Help Me PLEASE - Arlington,VA

I wish I could give you advice on when to pump but I didn't produce enough milk to satisfy my son so I had to give him breast milk and formula.

I do want to let you know, though, that formula isn't the hideous, vile last-resource food that some people have made it out to be.

Formula can be used to supplement babies. While the media, LLL and many other groups say that breastmilk is the ONLY thing to feed your baby, sometimes it's not as practical as it sounds. In my opinion and through my experience and that of some of my girlfriends, giving your child a bottle, whether it contains breast milk or formula, is essential to weaning later on. It also helps the father bond with the baby--and the mother, too, since you can make eye-contact much easier when bottle feeding.

I hope this helps with your decision. No matter what you choose, feel confident in your decision and don't let anyone (including me) : ) make you feel like you should do something different. You can take someone's opinion, consider it, then make your own decision with confidence. Being a new mom is hard enough! Good luck with this!!

D.

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I'm going on 7 months of successfully working full time and providing breast milk exclusively. But like you, I'm not big on nursing in public. Instead of restrooms, try fitting rooms when you are in a mall/store. Target and Wal-Mart will let you use a fitting room without any questions. At other stores, I just grab a pair of pants or a shirt and head in. Fitting rooms are definitely cleaner and certainly more comfortable than a bathroom stall.

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Building up a supply of pumped milk can be tough. I usually try to pump from one breast while I feed from the other. It's a little tricky, but it can be done. Also, remember that your milk supply is based on demand. if you try to pump regularly, your supply will increase. Try contacting a lactation consultant in your area. You may also try the La Leche League. Look them up online at www.llli.org. Good luck.

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I know what you are going through. When I breastfed my girl, I first off drank the Mothers Milk Tea (Loved it!!!!!!!)
I would wake up about an hour and a half after the last feeding, and pump. Bye then a few hours later, I would have enough milk produced to feed my baby when she woke up. I also pumped about an hour after her mid day feeding, and then at night, I would pump 2 hrs after she would go to sleep for the night. I usually would get 7oz total for that day, and would leave it seperated in the individual amounts that I pumped. I produced a normal amount of 4-6oz at her feedings. She was fine. Always gained weight. When your son goes through his growth spurt, you will produce more. I got as much as 5 oz per breast. Pumping handheld is a great idea, but I was a faucet, so I held a bottle on the other side.Giggles.

the more you pump and feed, the more you will produce. try doing it more frequently...relax, read a book while he suckles away, and enjoy it! they all grow too fast!
also, if you haven't already, invest in a good double pump..SO worth it!
good luck!

Its awfully early to be trying to pump with your baby needing to eat so frequently. This early on, I have timed appointments and outings to avoid feeding outside the home, though this is admittedly difficult. I have also gotten used to feeding while out and about. Its much easier than you would think. And when the baby is a little older, you can pusue pumping between feeds when he's going longer. Maybe not what you want to hear, but I think you may burn yourself out continuing to try to pump as you are. Best of luck and stick with it. It gets a lot easier!

Hi there. I Exclusively Pump for my little guy- coming up on a year in two weeks- and I joined a yahoo group- PumpMoms:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PumpMoms/

You have to "apply" to join but it has been super helpful and I've received some great tips. You might want to check it out.

I would have to agree with the other person below that it might be a little too early. In time, he may "skip" a feeding and this might be an opportunity to pump out your first bit of milk. There is also a tea called "Mother's Milk" that worked pretty well for me. In the meantime, if you're at appointments and you don't want to nurse in public, use a shawl or just head to a restroom, if available (not real palatable, but a lot of people nurse there). As for going out, I too would say to nurse and then go out for an hour or two. The baby really needs you all the time right now for food and comfort, but eventually he will be able to be without mommy for longer times. Just be patient and keep up the faithful nursing--it's hard work!

breastfeeing peer counselor here! i work at two local hospitals counseling moms about breastfeeding. i work with lactation consultants.

first off it is advised that you try to postpone introducing any artificial nipples (including pacifiers) until your baby is 4-6wks because of nipple confusion.

your baby is less than a month old yes? then your supply should be fine and there should be no need to increase your supply. pump ONE HOUR after he has nursed, that will send a message to your brain to let it know that you need to produce more milk.

