Lack of Milk

Sounds like your lactaion consultant was an idiot. As a teenager (in the early 70s) a doctor told me I'd never be able to carry a child full term or delver naturally because my hips were too narrow and that I wouldn't be able to breastfeed because mime were too small (why he felt a need to convey that info is a mystery)! I have two wonderful teens who were both full term, delivered naturally and whom I breastfed for three years each with no problem. Don't believe everything you hearfrom a DR! You might want to get some of Ina Mae Gaskin's books and read what she has to say. She was a pioneer in reintroducing natural childbirth and nursing to American culture and traveled the world visiting and learning from cultures where they had never quit doing it all naturally.

A baby has a powerful urge to suckle at birth, so get that child on your nipple immediately. Just tell your Dr or midwife that your want to nurse your baby as soon as it is delivered. This should not be a problem unless the baby has a life threatening situation. Don't let them go hauling your newborn off to parts unseen or your wishes will probably be completely disregarded. You have to remember this is YOUR experience, YOUR child and the hospital staff are YOUR employees. They aren't gods and they are there to serve YOUR interests. Your large breast size shouldn't be an issue anymore than my small size was a GOOD lactation consultant should be able to help if you need it this time, try le leche league, they've been at it the longest. Most care providers come out of the same system that was knocking women unconscious and doing episiotomies on everyone for years - their training and ingrained prejudgists vary, you need to educate yourself and do just what you are doing - be proactive. You don't get any do overs on this. If it happens that you can't nurse, be OK with it, that doesn't make you a lesser woman or mother. Thoughout history there have been women who couldn't nurse and others who could feed more than one and acted as wet nurses. The important thing is that you and your children are healthy and happy!

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Happy Mothers Day! I have so much respect for your proactive approach! This is fantastic! I don't know if you have heard of it before but La Leche League is a wonderful resource for pregnant and breastfeeding Moms they know so much about breastfeeding and supply even inducing lactation for adoptive Moms. You can find one in your area by going to llli.org they have wonderful meetings full of moms and leaders with great advice. Their meetings are monthly and you could find one in your area. Also I think a doula could help. They are trained in breastfeeding too. I would tend to stay away from hospital staff just because there is so much misconception and the formula companies pay for their grants. When I want advice and I have breastfed two children (my first till 11 months, and my second still going at 13 months) I look for someone who has taken the classes and had some personal breastfeeding experience. Hope that helps!

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LA LECHE LEAGUE!! You can attend meetings even before you have your new baby. Find a local leader and group. You won't be disappointed.

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Honestly the most important part about being a mom isn't breast feeding. I did nurse for a year and loved it, but have many friends who weren't able to. I will tell you the same thing that I would tell anyone and what all of them would tell you. Go ahead and try see what happens but if it doesn't work, spending months being miserable because it doesn't work isn't good for you or the baby. It sounds like you are a great mom who loves and cares about her kids and that is the most important part about being a mom.

I think there are few women who can't breastfeed with enough info and support. You obviously did not get good support your first time, and I impressed by your effort. Now is a good time to prepare for a successful experience. La Leche is a good support. Besides free advice by trained leaders, you can have the support of those who go & make new friends. Make sure it's clear to the hospital & doctor that you want to be left alone with your baby right away - the new baby procedures can wait an hour. And in the first weeks find enough help so that all you have to do is take care of your baby.

Hi E.,
Your posting caught my eye because I went through almost the exact same situation. I was a "C" size woman. My mom successfully breastfed three girls and talked to me about it extensively as the most rewarding thing to do and the only thing to do for your babies.

When I had my first child, my daughter in 1995, my milk came in about day 3-4 after giving birth. My breasts were HUGE. I thought no problem, I will breast feed this little girl no problem. I was literally bursting out of a DD nursing bra. Well, low and behold, she wouldnt latch on. It became more and more frustrating and I was worried she wouldnt get what she needed. I too, pumped to get her that precious breast milk.

I pumped milk for her until I just couldnt keep up with the pumping, feeding, and then pumping again, and so on. I too turned to Similac formula.

Well, for years, I lived with the guilt of not getting that full experience with her. She is now 13 years old. She is perfectly healthy.

I have good news for you. I also have two more boys, 11 and 5. My 11 year old son came along and the anxiety creeped up and I thought, "I am going to have these huge boobs and WHAT THE HECK FOR?". Well, the thing I did differently than I had done with my daughter was to take that little boy right from the get go, right after delivery, and get him to latch on. Of course, they dont get milk right away, but they get the comfort and the anti-bodies from your breast right away. I DID NOT let the nurses take him and clean him up or any of that nonsense in the nursery. I went straight away to getting him right next to me, nuzzled him in, and got him to latch on. I told the nurses and every person on the hospital staff that came to my room that he was NOT to get a bottle. Nipple confusion would not happen here!

IT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

Same story with my five year old son. They were both perfect breastfed, 100% babies, both breast fed for a year.

Saved a lot of money and I tell you, breastfeeding a baby is just the next best thing to heaven for me!

One suggestion, get your thyroid checked, it can make a difference in milk production as well. Simple blood test.

