HELP...Lots Of questions...low Milk Production

Hi G.,
I think you need a lacation consult.
I used to be one, I am a Dr now, but I work part-time and as home today.
Here is one that is in Lewisville. Call her. You can also call the hospital where you delivered to see if they have a lacatation consultant.
But Glenna is great!
Glenna Metoyer, RN, IBCLC
Mother's Choice
730 Blue Oak Drive
Lewisville, TX 75067
Tel: ###-###-####
Email: ____@____.com
I hope it works out, the first 4 weeks are so difficult.
Good Luck !
K.

Hi G.,

I know your frustration:
I had a WONDERFUL Lactation nurse at Baylor Irving (Cathy LeMaster ###-###-####) she told to have my doctor prescribe Dom Perry Dom (I might have spelled that wrong) It worked wonders for me. I tried fenu greek and it just did work for me. Before you give up I'd call Cathy, she is the BIGGIEST Breastfeeding cheerleader I have ever met.

G.,

Sometimes low thyroid can inhibit milk production.Work with a lactation consultant, get your hormone levels checked, but don't beat yourself up if nothing works. I went through all of that with both children, and I know how disappointing it can be. I also tried Reglan (hope I'm spelling it correctly), and it caused a very weird depression, so I stopped immediately. Fenugreek didn't work for me.

I wish you the best - the most important thing is for Kailey to be fed even formula, and held and loved lots!!

DON'T GIVE UP!!! I had no trouble with breastfeeding my daughter but my twins I did. I didn't make enough milk and they would not latch on, all they wanted was the bottle. After those couple of tiring weeks, I did it until they were 11 months.
One of the moms that responded was right, some people don't get a lot of milk from pumping. Your brain knows when you are not breastfeeding your baby and doesn't secrete as much milk. So don't judge from that, also some babies don't need as much since your milk is formulated to your child. As long as she is not losing a ton of weight. But, breastfed babies to eat a lot more often, at first, so that is why she is eating every hour. She is trying to get insync with your body and make your body make more milk. This is a good thing! In a couple of months when breastfeeding is more established, they go a couple of hours between feedings just like formula fed babies do. When moms formula feed they're used to seeing how much their child is eating and that can work against you when you're breastfeeding.
Anxiety, stress, and exhustion hinder milk production. (I know right, like how are you supposed to get around that when you have a newborn!) Have your husband help with things and try to relax and sleep when you can. As far as the sleeping thing...that is perfectly normal and ok, your body produces oxytocin which makes you sleepy and relaxed when you breastfeed, which helps you make more milk.
If you are worried about breastfeeding in public, I can give you a list of clean places, like malls, stores, etc. that have "mother's rooms" you can breastfeed at. Or, don't feel bad about giving her a bottle in public...you don't have to breastfeed in public. I did both, but only because since I was feeding twins my breasts would get very full if I missed more than one feeding.
I hope some of this helps. It is such a rewarding experience and so good for your baby girl!

I never was able to get alot of milk when I pumped - some of us just can't and you can't judge your supply based on that. The best way to increase your milk supply is to nurse often - every 2 hours during the day (even waking the baby up if necessary) and every 3 hours at nite. Your baby is just backwards right now, but by waking her up for feedings during the day, you'll help encourage her to gradually reduce the need to nurse all nite. But, until your milk supply is well established, please do continue the nite time nursing, as it's key to a good milk supply. I often spent nites in the recliner when the baby was that age - it's really important to nurse like that when the baby wants in the early days as that is exactly what will build your milk supply. So, don't feel bad about it. Just plan ahead and make sure you're both covered. The problem with the formula is that it will only cause the baby to need less milk from you - that's why your milk supply is decreasing.

Unfortunately, most pedis don't know much about breastfeeding. I had that same problem with my first who had lost too much weight and it took me until he was over two months to rebuild my milk supply and get him off that formula. But, you can do it and in the end, it sure is worth it.

IF you have to be out and about during the day, you should learn to be comfortable nursing in public. I can guarantee people are far more offended by a screaming child than they are a nursing child. I wore tops that were loose and not tucked in and then wore a shirt or jacket on top - there's no way folks will know you're nursing unless they nursed themselves. Also, a sports bra can sometimes be easier than messing with the latches on a nursing bra. I had someone walk up to me in church, thinking the baby was asleep - they didn't realize I was nursing. I had to nurse one time on vacation when we were on a sightseeing tour through a cavern (I had forgotten about the time change during our trip and my second son nursed like clockwork) - I just walked around with him attached, somewhat covered and a woman came up to me with tears in her eyes and said how fondly she remembered those days. I have nursed anywhere and everywhere and only have received complements. It's really sad that our society can be so hung up on women's breasts as sex symbols that they are offended when they're actually being used for their true purpose. Sorry to get on my soapbox, but I just hate to see a mother give up on breastfeeding because of this concern. Also, this is really an excellent example for your son - my son was 2 1/2 when his brother was born and I think it really shows them how to nurture a baby. One day, he got his baby doll and sat down and lifted up his shirt to nurse his baby.

My GYN prescripbed Reglan for boosting milk production. Maybe ask about that. It seems to do well for me.

