I didn't breastfeed Ashlyn. She wouldn't latch and I didn't push it. So, I don't really know anything about breastfeeding. I know what the lactation consultant told me, I know what information I read online and I know what advice people have given me. Well I need more advice!!
Breastfeeding has been a bit of an adventure. Little Man didn't want to latch on at first and pretty much refused to eat all day the Monday after he was born. The nurses said that was normal since he had been circumcised that morning.
Once he woke up and started feeling better, the little guy latched on like a champ and has been latching ever since. He latches a little too hard if you ask me! It has been quite painful to feed this little guy. The lactation consultant said it shouldn't hurt if I'm doing it right but everyone I talk to says otherwise so I'm just trying to work through the pain.
My problem now is that after 12 days of nursing and pumping, my supply doesn't seem to be getting any better. I just bought a new pump thinking that was the problem but that doesn't seem to be it. I was wondering why the little guy would let go and then cry for more food and then I figured out why. Because he's just not getting enough!
After about 7 minutes of pumping, the milk stops. I'm getting less than an ounce every time I pump so I know that he isn't getting nearly enough. I thought the supply was supposed to increase the more you nursed and pumped but mine seems to be decreasing. I have had to supplement the little guy with formula which I really hate but he is eating so much I don't have a choice.
I don't want to give up on breastfeeding. I really want to do it this time around. I feel like I am doing everything I'm supposed to be doing but it's just not quite enough. My poor husband was trying to make suggestions and I broke down because I am feeling quite frustrated.
How do I get my milk supply up? How long does it take for my supply to really get moving? How long will I have to deal with the pain? How do I get him to latch on without the nipple shield (that's the only way I can get him to latch)?
I know that breastfeeding is not the easiest thing to do. I know that it takes time to get it right. I'm willing to do the work but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Breastfeeding has been a bit of an adventure. Little Man didn't want to latch on at first and pretty much refused to eat all day the Monday after he was born. The nurses said that was normal since he had been circumcised that morning.
Once he woke up and started feeling better, the little guy latched on like a champ and has been latching ever since. He latches a little too hard if you ask me! It has been quite painful to feed this little guy. The lactation consultant said it shouldn't hurt if I'm doing it right but everyone I talk to says otherwise so I'm just trying to work through the pain.
My problem now is that after 12 days of nursing and pumping, my supply doesn't seem to be getting any better. I just bought a new pump thinking that was the problem but that doesn't seem to be it. I was wondering why the little guy would let go and then cry for more food and then I figured out why. Because he's just not getting enough!
After about 7 minutes of pumping, the milk stops. I'm getting less than an ounce every time I pump so I know that he isn't getting nearly enough. I thought the supply was supposed to increase the more you nursed and pumped but mine seems to be decreasing. I have had to supplement the little guy with formula which I really hate but he is eating so much I don't have a choice.
I don't want to give up on breastfeeding. I really want to do it this time around. I feel like I am doing everything I'm supposed to be doing but it's just not quite enough. My poor husband was trying to make suggestions and I broke down because I am feeling quite frustrated.
How do I get my milk supply up? How long does it take for my supply to really get moving? How long will I have to deal with the pain? How do I get him to latch on without the nipple shield (that's the only way I can get him to latch)?
I know that breastfeeding is not the easiest thing to do. I know that it takes time to get it right. I'm willing to do the work but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Drink tons of water. eat lactataion cookies (just google how to make em) eat oatmeal. all those build your supply.
ReplyDeleteDo understand that you probably won't get the same amount pumping as you would breastfeeding. Some people will pump and get an ounce but their babies are fully satisfied breastfeeding. Hand expression should get you more..but that can be painful. Feeding frequently should also help with your supply.
The pain should go away soon. it depends on if the pain is from a bad latch or from your nipples learning a new skill. (hahah..that sounds funny). CHeck for a good latch and it shouldn't hurt like toe curling pain.but it may hurt a little while your nipples get used to feeding. make sure you aren't bleeding, or getting sores on your nipples. Lanolin will help!!!
Thanks so much for all of the advice. I know I need to drink more water and someone else suggested oatmeal too.
DeleteGood for you for working through this. BFing is hard work and it's definitely not for the weak. Water, water, water! Every time I pump I drink up to 20 oz of water. When I nurse, I drink about 8-10oz. Make sure you are eating a decent amount of protein throughout the day because the fat content helps make the baby feel more full. To get my supply up, I would nurse then pump for 10-15min. I did this for about a week and saw a big increase in my supply. There are some great recipes out there for lactation cookies which really do help. Also--supplements like fenugreek or more milk plus will help boost your supply...they are a little spendy ($20/bottle) but you'll see a big increase. One more thing--I know it's hard, but try not to focus on the amount of milk you are getting. The more stress, the worse it gets. And if you are pumping after feeding, 1-2oz is normal.
ReplyDeleteI dealt with the pain for about 6 weeks...it sucked but it has gotten better. You just really have to make sure that the latch is correct. I'd try using the shield every other time to try to get him to wean off of it.
Does your area have a breast feeding support group?? Our hospital offers one that a lactation consultant runs. It is so helpful to hear about other peoples questions, but also to find other people that BF and become friends with. Ours is more like a mom's group--every week there are different topics. This week was musicology, last week was baby wearing. So it might be worth looking into.
Sorry for the novel. BFing seems to consume a lot of my life right now, but it's near and dear to me. Let me know if you need anything! I'm always here for a bit of encouragement :)
I didn't breast feed my twins because I was too scared of the pain so I only pumped for them, However when baby #3 came along the nurse encouraged me to try and I was so glad I did. I had some difficulty at first with the latch but the nurse helped me find a position that worked best for the baby. I used the football hold and it worked great to the point I used that hold almost exclusively. I didn't have any trouble with supply probably because of having the twins only 10 months earlier but I did follow the advice I was given which was lots of water and tea as well as make sure you are getting enough calories. I did take fenugreek to regain my supply with the twins after I got mastitis. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSorry your having a rough time. I have no suggestions because I didn't breastfeed Mackenzie. I hope you have gotten some good advise and that things start to get better for you! I admire you for sticking it out....I'd have given up by now....That's just me and my personality. :o)
ReplyDelete