Let me know if this helps. Good luck.
Mother to three beautiful children!
-L

Good luck with baby number 2! You won't be able to tell from size how your milk production will be, so don't worry about size. When the milk comes in, believe me, they will get bigger. If your second doesn't take to nursing, please don't feel guilty. You can only do what your body lets you do. I feel like some people try and make you feel bad if you are not nursing. I was a "Similac" baby and have been healthy all of my life. I did decide to nurse both of my children and was able to nurse my son for almost a year, and my daughter for 6 months. She just decided she was done. I tried to pump, but milk supply was gone in a couple of days. So you are totally normal!

Hey E. - I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry so much. There are so many "formula-fed" babies out there that are perfectly healthy and many breast-fed babies that are not... Worrying about your milk supply could even decrease it. Just enjoy your baby and think that if he/she is a bottle baby, then Daddy gets to help too. :-)

A lot of milk production is state of mind. Everytime you see them say, "These ARE milk producing breasts" and visualize milk so abundant that it is squirting everywhere and there is still enough for your little baby to eat!

I just had my 5th last week. I have to tell you that after trying to pump a little bit with each child, I have never been able to get more than 2 oz. at the very most, usually not even an ounce. That would be while the baby is latched on one and nursing so the milk is even flowing. All my kids have nursed about a year though and it is just that pumping doesn't work for me. I am sure you can nurse this one if it is closer to full term- and he latches. My breasts are usually a 34A too so I don't buy what the nurse said about 'non-milk producing breasts'. Mine are smaller than a small apricot if Im not nursing or pregnant- not kidding. Best of luck. Just try and don't worry or stress about it.

i didn't produce enough for my first son, so we supplemented with formula. they say that colostrum is sufficient for newborns, but i'm not so sure that is always the case. my milk took four days to come in with my first baby and he was so unhappy until i started finishing the nursing sessions with a bottle. i think it had a lot to do with how he latched on at the beginning, but i also wonder if some breasts just don't produce a lot the first time. i worried that i would have the same problem with my second, especially since i have small breasts and they didn't get any bigger during that pregnancy. but the second time around, my milk supply came in sooner, the baby latched better, and my milk supply was plenty for him. we only used bottles when i was away from the house. and he actually preferred going hungry until i came home most of the time. my breasts did grow more after the second baby was born than the first because they were more full of milk. i was so excited, but then of course they went small again when i weaned him. my only advice to help babies latch on would be to use the bottles with a wide nipple base. you can gently push them farther into the baby's mouth to train them to open wider. don't give up hope!

First off I would like to tell you that you should relax not only for yourself but for both of you babies. I am a mother of four, two biological children and two step children that I raise full time. My youngest is now 14 months. I had a breast reduction when I was younger and I wasn't able to breast feed my oldest. When he turned 10 months he threw down his bottle and told me "NO!!!" and never would take it again. He wouldn't drink milk of any kind including flavored. He wouldn't eat ice cream, yogart or anything. He did eat cheese and loved it.
My 14 month old drank formula until her first birthday and was put on milk. She turned out to be like her brother and flat out doesn't like milk either. She doesn't like much of anything to drink except propel water. She loves cheese and eats it regularly. She has 10 teeth already and all are very strong and healthy.
Everyone is worried about giving children breast milk now a days and if you can and it works for you then I say great, but I wouldn't worry about what everyone else says. Do what you can do and relax about it if it doesn't turn out quite like you would want. Both of my children are extremely healthy and actually both are in 100-110% for their height and weight. Neither are fat at all, but they are very strong and have above average muscle mass. My oldest is turning 8 very soon and I can tell you that you will not find a healthier child around. He has never had a cavity and his bones are very strong. My two step children who were breast fed for the first few months are no where near as healthy as my two biological children who weren't.
If you care for your childrens needs with good nutrition through out their childhood you will be fine and it will not make one bit of difference if they are formula or breast fed babies.
A final note, one just never knows about breast milk. I had a friend who couldn't breast feed her first child (full term) because she had no milk and with her second she had tons of milk. Life is funny that way, but you sound like a wonderful mother who should relax and deal with what you have to work with at the time you need to deal with it. Good Luck!!!

Unfortunately I can believe they judged your milk producing ability on the way your breasts appear. Our daughter was 4 weeks early and the the LC at Greenwood Pediatrics told me I wasn't producing enough milk for her. My husband and I spent the first week or 2 upset all night because my daughter would throw up any formula given by bottle. She wasn't born ready to latch well either, so we were supplementing her with a tube placed in her mouth while she breatfed (this took both of us to accomplish a feeding) and I took crazy supplements. Finally I called and INSISTED on an actual consultation and the LC said, "Oh, you DO have enough milk, she's just not latching well." I know there are better LCs out there, but we felt like she was a fraud and told them we were not coming back for weight checks for the rest of the week and were breastfeeding only so she could actually LEARN to latch. What do you know, when we came in the next week, she was a breastfeeding pro and and had gained a very significant amount of weight! I feel terrible about your experience, because it was a very traumatic time for us. Anyway, just don't take their word for it, because I am still breastfeeding at 10 months and my breasts have never looked engorged. I even worried because I never had to use breast pads like my friends because I never leaked - when I talked to my mom, she said she never did when she was breastfeeding me. I also can rarely get anything when I pump so I stopped - my milk will never let down the way it does when she is latched on. So definitely don't let yourself or anyone else rely on appearances. Just give your baby time (within healthy reason) and don't let the LC shove you out the door with cans of formula! It was difficult at first but worth it for the ease of breastfeeding - no prep, no cost, no smelly spitup, and we didn't even have to burp her!
Good luck, I hope this time goes great for you!

