STM+ who breastfed, supply differences

Re: STM+ who breastfed, supply differences

• mommatotwo2 member

  May 2014

  I was unable to BF dd1 except a little bit the first few weeks and have successfully BF without supplementation with formula for dd2 the past 11.5 months. I believe it had everything to do with being better educated this time around and persistent about nursing truly on demand, around the clock in the early weeks and establishing an adequate supply. Good luck!

  

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• JustGoWithIt member

  May 2014

  @lindalkelso thanks for posting this question. I'm in somewhat the same boat. I hope it works better for you this time. I know I've been reading and researching for months, but at times I get worried it's all going to happen all over again. I hope the second time is a charm for you! @mommatotwo2‌ so happy to hear a success story!!!

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• mommatotwo2 member

  May 2014

  I wanted to clarify, about being "better educated" this time, I just meant I read some, followed this board a ton and basically learned what was normal in an early breastfeeding relationship. One example, with my first, I was convinced that her constant nursing meant she wasn't getting enough food. I learned that breastfed infants nurse very often in the early weeks which boosts your supply. I also think putting my foot down against visitors that weren't comfortable with me nursing, made a difference. The first time I had everyone around. This time, hardly anyone. Made a huge difference.

  

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• jllmb79 member

  May 2014

  
  

  I would get the LC from the hospital in your room right away.  Call on them a few times per day to check on how things are going.  If they forget about you keep calling.

  
  

  I would try to BF every 2 hours, even if it means waking the baby. It is all supply and demand. Baby needs to keep demanding it for your body to realized how much it needs to make.

  
  

  If there are any issues and the Doctor orders formula (low blood sugar etc) have the LC come in.  They can help you pump and put the baby to breast with SNS.

  
  

  I wouldn't have gotten over my hurdles if it weren't for the LC at the hospital and the LC at my pediatricians office.  

  
  

  My supply was the same with both DD#1 and DD#2 but if it weren't for the LC at the hospital my supply probably wouldn't have been good and I probably wouldn't have been able to BF.  I called for them a few times per day while in the hospital.

  

  
  

  
  

   

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• caballablanca member

  May 2014

  I did go to the LC quite a bit in hospital and at pedis office. She was jaundiced even though I was having the help at her 2 day appt. that's when I started supplementing. They taught me how to power pump and stuff to boost production but it was never enough. I did find the motillium helped (learned that from here) but ordering it takes time so I figured that's why I would ask, do I could get it in advance.

  
  
  

  

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• harmonicbabe26 member

  May 2014

  I'm no expert but I would say that it all depends on why you had supply issues.
  My friend who had no issues BFing her first just had #2 a week ago and she said that this time her milk came in sooner and she seemed to have more of it.
  Another friend (who now has 4 LOs) and had low supply due to glad tissue issues, was never able to fully BF and with each kid she was unfortunately doing it for a shorter period of time because of demands of the situation and time constraints.
  Me, my issues were caused by low gland tissue as well (self diagnosed, but I don't see any other reason) and by sheer stubbornness and determination I BFed my DD for 7 months even though she always had to get a supplement. Seriously by sheer stubbornness and devoting all the time I had to nursing, pumping,
  herbs, Domperidone etc etc you name it i did it, we went from making about 20% at first to about 70%. But she always needed a top up. And the mental struggle and disappointment was the biggest thing to deal with.
  I am not fooling myself that it will change this time around and i am already trying to tell myself that it's ok whatever i am able to produce. But with a hyper toddler around, who know how much time i will be able to devote to this...
  
  Oh also, I was researching galactogogues the other day and one website said that herbs (fenugreek + blessed thistle) work best when taken right away after birth. Domperidone works better if started a few weeks later. This is for moms who expect they will have low supply, I'm not advocating that anyone try to create an oversupply...

  

  
  

  

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• inluv4life2 member

  May 2014

  My supply is significant better with #2. I am similar to pp in that I just knew more this time around and when LO started losing weight like #1 (TT and ULT) I started pumping. Your base supply is established in the first few weeks, before many people realize there is an issue and start boosting supply.
  
  I also drank tea, ate lactation cookies and drank lots and lots of water from day 1.
  
  You can do it mama!

  I hope to create a real siggy but first I need some sleep!
  
  Mom to Lily and Colin!
  

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