013

XP from BF and Multiples boards.

So I had my twins on Tuesday 38w4d so they are good sizes at 6 lb 4 oz and 6 lbs 13 oz. they're still a little too small after losing some weight so the nurses wanted to give formula which I'm ok with. The nurses set us up with an SNS and it works good but it takes forever to get them to eat only half an ounce. Their suck is really slow so we will finish with a bottle and then I will pump. I'm a FTM and can't understand why my milk isn't in yet. My boobs are definitely full as they are giant and much harder now but pumping does nothing and feedings are terrible. How long did it take for your milk to come in and what did you do in the meantime? Feedings are easier with the bottle formula but I don't want them to have this permanently plus they eat so quickly with the bottle I'm nervous they're going to get gas or stomach troubles.
Any advice would be great. Sorry my post is all over the place, it's my first full day home with the boys and man are we tired! Just really need some insight or tips because at day 6 I am starting to get frustrated. Thanks!

pitterpatter129 · February 2013

I assume you had a csection? Mine took 10 days with my csection! Also, they are getting colostrum from your breasts. Nursing = milk production, plain and simple. Pumping isn't as adequate as a baby and by supplementing instead of nursing, you tell your body it doesn't need to make milk. Try to have a baby latched on most of the day and that should help. You pretty much have no time or other job right now!! I know it's so hard! I have a two year old this time around and it's been eye opening and difficult to say the least! Lots of tears all around! Hang in there!

IncogNeato · February 2013

Repost this on the Bfing board, asap. I'm sure they'd have some advice. It's normal to take up to 5 days for your milk to come in but there are things you can do now to increase your odds of successfully BFing.

Edit: Duh. Reading fail. Hope you get some good advice!

realityspeller · February 2013

i am a new, FTM of a singleton baby so take my advise w a grain of salt if you like. but i was having trouble w my milk letting down at first as well. i started drinking a guinness one each night and it helped me to relax and the milk started flowing.

i tried to drink it as soon as i was finished feeding my babe but it took me so long to drink it that it was not a full two hours b/t feedings so i just made sure i ate a big meal w my beer.

the child initially lost 7 1/2 oz then put on 11 1/2 oz in 10 days.

good luck!

ps congrats on carrying your twins so far to term and having such big babies! i hope everything else is going smoothly!

2moms2b · February 2013

With my c-section and twins (they were latching in the beginning) it took about 6 to 7 days for my milk to fully come in. We were also supplementing as my body wasn't supporting them both (one would get to eat first and the second would try and just scream). I alternated who got to eat first (I sucked at tandem). Now I am pumping only as they have such horrible thrush.

While we were in the hospital the boys started to loose weight so I would put them to the breast for as long as they would stay and then offer about an ounce of formula and let them drink what they wanted.

I will say just keep putting them to the breast even if you don't think they are getting much. My supply has tanked since they have thrush and I am only pumping. I cannot wait to work with the LC to get them to latch again!

tiffanyp · February 2013

If your breasts are giant and hard, then your milk is in. What pump do you have? Is it getting good suction? Have you tried hand expressing? It is hard to get a good latch when you're engorged.

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