E.,
I have been told by friends that have had problems nursing that their doctor said it may be from taking too much sudafed (or any antihistamine) when they had a cold or allergies. I don't know if this is the case for you but I would stear clear of them just in case. Also I know there are natural herbs and such that you can take that will enhance milk supply.
Good luck!

My first born, I have two boys, was born 4 weeks early and did take to the bottle quite easily because that was the first thing he had (I was lazy and wanted to sleep during the night) but I kept on trying to breastfeed him and he finally caught on. He eventually weaned himself at around 10 months.

Hello E.,
You should be able to breastfeed.Remember that the first few days you produce colostrum. It only comes out a little at a time. I was worried that my daughter wasn't getting enough but I was reassured that this "supermilk" is enough at first. My milk came in about 3 days after I gave birth.I am sure that if you deliver closer to term you should be able to nurse. I just had my third daughter on May 2rd and let me tell you it is such an awesome experience to breastfeed. I hope it all works out for you!!

I nursed my daughter for the full 1st year of life but i do remember that it was really hard for the first couple of weeks to get her latched on every time. I would get her on and she would suck once and then fall off. Some times it would take 2 or 3 times to get her on. but after those first few weeks we got the hang of it. So don't worry if it takes a while to get it right thats normal. Also my milk didn't come in for almost a week after i had her so don't worry about what your breast look like now. Your milk won't come in until after the baby is born. And the best way to keep your milk supply going strong is to nurse like crazy those first few weeks and eat well so your body has the energy to make good milk. It sounds like you really want to nurse your baby which is so wonderful. So give it a good try for a few weeks and if it just doesn't work than go to formula. Just like you said mothers milk is best but babies can grow to be happy and healthy on formula too. Good luck.

I am nursing my third (9 mos.) and nursed my first two for a year each. I haven't heard of non-milk producing breasts, but I am with you on the pumping. I have always had plenty of milk, but cannot pump worth a darn. I bought a good pump with the first baby, but the only time I can get a drop out is when I'm extremely full, like during engorgement. After about 3 months, it was useless to try, I'd sit for 20 painful minutes trying to pump and get out most of an ounce. Perhaps you are more of a milk-producing, non-pumping mom?

Well, just because it doesn't work with one doesn't mean it can't work for any others. Just try, it may surprise you this time. I've also read that nothing can get that milk supply going like the baby themselves (as long as they're latched on right). Hoping that it works this time. (But, you're right, your relationship with your child is more important, even if the milk thing doesn't work well again.)

Hi

Your doctor is absolutely right...preemies have much harder time latching on and thus, stimulating your breasts to make milk.

With my first (full term) I had no problems nursing. With my second (preemie) I had such a hard time. Like you, I pumped and pumped, but was never really able to get anything. I just don't think that the pump was able to stimulate my breast to make milk like a baby was able to. I worked SO HARD to get my supply up, but was never able to fully breastfeed since I just didn't make enough milk.

I have no idea what the lactation consultant meant by looking at your breasts and saying they you didn't look like you could make milk. All types (large and small) of breasts make milk. It is possible they could tell you were not engorged? Or have you had any surgeries on your breast (reductions or enhancements)? Or possibly your nipples are inverted or something that might make breastfeeding more difficult?

Is it possible for you to see a lactation consultant before you give birth and ask them all these questions? I bet your pediatricians office has a consultant that would be happy to help. Don't give up hope. It seems irresponsible to me that the lactation consultant would make you feel like your breasts are not "milk making breasts". How discouraging for you! Find a better lactation consultant and give it your best shot!

Good Luck!

I am the very proud mom of a 3 yr old boy who was born at 36 weeks and I could never get to nurse. I pumped, I tried all the tricks and after many attempt to be the "perfect" mom, I gave in and used a bottle. Elliot is a happy, healthy boy who is very rarely sick. 11mos ago, God bless us with a baby girl who came at 39.5 days and either because she was term or a girl or a little more patient with Mom, she was a great nurser. I had no trouble with Aleah, I gave myself a week, and then said I could switch to the bottle with no guilt. Well she made it so easy, especially at night, that I just nursed her until she decided she was done at 6 almost 7 months. She easily went from the breast to the bottle and was a dream. My suggestion, do whatever you want to do. If you don't feel like you want to nurse, then don't but don't if you do want to and it doesn't work, oh well you gave it your best shot and you know either way, you are going to have beautiful, healthy children. Good Luck!

