exclusive pumping due to poor transfer & lower supply

mbon · October 2014

My DS is 17 days old. I have been to see several LC's because he wasn't gaining sufficiently & we figured out he's not transferring enough milk (less than 1/2oz in 30-40 min nursing) but takes a 3oz bottle every 2-3hrs. my supply was also a little low but I've taken Reglan & using herbal GoLacta have seemed to boost it so I'm not needing to supplement w/ formula & get a little extra. having dealt w/ a similar issue w/ my 2nd DD, I decided I'm just going to pump so I can still give him my breastmilk. But pumping is a lot more work compared to my perfect experience w/ my 1st DD where I was able to nurse her w/o any issues.

Is anyone else EP'ing because of similar issues? I guess I'm looking more for support than anything. I'm very disappointed that nursing isn't happening for us. The LC suggested to keep trying & maybe as he gets bigger it will go better, but that's frustrating too to spend the time nursing only to bottle feed after & still have to pump cause he doesn't drain the breasts completely. Not to mention juggle all that w/ 2 other children under 5 who need lots of help and/or attention from mom. DH helps too but even then it can be hard w/ 3 kids.

ErinO21 · October 2014

I ran into the same situation with my LO. All I can say is if you want nursing to work, just keep trying. I had given up SO many times, but then LO would start rooting around at my chest. I'm sure it's tough to do with 2 other children. Maybe pick a feeding at the same time each day when you have the most help from your DH. I only tried nursing in the evenings because that was when LO would be nursing with me since I work full-time. I was in the same position you were as far as poor transfer. He nursed for 30 minutes and transferred 0 ounces according to the weighed feeding. That was at 2 months old. At 4 months old, it finally clicked! Not sure how or why, but it clicked.

Ju111310 · October 2014

On the Sept 2014 board, there's a weekly EP'ing check in that you might find helpful!

fsumom · October 2014

I was right there with you so you are not alone! My DS lost 15oz from his birth weight and had several weight checks after he was born. He also was not transferring milk well. I vividly remember going to a breastfeeding meeting and doing a weighed feeding where he only took in 6 grams. I highly recommend attending breastfeeding support groups. I essentially pumped for over 2 months because my DS had a poor latch and a weak suck. I had him checked for tongue tie which he didn't have. I was in constant contact with a La Leche League leader who got me through really rough times. At one point I was nursing, pumping 8 times a day and bottle feeding. There were days I felt like quiting because it was exhausting. I then started only nursing during night/morning feedings but never quit pumping at least 6 times a day (I quit night pumpings). I noticed DS's latch getting better during our night/morning nursing sessions and so on August 26th I decided to have him nurse all day without a bottle. He did so well and hasn't had a bottle since! He was almost 3 months old when he finally got the hang of it. You can do this whether you decide to essentially pump or continue to try to get him to nurse efficiently. Good luck.