As for nursing in public, I did it all the time w/ my first. My DH was worried about me doing it in church, but I pointed out that there is no way Jesus could be offended that a baby needs to eat! No one ever questioned me anywhere though. I was always ready to ask anyone bothered by it if they always ate in private... if not why should my baby? :) If nursing is indecent, so are restaurants! Obviously try to be modest, but don't worry about it. Malls are a mom's savior. Most stores will allow a nursing mom to use a changing room for nursing, especially department stores or maternity stores. I also liked to use Starbucks... just turn a chair around to face a corner or wall. Anyway, good luck!

Oh, girl, sounds like you are trying so hard!! Keep it up, try the supplement (as long as the pedi approves) Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. I tried massaging my girls between feedings, I found no bra helped in stimulating milk flow, although it was not the most comfortable. Also, hot showers with the water flowing directly on the boobs. Pump nurse pump.. I know you are tired, but this too shall pass.. If the herbal doesnt work, don't beat yourself up for going to formula, I finally had to due to exhaustion, sore sore sore boobs, and not enough milk. I did find that if i mixed formula and breast milk it eased my mind about not having enough food for him.. Keep it up. You are doing great!!!
Hang in there!! You can do it!!! and oh, congratulations. Also, for my peace of mind, I felt that a little breast milk mixed with the formula was better than none at all, especially for the antibodies.
Good Luck Girl!

Hi G.,

Those first 2 weeks are the hardest! I was so ready to quit at that point. Then at my DD's 2-week check-up the dr. told me I only had to nurse 7-10min on each side. That piece of advice is the reason I was able to keep nursing for 6 months. I had been going for 15-20 min/side and spending 30-45min nursing, and then have to do it again in less than an hour. When I did 7-10min/side, she started gaining better. Nurse her as much as you can during the day and sleep w/ her at least in your room if not in your bed. Stop giving her formula. And almost everything everyone else said is great advice, too.

Sounds like you need a Lactation Consultant. I used one in Grapevine and I also used the ones at Harris Methodist Hospital (downtown) by phone mostly. I had one Lactation Consultant come to my home and help me. That helped a lot and that's what I would recommend to you also. I found propping up pillows really helped me and changing positions helped a lot too. Breastfeeding can be very difficult and it isn't easy for everyone. I was very frustrated with it and I didn't produce a lot of milk either. Talking with the Lactation Consultant's at Harris Methodist is free on the phone and in person if you go to the Breastfeeding Center. I would recommending starting there and if you need more help, then you could always hire someone to come to you at your house.

Don't give up, keep trying. Good Luck, C.

I had the same issue of low milk production...I tried everything....nature is perfect in theory but not always in practice....formula is OK...there is a reason it exists and thank God it does because there was a time when we would not have had other options. BUT if you want to try everything before giving up, my childrens' pediatrician has a lactation consultant on staff...the practice is All About Children and it is a wonderful office and if you switch to them for your PCP you can see the lactation consultant and many insurances will cover it. The lactation consultant worked with me and also recommended some hormonal supplements (can't remember the names right now) and an oxytocin nasal spray that helps with milk letdown. Good luck!!

Hello G.,

also get some star anise (bulk spices section @ sprouts or at abundant health on main street -- Burger King plaza)
make some tea and enjoy the aroma. it helps w/ milk production. I used it.

~C~

Don't give up!! I know how you feel!! I could not nurse my first due to low milk supply! I told myself I would be successful with #2 and I nursed him for 1 year!!! Now with #3 my milk supply went down too. It is soo frustrating I wanted to scream!!! I started letting my son pacify himself on me every chance we had! Watching TV,rocking,whenever I was holding him I would offer him my breast! My milk supply went up and he will be 6mo in one week!!! I still have low times, but I just nurse him more!!He probably can't figure out why he keeps getting a boob shoved at him:)Anyway it worked for me..good luck and remember whatever you decide to do will be the right choice for you!

You are doing a great job! It can be overwhelming getting breastfeeding off to a good start. The first few weeks are definitely the hardest.

First, consider contacting a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader. www.lalecheleague.org to find one close to you. A La Leche leader (free) could also recommend a lactation consultant. They can help get you on the right track.

Second, how is your baby's output? How much you pump and how formula baby will take are NOT good indications of how much breastmilk she's getting. If she gets nothing but breastmilk and pees and poops enough (6-8 good diapers a day), she's doing great and will gain weight. Formula supplements will tell your body to make less milk AND formula also takes longer to digest, making her space out her feedings more than she should at this age.

Third, nursing the baby frequently will help up your supply. You may also try eating oatmeal, some moms find it helps with supply. Also, lots of skin to skin time with baby and not nursing on a schedule, but at baby's indication (rooting, sucking fist, sticking tongue out) and at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. Do you hear swallowing sounds when she nurses? Is her jaw working? Do you leak milk and feel letdown? These are all good signs. Sometimes we feel like we don't have enough milk but we really do, it's just hard to tell how much baby is getting!

Fourth, nurisng in public is a new skill to learn. You can be more discreet than you would believe, but it takes practice and you can focus on that and get some tips once you get more comfortable nursing at home and make sure baby's getting enough.

You can do it! Support and information will help.