Don't worry if your breasts look like "milk-producing" ones or not. You can't tell by the way they look. There are other factors that are more important, like your diet, stress levels, etc. Join the La Leche League. They'll give you plenty of support in handling breastfeeding, help you determine if your child is latching on correctly, and be there to answer any questions you have. A breastfeeding child nurses frequently as breast milk is easily digestible, so may not get all that much at once. I nursed both of my children for two years so had a lot of experience in the changes that occur. See what the website http://www.essortment.com/all/increasebreas_rhtl.htm has to say for some ideas to increase milk supply. I've also heard that 1-2 tbls of brewer's yeast a day is good for increasing milk, probably due to all the B vitamins, minerals, and protein in it. Relax and enjoy your baby.

Hi
Hmmm...I think you had a bad lactation consultant because I didn't know that breasts had a certain "look" to them to work correctly! Shame on her for making you feel inadequate!
Your doctor is correct - the sucking needed by the infant is one of the last things to develop prenatally, therefore premature babies have a difficult time breastfeeding and many times bottle feeding as well. Also, it is the sucking itself that stimulates the production of milk, not size, shape, or any other "looking" type of thing. My first baby breastfed for 10 months. My second I tried for 3 weeks, she kept falling asleep and not sucking, lost weight, turned yellow, and finally I said 'get the formula!' Each baby and pregnancy is totally different, so try it again and you will probably extremely successful! (Just use a different lactation consultant! :) )
R. O.
Gooding

I struggled to nurse my first child. She was a very distracted nurser and in spite of my efforts my milk supply dried up. My second I have had no problems. You should have seen his chubby little cheeks at four months...only breast milk!!

I agree with some of the posts that the baby's latch and nursing in those first few hours is very important. I also know for me the second time around I was more prepared for what to expect. I was also more relaxed knwing he might not nurse and my daughter had been healthy on formula.

You are right that nursing is such a happy bonding experience. I hope that it is easier for you the second time around!!

First of all, breastfeeding or formula doesn't determine whether you are a good mother or not. YOU are a good mother. Second, we women put a lot of pressure on ourselves for what we consider to be the ideal mother experience. The "ideal" is to have a natural birth, to have a healthy baby, and to breastfeed. Then we're disappointed if it doesn't work out that way. If we have to have an epidural or C-section, or if something is wrong with the baby, or if breastfeeding doesn't work out --- we feel like less of a mom. Well, that simply is not true. You ARE a good mom. Now, with that said --- if you want to give breastfeeding a shot this second time around --- go for it. Ignore what that lactation specialist said and get a second opinion. See a chiropractor and/or acupuncturist and/or natural health consultant. Go to realpeople-realhealth.com. Think positive. Take care of your health and well being. If it works out --- GREAT! If not --- you already know because of your first child that you are a good mom and can raise a healthy child. Happy Mothers Day!

Stop worrying and stressing!! My daughter could not produce enough milk for her first born but with the second child, she had no trouble at all. Her fist was born right on time and her second was early so that may not even be a factor! Good luck and don't worry, be happy.

It sounds like you made a good decision to move on from the breastfeedng the first time, havinf a stressed out mommy is not good for anyone! I would encourage you to try again, it sounds like you do have the desire! You could contact your local la leche leader, they could give you some support and I think it is free? Also try to trust yourself, the DR's are informed etc. but you can question them you know what's best for your baby and yourself. I would also reccomend getting some books about nursing! When I had my first son my nipples were so raw, some of the most excruciating pain I have EVER experienced! I was like you, so stressed out and worried about weather or not I should be breastfeeding! And, EVERY single medical professional I consulted with told me I was doing it wrong and the baby was not latching correctly etc! I remember being in tears over all this! Luckily my mom was visiting and really supported me, we got some books and I kept at it and exclusively breastfed for over a year! I also had two more ( with that intense pain that did fade after about two weeks) and nursed them exclusively as well! So, supply and demand, nurse that baby every 2 hours, let the milk build up, you will feel it! Don't supplement! Don't let them tell you your breasts aren't right, your baby probably just got used to the bottle, it is easier for them! So if you have the desire get some support! Good luck to you!

You could ask your docter about Regalan. It helps you to produce milk.

Hey E.,
I had a similar situation and couldn't produce enough for the first, had to pump because she couldn't latch on, etc. and here I am with baby number two and have an over-abundant supply. So don't think your breastfeeding issues will repeat themselves necessarily. Just like every pregnancy is different, every breastfeeding issue is as well. Give it a try again (at least give it a couple weeks to get established) and see what happens this time. You may be quite surprised, as I was with my situation. Good luck!

E.,
Your story reads like mine. My firstborn would not latch (after having multitudes of consultants, nurses, friends try to help me) and my supply was too low (pumping produced next to nothing). It was emotionally devastating, but she went on formula and is a very healthy 4 year old.
For my second born I was determined to try again. I went by the book. At the hospital, I had at least 5 different nurses & lactation consultants try, but my son would just not latch. So, I determined - at least I would pump! So, I was sitting up in the nursery, my husband downstairs feeding my son his formula bottle, engorged, trying so hard to pump every 2-3 hours, trying to make it work...when I had the same revelation: I'm NOT enjoying my new son, I'm sitting in a room for hours and hours to "feed" him his best food, but I'm not WITH him.
Both of my children are happy and healthy. If it simply doesn't work for you as it did not work for me, please don't feel guilty about it AND don't let anyone make you feel guilty. You are a good Mom!
And...the truth is you can't negate the benefits of formula feeding - my husband loves the fact that he is able to feed my son anytime and it means I'm freed up as well.
Best wishes!
K.