It's important to note that the feel of the breast, the behavior of your baby, the frequency of nursing, the sensation of let-down, or the amount you pump are <b>NOT</b> valid ways to determine if you have enough milk for your baby.

let me give you some links to some great websites i often refer to.

tips on pumping
http://www.workandpump.com/pumping.htm

do you really have a low supply?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html

boosting your milk supply
http://www.workandpump.com/boosters.htm

When I started back to work, instead of alternating the breast my son was feeding on, I'd do the same breast and then pump the other one, which was still full. (Sometimes I'd do it while feeding, sometimes after, no matter, just depends on your mood.

Hi J.,

I hda a son in July who did the same thing. I used Fenugrek to help boost my milk supply. You can find it at any vitamin or GNC store. It should help increase your milk supply. I ended up pumping about an hour after I nursed. I eventually pumped during the day and nursed at night. I was able to freeze extra milk that I didnt use immediately. I then started to supplement with lactose free formula b/c my son reflux and my breast milk was irritating him more. I stopped pumping at 6 mths and now he is on Lactose Free Enfamil. I hope the Fenugrek can help, it certainly helped me increase my supply.

T. M.

Hi J.! Congratulations on your little boy! The best way to make more milk is to be sure you are resting and drinking a LOT of liquids. Breastfeeding and pumping is tough tough 'round the clock work and can really wear you out!
Here's something that worked for me: I would pump one breast and then feed my daughter with the other...once she was 'done' on that side i would switch her to the "empty" pumped breast...those babies can suck WAY harder than any pump!! and they will get that nice fatty and filling 'hind milk'...this will also stimulate you to produce more milk...HOpe this helps, you are doing something wonderful by breastfeeding your baby boy! - J.

Oh My God it's like reading a flashback!!
Wow, I had my son Dec 22, 05 - & went through the same thing - just keep pumping when he is finished - that's what worked for me - it's all supply and demand!! Keep at it girlfriend - FYI..I weigh less now than I did before I nursed - it all didn't shed til my son hit 6 months - the time will pass and before you know it you'll be "normal" again - I nursed til my baby was 10 1/2" months and I only stopped cause of unfortunate circumstances - but keep keep keep at it!!! believe it or not you will miss it once it's gone - you are giving your baby such a divine thing....so many mothers don't even attempt it - my and my little boy have such a wonderful relationship....he sure does love his mama...but loves to get dirty with dad at any moment..
Good for you!!! Let me know how it goes!!

It might take some time to build up a supply, but you can do it. You are probably fullest first thing in the morning. I would pump right after feeding in the morning to empty your breasts. You may also want to try feeding your son from one side and pumping from the other. I would also pump after your son goes to bed. The more you pump, the more milk your body will produce. The tricky part is that you have to keep up with it, or your supply will go down. Good luck!

the danger of replacing feedings with pumping is that your supply will drop off and often mamas just end up pumping and supplementing with formula. What you want to do to avoid that is ONLY bottle feed your bm when you are out. To stimulate your supply try fenugreek (a herb in pill supplement that will make you smell like maple syrup and increase your supply). Also keep pumping the way you are pumping. After each feeding pump for until 5 min after your last drop. This will trick your body into thinking your son needs more milk and after a week or less you will be able to pump out more milk. Honestly you may have to pump for a whole day to get a bottle. Good luck

I'll start off by saying that every woman is different... But from the sounds of it you're having the same issue I did at first. What I did was just picked a time, I choose in the morning when I first got up or whenever it is that the baby slept the longest. Take that time and pump. If your son eats that consistently as in EVERY 2-3 hours and 15 minutes each side EVERY single time... I would suggest going ahead and pick your time and then let him eat, when he's done go ahead and pump. I know you said you're not getting much of anything because he just emptied you, but if you keep pumping about that time your body WILL figure it out and start making more!!! I also found that since I always nursed in the same position that I could still get quite a bit of milk out of certian areas of my breast that my son didn't get. Does that make sense??

