Struggling here-does milk volume improve?

milomia · June 2014

I unfort had to supplement with formula just two days out of the hospital as my baby wasn't getting quite enough milk from me-he would cry and be very frustrated while trying to suck - even after I use the nipple shield which helped him latch on better to my nipple. I try the breast first and then we do formula to finish feeding. I can pump 1oz after 30min of pumping on a good day. It's usually about .5oz. Does this get better w regular pumping? My baby is 15 days old and I would love to think my milk supply will improve. I've had breast implants and two breast lifts in the past and It makes me sad to think this may also be affecting my situation.

mmcdouga · June 2014

I had low volume like that when I first started pumping and it improved at three to four weeks. I agree with the previous post as well.

BootsOrHearts · June 2014

Is there a lactation consultant you can work with? Most hospitals have them and sometimes insurance covers the cost.

TheBorg7of9 · June 2014

Is your baby gaining weight? Does he have enough pee and poop diapers? If yes, then you're doing fine. Don't try to gage how much milk he is getting by his behavior or how much you get from the pump - it doesn't work that way.

CNYBride05 · June 2014

It can improve, but I'm guessing that the implants and lifts may be inhibiting your supply

. Keep trying what all the other ladies have suggested, keeping an eye on wet and poopy diapers. Good luck!

milomia · June 2014

Have both wet and poopy diapers but bc I'm supplementing it could very well be the bulk he is getting is from formula

I do see a difference in the consistency of his BMs when he gets more breast milk. I will try pumping every 2 hrs- hard to imagine it will get better

eggmankate · June 2014

Call me crazy, but isn't a half an ounce adequate for a 2 week old? I wouldn't think anything is wrong with your supply if you weren't expressing concerns. Even at 2 days old I wouldn't expect your baby needs too much milk.

Keep putting baby to breast frequently--that will help practice latch and improve supply!

RDK24 · June 2014

I agree w/PP and think you should try to do just breastmilk for a while and see how it goes. The more frequently you put the baby to the breast, the more milk you'll get. It's literally supply and demand, and in the early weeks, the baby sucking actually dictates your supply.

I think the guideline is at least 6 very wet diapers in 24 hours (worth double checking though) and if you have that, it's safe to assume the baby is getting enough milk.

GL!

milomia · June 2014

Unfort I dont live in the States, so will have to see what is available to me - there are lactation consultants I am sure though.

I'm at a loss as to how people who don't have adequate supply make it through without formula. My baby will be at the breast for 45min and after 10minutes scream out of hunger and then down his 3oz of formula. Pumping .5 oz in one session does not seem like enough for me at all if I need to keep up with his demands (he will be 3wks on Sunday). In one pumping session I can tell after 20-25min that nothing is coming out anymore. So-how do I avoid using formula to keep him fed and happy?

milomia · June 2014

Thank you, will try power pumping and see if that helps at all with output! He doesnt always finish his 3oz (which is what the midwife recommended I give him if he's still hungry after bfeeding (which he is 95% of the time), he sometimes finishes (as you said) 2 or 2.5oz and then sometimes wakes up 30min later for some more of it :S

eggmankate · June 2014

It is a common misconception to lead women to believe that a) their supply is inadequate and b) that you must supplement or else you're going to starve your baby. The best way to increase your supply is to nurse--not supplement. From what you describe here I really don't think you have a supply problem at all. I think you're confusing yourself with the pumping and bottles and also not allowing yourself time to build your supply. Please don't worry, you are doing great!

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