I am sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble. It sounds like you have gotten a lot of great advice that I am sure will be very helpful to you. I can't believe that a lactation specialist would ever say such a thing!! My lactation specialist was incredably helpful and I would suggest you find a new one that gives better advice.

I never had any trouble having enough milk with my son. I used some fantastic prenatal vitamins. I know of one mother who had trouble having enough milk with her first child. She took these vitamins with her second child and had an over abundance of milk. I know of other similar stories as well. The advice that you have gotten may be enough but if you want more information about these vitamins please feel free to send me a private email.

Good luck and God bless!!
K.

Hi E.,

I'm sorry that it didn't work out with your first baby to breastfeed, but honestly, what that nurse said about your breasts not being "milk-producing breasts" was incredibly ignorant and not at all accurate. EVERY baby on the planet desires it's mother's milk if given the chance, just like EVERY human craves food and water; it's basic survival instincts. And every woman's breast produces milk unless something inhibits the natural process. My guess is that something (or some people) intervened in the normal process of breastfeeding (like the hospital supplementing with formula from the git-go) and confused your baby, inhibited her desire to learn to nurse, etc., inhibiting your supply/demand of milk production.

I don't know the entire story, but I've heard enough bull in my life to know that it wasn't your fault--your breasts are just fine. ;)

Now, the next time...Here are some tips:
Prevent an early delivery by following Dr. Brewer's "No-Risk" Pregnancy Diet {make sure you stay off the sugars/white flours, drink TONS of water or pregnancy tea, eat lots of protein (but must stay off sugar or you'll have too big a baby), and eat whole grains and lots of veggies.--You can see the specifics online at blueribbonbaby.org. }

Go to LaLeche League class or support group--they're the real experts and will stick with you in your effort to breastfeed.
DO NOT SUPPLEMENT WITH FORMULA!!! This is the biggest mistake moms make. A bottle with formula will train your baby to take the easy road and so of course NOT WANT YOU! Plus formula is more filling at first and keeps them from being hungry.

Your milk usually takes 2-3 days to come in--don't worry about it, the baby has fat reserves in it's owm body to pull from and the colostrum is beneficial and all your baby needs at first. (DO NOT LET THE NURSERY NURSES GIVE YOUR BABY FORMULA!!!!) Some of them do this automatically without your permission and it is unnecessary and inhibits the natural process. JUST SAY NO!

If you want to keep or get your supply up, JUST PUT THE BABY TO BREAST. Allow the baby to suckle too; your body can tell the difference between baby-suck and pump-suck. Your supply will decrease over time if you mainly pump. Put the baby on every 2 hours (maybe even every hour at first). Remember, their stomach is the size of a walnut, it fills up fast and digests quickly, so they constantly need refills at first until their stomach is bigger and holds more and their suck is strong enough to get larger amounts. Let the baby fill up on one breast so they get the hind-milk (the fatty milk compared to the foremilk--more skim). Then have them try the other side (even if they don't drink a lot, you still need them so stimulate each breast to your oxytocin levels stay high and keep producing in each breast). Never go more than 6 hours not feeding on each breast.

You may need to be willing to nestle down with your baby at home for the first few weeks. Of course you can go out once in a while, but sometimes breastfeeding becomes difficult merely by our business and refusal to stay at home to make it work.

Last tip: Take your baby for a checkup in the first week to a pediatric chiropractor. Depending on delivery, some births are more difficult on a baby, especially if they use forceps or vaccum extractors; if delivery is rough, the baby's neck or joints can get out of place easily. Slight adjustments (chiro's use their pinky's lightly to do this) can fix problems like locked jaws, or a baby's difficulty sucking or getting their tongue out, sore necks, etc. A simple adjustment can fix a lot of things. I'm in Greeley and recommend Weld Family Clinic, Dr. Patricia Sorbo--but there's lots of good chiro's out there. This made a huge difference in child 1 (13 weeks of struggling with breastfeeding before we got it) and child 2 (figured it out in less than 1 week).

Best of luck to you mommy!
J.

E.,

There's a lot of good advice here. There are also many herbs you can try to help stimulate milk production. I have 4 children and never had trouble with nursing until this last one, he's almost 8 weeks. I had a very hard c-section and recovery took a long time. I took a lot of herbs and rented a hospital grade pump to help increase my milk supply. It took several weeks to get enough going but by 5-6 weeks post partum, I was able to stop all the herbs and pumping. Now I have no trouble what so ever. Here is a list of herbs I took that helped.
Goats rue
Alfalfa
Blessed Thistle
Brewers Yeast
Red Raspberry leaves
Fennel
Fenugreek
Nettle

By far the best thing you can do to increase your milk supply is to nurse your baby as often as possible. Give it a go and try not to get discouraged if it takes some time!