Ok I know that is a very scattered response, I'm sorry. We had a rough night last night!!

Hi J.,

I understand your frustration. I'm a mother of 3 girls and I delivered my last baby last August. Lactating was very hard for me as well. But let me tell you it only gets better. But its gonna be hare work on your part in the begining. Continue to let your son nurse as often as he wants. When he is resting try to pump. Even if nothing comes out. The more he feeds and the more you try and pump your breast will get the idea that more supply is needed. Even if only a drop comes out try to pump for at least 10-15 min each breast. the more you pump the more you will lactate. I'm telling you it works. Also if you are torn or sore there are some gel pads that you can get from the nursing center of Holy Cross hospital they work wonders and are inexpensive.

Hope this helps.

hi J.!
i have three little boys and found i had the same issues. you might want to try formula for your son after youhave pumped, also, i used to mix a bottle with half formula and half breast milk - this seemed to hold them over a little longer. i'm not sure what to tell you about producing more milk, i didn't have that problem.but, check with the lactation consultant from your hospital, they really know their stuff. hope i have been somewhat helpful to you.
-K.

Have you tried pumping on one side and feeding him the other side when he gets up?? thats what i always did and it worked great! also Fenugreek is GREAT on helping you produce more milk!

Pumping after he eats is the right thing to do. It'll take your body a little bit to adjust and create more milk. So don't give up and keep at it. The more you do it, the more your body will produce milk. Make sure you eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, and relax each day. It will help you produce more milk. Good luck.

FIrst thing calm down. Your body will make enough milk to feed your baby. WHen he goes through a growth spurt he will want to eat more and when he does that it build your milk suply up even more. Drink lots of water to help keep your milk supply up. DO you feed him from just one breast? I was told to feed on one breast and pump on the other side at the same time you feed him. Most pumps can be used with one hand its getting used to it thats the problem. Now thats what I have been told. I did this and still pumps less than 1/2 an ounce. I just couldnt pump. Some women can't, I would suggest you contact a lactation consultant and she should be able to help you build your supply up so u could pump. My nephews wife just had a baby in NOV. Her baby wouldnt latch on so she pumped the milk and feed it to her from the bottle. She managed to only breastfeed for a month becuase her nipples became way too sore. My daughter wouldnt take the bottle so I really didnt try pumping much. Good Luck!

Breasfeeding is all about supply and demand. The more milk you put out the more you will make.

First thing...If you pump and then he wakes up hungry you CAN nurse him. Even if you think or feel that you are empty, your not. Your milk is made fresh for each feeding and your body will always produce milk for the baby (even after pumping or nursing). After a long nursing session, consecutive nursing, or nursing after pumping, the baby will still get milk, he just may get it slower and have to suck alittle harder but the milk is there! Sometimes during growth spurts the baby may seem to want to nurse alot more and you may feel that you have been nursing for hours straight, how is there still milk there?? There just is! Your body knows to make milk for the baby! The best thing to do is to let your baby nurse as often and whenever he needs, especially in the beginning when he is going through many growth spurts. By him suddenly eating more frequently (every hour vs. every three) he is telling your body to make more milk. When it is over (normally about a day or two) and he goes back to his regular feeding schedule then he will be getting that extra milk at his regular feeds. Pumping is different then breastfeeding. The amount you pump out is not a good indication of how much you make or how much your baby normally eats.