M. D.
Denver

What a disappointing first experience. Good for you for exploring breastfeeding again. The appearance of breasts has little (usually nothing) to do with milk supply. The key is to begin nursing frequently from birth, within the first hour is optimal. If you are unable to be with your baby right away, it is important to begin pumping within six hours of birth for your milk supply. Find a breastfeeding helper (maybe different than the first one!) to help get thing going if needed. If it still doesn't work, there are medications to jump start your supply, too. I guess the bottom line is hooray for trying again, and get help. Good luck.

Fortunately with each pregnancy women make more mammary tissue (the tissue that produces milk). Did you try any of the herbal or RX drugs? A good site to refer to for breastfeeding information is http://www.bflrc.com/newman/articles.htm. Skin to skin contact may also help with breastfeeding.

Hi! That is frustrating, my son was 4 weeks early and had a hard time but eventually became a pro nurser. My pediatrician recommended nursing him for a few minutes, then pumping to get my supply up. Also, have the baby nurse for a little longer each time. Basically, at first when getting them used to the breast, every time thier mouth is open, the breast should be in there. After they get the hang of it, then work on the schedule. I would also recommend working with someone from the La Leche league now, before the baby comes and taking a breastfeeding class. Best of luck - there is nothing like nursing your baby but don't let guilt get in the way if you have difficulty.

S.

That seems odd that the lactation consultant would say that since I've always heard that you can't look at breasts and tell which will produce the most milk. And especially since she didn't explain that comment? Some really large ones and really small ones produce lots of milk judging from the LaLeche League meetings that I've been to. Each baby is different. I doubt that anything is wrong with your breasts so try not to worry!

For some in person support, get in touch with your local LaLeche League. Meetings are listed online and if you can't make a meeting, call the hotline and speak to a leader. They are great!

I'm so sorry for the dumb things that lactation consultant told you. It makes me sad that she would undermine you in that way. There is no way to tell whether breasts can produce milk by looking at them. You were in a challenging breastfeeding situation and you need more support and help to get things going, and you didn't get that. Don't give up on getting things off to a better start this time and finding the support you need if you run into challenges. Find a La Leche group RIGHT NOW and connect with women who will support you. I would also recommend that you work with your care provider to ensure that you and your new baby get a good start. That means that (unless there is a good medical reason) your baby is put on your chest immediately after birth, skin to skin and is KEPT THERE until you've had a chance to bond and initiate breastfeeding. That means that if you birth in the hospital you will need to be firm with the staff about waiting for ALL procedures. The baby can wait to be weighed, it really can! They really don't need to take them to warmer and 'check them', it can all be done in your arms. A birth plan, a doula and a firm, supportive husband can be very helpful in getting a good start with breastfeeding. Please know that it can be so different this time!

Hi E.,
I can really understand your frustration. I had a huge variety of breast feeding expierences. My first would only nurse on one side and no matter how much I pumped the other side I still ended up a little lopsided. My second baby was delivered with help and had a damaged muscle on the side of his mouth He would nurse for two hours, sleep for two hours and after two months of almost no sleep I gave up. Child three wouldn't latched on. My doctor gave me great advice. He said some women just have a tough time no matter what and with the formulas they have today, no child is going to suffer from not having breast milk. So I let my self off the hook and I didn't even try to nurse with kids four and five. Number 6 I tried again but got an infection and it made him sick. Number 7 I finally found success and had a wonderful time. I finally felt like a "normal" mom. On my last child, my milk supply started to dry up when she was three months.
You will find that each time is different, each child is different and you will be different. If your milk doesn't come in, it doesn't mean you are not normal, it just means you make an adjustment. Good luck and enjoy your children, and Happy Mothers Day to you.

Happy Mothers Day E..

I had the same situation as you only my first was not early. He was not able to figure out the nursing thing at all and I only ever gor 2oz out of both breasts combined! I went through the torture of the tiny tube next to my nipple with an IV type flow of formula so the baby wouod think he was getting milk, yadda, yadda, yadda. I too soon threw in the towel and mixed formula. (he is perfectly healthy and a great kid 6 years old) My 2nd child came 15 mos after the 1st and she was an excellent nurser. She was growing and thriving just fine, however, I still couldnt pump anything! So it seemed nursing was working for her and pumping was not. Just keep in mind the miklk may come and the pump may not work!
Good Luck!
-M.

I've never been in your exact situation but I do know that when my first daughter was born the hospital she was born at insisted that I feed her some formula so that they could tell how much milk she was drinking. I bought into it since this was my first child and followed their advice. I had a horrible time pumping. I never was able to pump much milk and it hurt horribly. When I got home I noticed that she did not want to nurse but wanted the bottle because it was easier for her to get to the milk. I eventually took her off of the formula and had to retrain her to nurse. I made sure she still was having 6 to 8 wet diapers a day. This seemed to work. Just try the nursing with your new baby and be patient. If the baby is having the proper number of wet diapers then everything should be fine. I also know that there is a huge difference in breast pumps. I don't know which one you used initially but if you can afford to do it the medula breast pump worked great for me. It wasn't as painful. Now this knowledge I gained after having 4 children but it did work great and wasn't very painful. I also had luck with a 5 dollor breast pump I had bought on clearance and that I used while my third child was diagnosed with jaundice. His pediatrician did not want me nursing him while he was hospitalized and I had to pump to keep up my milk supply. Try some different pumps one brand may work better than the one you tried previously and try not to stress. I think the more you worry about it your body doesn't relax enough for the let-down response. Good luck!

What are milk-producing breasts supposed to look like? I've never heard that before. I really don't have much advice for you. I have some friends that have no trouble breastfeeding and other friends whose milk just never came in. I know the more the baby sucks in the early days the better your milk will come in (and more of it). During the first 3-5 days after the baby is born you only produce colostrum which is very minute amount and very thick. Baby has to suck and suck to even get a drop to swallow. Also, maybe since your baby was early, your breasts weren't ready? I'm not sure if that would have anything to do with it. I never leaked milk or anything before I had my baby, so I don't think that is a determining factor either. You could call the Le Leche League and get their advise. They have a website and they are the experts with breastfeeding. Good luck and I hope things work out for you to be able to breastfeed baby #2.

E.,

Don't beat your self up about not breatfeeding. Many moms raise healthy, happy babies with formula. Formula has come a long way. I am sure you are still one fabulous mother!!

Relax and find a new lactation consultant. My 2nd baby was born 9 weeks ago and was 6 weeks premature. (my 1st was 5lbs also and too was breastfed with formula supplemented). He is exclusively breastfed and is thriving. The best advice I got from my pediatrician was to stop beating myself up and second guessing whats wrong all the time. The time of day that you pump can have vastly different amounts as can the type of pump and the fitment to the breast - a good lactation consultant can help you greatly with pumping and latching on. If it doesn't work then go with formula and again don't beat yourself up - stress can affect everything!! Good luck.

Both my boys were early enough they had feeding problems. I used Medela Nipple Shields and it helped with the latching problems. It also kept the initial latch on from hurting those first few days. You can get them in any Wal-Mart or Target Baby Section. I plan to have them at the hospital for #3, as well.

Happy Mother's Day!
I'm not sure what makes a breast look like it's not milk-producing, but I do know this:
1. Early babies have a very hard time latching on, so that was not your fault. Congratulations on having a happy, healthy girl !
2. Success, or lack of it, with one child says very darn little about what will happen with the second, especially with a different gender.
3. Worrying about failing is just about a guarantee of failing. Believe it or not, not all babies think Mom is the best source of food. So what? My son stopped breastfeeding during a hot July because he didn't want to have to cuddle and bottles were cooler. Who could blame him? He's healthy, affectionate, loves his mother, and has turned out very well.

In other words, your baby will be just fine, whether he is breastfed or not, because you are a good mother with a great commitment to his (and her) wellbeing. Being able to breastfeed says nothing about that. Relax! I hope you can; it was a great experience for me and mine. But if you can't, you are still a "normal" mother 'cause you love them.

Normal, blech! When I was born, with a bazillion food allergies, Normal was bottlefeeding because it was superior to mother's milk. I nearly starved to death because I couldn't digest anything but mother's milk. Don't give me normal!

Hi E.,
If your doctor was able to identify why you were not producing milk previously...what is the cause? especially when she said "well, not surprising you don't have milk!" What was/is her diagnosis?
There are herbal remedies that are useful for increasing mammary tissue and for stimulating breast milk production. Herbals such as Milk Thistle, Fenugreek, Fennel, and Goats Rue all can be used in various proportions depending on your body.
To better understand what is going on with your body, please share what the doctors diagnosis is. Thanks L. Golub Clinical Herbalist, Holistic Pathways

First -- We have been conditioned to believe formula is evil and it is heartbreaking when you are just unable to nurse or supplement with formula. But we must look at it with a new perspective. You were unable to nurse (it happens and you are not the first) and thankfully formula was available so your daughter could thrive. Thankfully, I was able to supplement for my own sanity. My nephew had formula in his first few days because of jaundice and had he not, he may have died. We need to realize that formula is a tool and sometimes it necessary. Try again with your son, check out la leche and other lactation consultants. There are natural options to try to increase milk supply -- if you aren't sure you might check out ____@____.com and check the archives..

Just be happy with a healthy baby and do what you can but don't beat yourself up with it and if others are judging hten they have too much time on their hands.

With my first daughter I had a difficult time producing enough milk. We tried weeks of pumping, fenugreek, and prescribed medications. I struggled for 6 months to give her what I could, which wasn't much. With my twins it was the same story. For some reason, even after consulting a lactation specialist, I did not produce enough milk. We had to supplement that time too. Yes, I think we all know that breast milk is best, but if you can't produce it and you've tried, give up the guilt and enjoy what you can do for and with your babies. After a point, the stress and guilt isn't worth it. And you know what, all 3 kids are happy, healthy, and doing just fine!

this lactation consultant doesn't sound very friendly, or legit!!! i'd say go to a la leche league meeting BEFORE baby comes, there is one this coming tuesday 5/13 at 10am on the corner of highland and newcastle in sandy (in the presb. church). and maybe you can talk to a leader and get some tips on ways to help baby latch on, if you come across difficulty when baby comes, or want info on premie babies too, you'll get all the info you need there. congrats to you for the pumping you did for your baby and your desire to try again with breastfeeding baby #2.