Anyway, it is best to pick a time of day that is best for you to pump. It is normally best to pump in the morning because you will have more milk then. Pump an hour or so after he eats (15-20 of pumping) You may not get alot but after a few days your body will realize that it needs to make extra milk at that time of the day and you will be able to pump more easily/faster. You will essentially be adding a feeding to your day. You have to be careful not to pump to sparatically. You can confuse your body by telling it to fill up at different times of the day but not always be pumping the milk out at those same times of the day. Doing this could cause you to get clogged ducts and develop mastitis. This happened to me in the beginning and let me tell you it HURTS! I have done alot of research, asking questions, getting help etc. and have learned alot about breastfeeding. It isn't as simple and easy as some people think, atleast not in the beginning. I have an 8 month old daughter and still nurse her. Now it is the easiest thing ever. I can't imagine having to make a bottle, carry bottles and formula with me everywhere etc. She just nurses for 5-10 minutes and is done. I love it and so does she. It is the greatest bonding in the world. I hope things continue to go smoothly for you and your son. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Ok...Just keep pumping after he eats. Do it for 10-15 more minutes after one or two feedings, maybe the first two in the morning since you should be fullest then. Even if you don't get anything out at first, after 4 days, you will notice you have made more milk and you will be able to start storing it. There is a 3 day lag time from when you get the stimulation to make more milk and when you actually DO make more milk. It helps to drink tea, there is a tea called mother's milk tea, or I have found any tea works for me. Good luck! Oh and also, you may feel empty, but you are not, when he is done, try squeezing the nipple in the motion like nursing, milk will still come out. It may not be a fast flow so he will have to work at it longer to get the same amount, but you will not be completely empty. Your body does not allow for that. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.

I had this problem when I breast fed my youngest and tried to go back to work. First off make sure you are eating right, all your fruits and veggies and drink enough water. I begain pumping in the morning, an 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour before he gets up. That way you can start building your supply and with that hour your milk supply will build up. Also, at this age your son can start eating cerals and other solids, so at that feeding when you feed him ceral you can also pump. Pump a few hours after your son goes to bed. You can also pump the opposite breast that he nurses from. If you have any more queastions you can also ask your son's doctor. I hope I could help and good luck!

I'm in the same boat. My daughter was born on 12/14 and I am breastfeeding. My husband wants to be involved as much as possible so I am trying to pump some milk so he can feed her too. I also want to start building up a supply for when I go back to work. I think you have gotten some great advice already, but I have one other tip I can give you. When I pump, I hold and smell a piece of my daughter's clothing or blanket. I find that if I relax and I feel/smell her in some way, I get way more milk. I can't actually hold her while I pump because of the noise that it makes, but just smelling and touching something of hers really helps.

I'm not positive but I would try to just pick a time each day (sometime after he nurses) and pump at that time. Make it a consistent time and stick to it.
Another thing you could do is try to become more confident with nursing in public. It is hard in the beginning. He is still very young and so latching might still be a little challenging, but as he gets older it will be easier.
I remember being with a freind of mine when our babies were only a couple of months old...I was still wary of nursing in public but she started nursing her son and I realized that you really couldn't see anything at all! It made me much more confident and I never tried to hide it after that.
You will always see more than other people because you are looking down but if you try looking in a mirror when you nurse, you might realize that you aren't as exposed as you think you are.
Sorry...I know this wasn't what you were asking for but I thought I'd share my experience.

I've noticed that I can't pump a drop if I'm not super relaxed and comfortable. Sounds crazy, but try pumping in the shower or tub. Just be careful not to let bathwater in your pump. Good luck!

I didn't produce much milk so I had to supplement with formula but a LLL consultant recommended 2-3 capsules of fenugreek seed 2-3 times a day and drinking a tea for nursing moms by Yogi Tea (found in stores like Whole Foods) or Mother's Milk tea. I found the Yogi tea worked better. I drank about 2-3 cups a day.

Another big tip to increase milk production...LOTS of water. Good luck!