Hi!
Don't think that because you were unable to pump before, you won't have enough milk. My daughter is nearly 9 months old, and I am still breastfeeding, but I have NEVER been able to pump much. It would take 3-4 15 minute pumping sessions to get enough to feed her once from a bottle. But somehow, she is better at getting milk, because I have never had to supplement and she has gained weight at a healthy rate. If you can get help getting the baby to latch on, maybe you'll find that he is perfectly able to get milk from your breasts. Good luck!

I too had a rough start nursing. But I didn't even realize my baby was hungry, even though he cried a lot and we would be awake all night with him; and he was losing weight-which I didn't see, and felt terrible about. I even had La Lache league come, and they were very supportive. After seeing doctor at 6 wks, and discovering he wasn't getting enough milk, we stopped to buy him supplement on the way home and as soon as he drank it, he fell into the best slumber ever, finally satiated. It made me cry to think I hadn't nourished him on my own, and i feared he would reject the breast afterward. But the most important advice I got, was Water, water, water! I kept a big jug beside me at all times, reminding myself to drink through the day. Once I was in the water routine, and trading breasts regularly to allow them time to replenish, he loved nursing, only had supplement a couple of times in emergencies. and otherwise he was breast fed until he was two. Bless you for trying ! But loving your baby the way you do, is more important than anything! Breastfeeding is not required -especially if it doesn't work, or causes you stress. Good luck! Ann

E.:
See a lactation consultant before your baby is born. There are no guarantees one way or the other, but there are some indicators that may predict problems. No use putting yourself through the work & worry you did last time without someone who has had special lactation training to clarify things.

S.

Hi i had no milk when my baby was born and if it wasnt for the lactation lady that i had i wouldnt have gotten to breast feed and formula just wasnt an option for me. It took almost a week for my milk to come in and another for my little girl to latch on, she kept forgetting how to eat. If you want the number for her i will get it for you. Dont give up i coulnt imagine not being able to feed my little one.

E.,

I don't have big breasts normally, but when breast feeding they swell from a B to a D. I have never heard of big breasts not producing milk. My first born, a son, was five weeks early. He did not know how to suck as that is one of the last reflexes or instincts to develop in utero. For a while I had to nurse him on just one side at a time instead of both in one sitting because babies born early are sometimes too sleepy to stay awake for the second side. I stuck with it. The lactation specialist helped me to get him to learn to suck before I left the hospital. He eventually got it and everything was great. If nursing is something you want to do, I recommend sticking with it. On the other hand...you said that your first born was happy and healthy and I think you made the right decistion for you and your baby at that time. Each baby and pregnancy is different. Give it a shot if you want to nurse, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out.

C.

Try taking More Milk Plus from Motherlove.www.motherlove.com it has helped thousands of women in your situation. it is an herbal supplement. check out their website for lots of info on increasing milk supply. Try talking to a lactation consultant too, because they can recommend the best thing to do for your particular situation.

babies do better if they get mother's milk at least for the first 3-6 weeks. i would try again, and if it doesn't work out, ok. if it does, breastfeeding is great.

My first was a preemie and couldn't latch on and after similar struggles to yours, I gave up. She is a very healthy 13 year old who tells her friends that I am her "Best Friend." With my second, he was term and he latched on perfectly and I was able to breast feed him for 4 months before my milk just wasn't enough. (He was a BIG boy). Just try again, but it is never worth the stress (which, by the way, can deplete your milk supply) or tears. I breast fed all of my boys for as long as my milk supply would last. My 2nd boy took about 2 weeks before he got the total hang of it, but it was never totally stressful. I know it is the big thing to breast feed and it is great, but it doesn't make you a bad mother or a poor mother if you choose not to, or just can't.

Good luck

Dear E.,
First of all, I'd like the name of the lactation consultant who looked at your breasts and decided they weren't good for milk production. The person is an idiot! And should have resigned from being a consultant to help women breastfeed. Maybe she/he was sent by the formula companies as an undercover agent to foil earnest mothers from breastfeeding.
I hope you will believe me: there are no "good" or bad breasts for breastfeeding. Every woman is unique, but 99.99999 % of women are capable of lactating. The biggest problem for women to successfully breastfeed is usually psychological, not physiological. If there were so many physiological problems, the human race would have died out long ago. So take courage, and remember that if you want to breastfeed, you most likely can and will!
Call La Leche, and get a good helper. Find other breastfeeding mothers and ask their advice and support. Talk you your husband or partner and ask for his help. Talk to your mother and mother in law and recruit them as your allies in breastfeeding. Make sure your doctor knows how important breastfeeding is to you baby, and if he or she argues that this is not the case, get a new doctor! I know you can do it, and it will make all the difference in the world to your baby.

All the best.

I had problems with my first, but the second and third went better. Just stay calm and see what happens. You can't fix anything with worry, I've tried.