Hi J....sounds like you are in a pretty big predicament. I nursed both my boys (one is now 6 the other 3) until they were 2, not really by choice it just kind of worked out that way, I really didn't start pumping until they were a few months probably around 5 mos old. I think before then, your body is adjusting to the changes and figuring out how much milk you actually really need. If you keep pumping after you feed him you'll stimulate the let down more and therefor get more milk, probably not right away but maybe after a week or so of pumping constantly after you nurse and he empties your supply (that sounds sooo weird) anyway, hope that helps.
also, I would use a poncho and put the baby underneath it to nurse in public, mine had a wide neck and they could see me and I could see them, most people were oblivious to what I was actually doing. best of luck
F.
www.fingerpaintz.com

Hello...I had somewhat of the same problem. What I was told to do was pump for 10-15 min after he has eatten. Even though you may not get much milk, it will still help increase your supply. Think of it as supply and demand, the milk will eventually be there, it may take up to a week or so. Also I have found it very helpful to go to a breastfeeding support group at my local hospital, it's held weekly. And oh how it is so nice to talk to other mom's, not to mention all the good info that they have to share. Hope this helps!

J... give yourself some time.. you need to wait a little bit until he starts going a little longer between feedings. I realize that breat feeding in public can be uncomfortable to a new mom but a lot of places like malls have couches in the rest room. you can always go in there to breast feed... Once he starts going a little longer he will start skipping a normal feeding then you can pump then an get a stock of breastmilk going... hope this helps

I would not worry about not making enough. If your little one is nursing well and gaining, you are making plenty. To get enough milk for a bottle, try to pump after a couple of feedings a day. You may not get anything at first, but after a couple of days your body will realize that demand is up, so production will go up. Unless you have a quickly upcoming separation, I would not necessarily recommend that you try a supplement to increase your supply until you have given pumping a try. (the mother's milk tea or fenugreek will not hurt either of you, but if increasing demand works, it is not worth the hassle.) I increased my supply for my daughter who had nursing issues in the beginning from not enough to sustain her, to enough for her and a bottle in about a week. (I only had to supplement with formula for 2-3 days until I gave her all breastmilk) With my son on the other had, who also had issues, I had to use the fenugreek. (it worked wonders)

Also, I would probably hold of on giving a bottle for a couple of more weeks until nursing is well established. The baby can suffer nipple confusion if a bottle is given to early. La Leche League recommends waiting until 6 weeks to introduce a bottle, 4 weeks if you must be separated.

Well congratulations and i'm glad you're sticking with the breastfeeding even though its hard as hell. I tried pumping early on and its hard because you dont have that much milk established because when they are that young, their suckling is not that strong. I tried again when he was 6 weeks and i got a full supply! just keep drinking a lot of water, and keep your stomach full, because the nursing dehydrates you and the fluids will keep the milk plentiful. you may find soon that if you dont nurse within 3 hours, you will start to engorge and thats a great time to pump. that and maybe an hour before feeding, or after a feeding if he didnt get it all.
hope this helps and dont give up!
A.

I am a mother of 3 children and breast feed all. I would feed my bablies from one breast and after would pump the from the other breast for other feedings. You can then freeze the milf for later as well. When you do feed the baby the bottle of breat milk you can pump both breast. you don't get much of a break either way though in my opinion. you have to be really dedicated if it is going to work. The more you feed and pump the more milk you produce. Supply and demand theory. There are many websites you can look up regarding the issue. I used a Medelia pump and I would recommend it to anyone. It was one that had to be plugged in and came in a large leather case. I think it comes with a cigarette lighter adapter so you could pump in the car. My sister in law did that.

One other thing is to make sure that you don't take any type of diuretic medication. My doctor had put me on a blodd pressure medicine that had it in it and it dried me up instanly with my third child. It was horrible.

K.

J.,
I don't know if anyone has offered this as a suggestion, but when I had my son, I became a member of Le Leche Leaque. They were a big help when it came to Breastfeeding my son. Although I did not agree with alot of their philosophies, they were a help when it came to milk production and storage when I reached the "need to get out of the house stage". It happens with all of us, either a desire for some respite or the need to go to a Doctors appointment. My son is now 17 and I don't remember all the things they recommended, what I do remember is that it worked. I have found a link specifically about breastfeeding and milk supply through their main page. I hope that it is helpful to you.
Best of Luck and don't give up,
J.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/increase.html

J., First thing is to relaxxxx. Second, get a really good pump. I have the Medala Pump IN Style Advance. I just had my second son on 10/15 and returned back to work on 12/18. My baby is solely nursed. Originally we rented a hospital grade pump for the first month. Although I was home and nursed him, I pumped after he was asleep, didn't get much out at first but eventually I had enough for a bottlefeeding.

I encourage you to drink lots of fluids - water & juice, try to avoid caffine beverages, 1 cup of tea or coffee won't hurt but too much caffine can slow down milk production. To get started, try nursing him on just one breast for his regular feeding. when he falls asleep, pump the other breast. If you can't do that(i.e. he drinks from both breast during his regular feeding) pump each breast for atleast 20 minutes after he has finished. Store what you pump. Continue this rountine for each of his feedings during the first 24 hrs, until you pump enough milk to satisfy him for at least one regular feeding. You can safely combine all milk pumped within the same 24 hr period. When you have a enough for a feeding, hand baby over to proud papa with the bottle and go and pump again for that missed nursing period. The extra pumping after he nurses, helps to establish and increase your milk supply. Once you start pumping enough substitute a bottle, make sure you still pump so that your body still has the supply you will need. You have to make a committment to pump. Like I said I went back to work when my little guy was only two months, and I have to have atleast 18-24 oz of breastmilk to get him through daycare. I have to pump at work 2 - 3 times in order to make sure my son has enough milk for the next day.

Just FYI,, for the first few times you try the bottle, I would suggest someone other than you give it to the baby. I feel this way for two reasons.. 1. the Baby will always prefer the breast to bottle and if you are there they won't accept no for an answer and as MOMMY you will breakdown and give in. LOL 2. You will need to be off pumping at the same time.

Another thing to keep in mind.. Breastfeeding is the best thing we can do for our children. We can still enjoy mobility and an active lifestyle. I understand you are a little uncomfortable but take it from me I have 42G's and I get really creative, and I try to be tastiful, but when my little man is hungry and I am out and about.. I do what I must. They make great cover over shawls and sometimes even a good blanket can provide privacy out in public. I have even heard some moms say they can do it with their carrier. Try different things out at home first, until you can do it like clockwork. My favorite is a tank under my blouse or sweater, I can open my sweater and pull up just one side of my tanktop to feed him and no one can see anything and baby is happy.

Well I hope I have helped a little and didn't sound to preachy. It is just that I felt the same way you did in the beginning and I am extra proud of myself for being able to do it. I hope you get the same feeling.. Good Luck. and in the meantime, try to enjoy your time out with baby, even if you have to stop to breastfeed.

With my daughter, my lactation consultant had me pump right after I finished feeding her for about 10 minutes on each breast (my pump is a double pump). I didn't get much out but by pumping for that time after she finished I was increasing the demand on the breast so that I would produce more, which after about a week of pumping led to more milk with each pumping. The idea was to increase my supply so that I had some to pump as well as what my daughter was getting. This came about because I was having problems with my milk supply and having to supplement my daughter but the principle is the same. It will increase your milk supply and allow you to pump more out. Also, once you get the baby to bed, wait 15-30 minutes and trying pumping. That gives your breast sometime to build up its supplies again and it allows time afterward before you area going to need to feed him again for your breast to produce milk again.

Good luck.

Hi J.,
No one tells you about this difficulty when you leave the hospital. I usually feed off one breast at a feeding, and don't switch .I never have .I think that if you feed off one breast at a time the baby will suckle and you will begin to produce more milk altogether. You will probably have to feed more often at first . Also have you looked into taking Fenugreek to increase your supply.It works. I tried it when the mini pill decreased my supply.It is a natural spice/herb you can purchase at GNC, of other health food stores.It won't hurt baby but it will my make you smell like maple syrup.Yes, I said maple syrup.

hey girl, every thing will be alright. I breast fed 2 of my children, & I had the same problem. I used to drink this tea called Mothers Milk made by Traditional Medicinals, from the health food store.

Try it! It worked for me, but ask your Dr. first.

Your milk supply is based on supply and demand. The more you nurse your baby, the more milk your breasts will produce. I would let your baby initiate feedings, every hour or two (or sooner)is the norm for a newborn breastfed baby. You should see 8-12 wet diapers a day to ensure he is getting enough.
I would suggest you focus initially on getting comfortable with BF, and establishing your milk supply. You can work on pumping in a few weeks, when things are more natural for you both. I would also suggest you take good care of yourself, by getting plenty of rest,good nutrition and extra fluids, not with caffeine. Contact your local La Leche League group for more support and info on BF. It's a great network of other nursing moms and babies, plus a professional advisory board.
(www.lalecheleague.org) You'll get all the help, support and info about BF, plus meet other new moms. Good luck with BF and most of all, enjoy your precious new son! Breastfeeding is the best way of mothering your newborn!

I know how you feel when I was breast feeding my youngest son I was also using the pump. But I was over producing milk. One trick my ob told me was to use a warm rag to draw the milk. Heat always does the trick. Try that and see if it works..

Hello, J.
I also had to pump because I hated to breastfeed in public. Although my second wouldn't take a bottle what-so-ever, my first one did for a short period of time. I found that I had to start pumping after a feeding for about 10 minutes. Start with 5 minutes each side after your son has emptied each breast. Then the daily routine will help your boby to make more breastmilk. The only problem is that you will have to do this after every feeding to build up a milk supply to eventually be able to pump. I always kept my milk in the bag until I had about 2-3oz and then put it in the freezer. I know that it was tedious. With my second I just ended up retreating to the car to feed because it was just too inconvenient with another child running around. Good Luck. I hope this helps. If you need to email me, feel free to do so.
R.

Hi J.,
Breast feeding can be very trying. I have successfully nursed my 3. As for pumping, I would suggest to pump a little every hour. The more you stimulate your breasts the more milk you make. This is the hardest time so try not to get too discouraged. Right now you might not have enough to pump, but that will happen soon :) Each body is different. The best thing you can do is listen to the advice of all, and apply what works best for you to your situation. Good Luck
D.

I had this same problem. I talked with my pediatrician and my OB and they both told me that I can pump from one brest while my son was eating from the other. That way your body will procduce more milk. Then next feeding just switch. Pump from the opposite side and feed from the one you pumped from last time. This will help you produce more milk. You can also freeze what you pump for up to I believe it is 3 or so months. I hope this helps.

I continued to pump even if I didn't get much. My body got the hint I needed to produce more milk and in a week or so everything worked out.

I had problems producing milk when I gave birth to my son almost 2 yrs ago. I had preclampsia. I talked to a lactation nurse and she recommended that I buy Fenugreek Seed, you can find it in any health food store. I found mine at The Healthy Grocer on trindle road in mechanicsburg. It really helped me alot. I was told to take 6 pills a day to boost my production, and then when i needed to I just decreased the amount of pills i took as he decreased how often and how much my son ate. I hope this is helpful, I know how frustrating it can be.

something that helped me was pumping before I fed him. I would pump about an ounce from each breast before i fed him. I did that for a few days, and discarded the milk that I pumped (the very first milk isn't nutritious enough to feed a baby, it's the stuff that comes later that fills him up) There was still enough for him to eat, and it increased my milk production because my body thought he was eating so much more. After about 5 days, I had plenty of milk to start pumping whole bottles between feedings.

If you're interested, there is a local La Leche League that meets in Vineland. I don't go anymore, because I stopped breastfeeding about 6 months ago (my son is 2), but I could forward you the email address of the lady who sends out all of the meeting reminders if you'd like.