Where's My Milk??

Updated on September 27, 2007
H.P. asks from Minneapolis, MN
10 answers

Hello everyone. I just had my second baby on Thursday. I had been nursing him while in the hospital, but yesterday he seemed so unsatisfied. When I got home from the hospital yesterday I tried pumping to see how much he was getting and there was nothing, not even colostrum. I have been supplementing him with formula for the time being, but really want to nurse him. My first child was in Special Care for 12 days, so I pumped the entire time she was there and didn't feel the same pressure to provide immediately. I can't even remember how long it took before I got my milk.

Any thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

H.

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D.P.

answers from New York on

I've had concerns with breastfeeding as well. As a matter of fact, I'm going to put a request up here just now. But before I stray too far from the point, I spoke to a nurse practitioner in my doctor's office just the other day and she told me that the more I let my baby nurse, the more I will produce. I too have been supplementing with formula though, because I had to take meds for several days. Ever since then, my baby has been nursing and taking almost 4oz of formula as well at every feeding. Hope this helps.

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E.S.

answers from New York on

i hope this helps try dr.smiley in stratford she is a very good
breastfeeding doctor. i went to her for my first kid. dont give up maybe he didnt feed long enough or try switching breast.good luck and congrats on your baby.

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D.B.

answers from New York on

Hi H., first of all, don't get frustrated...if you are not getting any milk yet, don't worry and just keep on latching the baby to your breats that way you don't stop producing milk. I am a 1st time mother and believe me I didn't know anything about nursing until i had to do so. I can say that it was horrible for the first week then i just got used to it. I nursed my baby until she was 4 months old then i stopped producing the same amount of milk so i would feed her with formula which then the baby got used to the formula and didn't want breast milk, so don't give your child formula yet, keep on trying and im sure you will keep on reproducing milk...ALSO KEEP A WELL BALANCED DIET, keep on eating healthy

C.S.

answers from New York on

Colostrum isnt always pumpable. I would guess your baby is able to get some, even if you cant pump it out.
I would stop supplementing. You baby needs to suck on you in order for your supply to kick in. The more he suckles the more milk you will make. Supplementing will only mess up the delicate supply and demand principle.
Usually milk comes in around day #4. Eat lots of oatmeal and try mothers milk tea.
Good Luck!

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V.N.

answers from New York on

Hi, it took me four days, and I remembered how frustrating it was not to have anything and wonder if it will ever come out. The most important thing is to keep breastfeeding him, even if there's no milk coming out. Breastfeed him as much as possible, every half hour, hour, whatever you can. And if you feel really frustrated and need help try to contact la leche league (lalecheleague.org) and click on the get help now to talk to someone experienced.
You've made the best choice, don't lose hope and keep breastfeeding! Good luck!

V..

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Y.K.

answers from New York on

hi H., i remember getting milk flow on around 5-6 day, that's when it really started to come in. my suggestion is to have your baby nurse weather you think he's getting anything or not( u wont pump as much as he would be able to suck), and suppliment to make sure he's not hungry (i only suggest if he seems hungry/crying), but the more he sucks the more you'll produce!!!! good luck!

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R.T.

answers from New York on

Hi H.,

There are a few teas out there that can help. Yogi has a tea for breast feeding and Marshmallow Root is great to help get your milk in. Good luck!!

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C.S.

answers from New York on

Hi H.

Sometimes it takes a few days. I would suggest continuing to pump often (every 2-3 hours) and/or offer the breast to your baby because your breasts need as much stimulation as possible. When I was breastfeeding I would drink "Mother's Tea". It's sold at Whole Foods and other supermarkets. It's a natural tea that promotes milk production.. and it works.

Congratulations on your new baby!
C.

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K.C.

answers from New York on

Your milk has probably not come in yet. It took me about 7 days for mine to finally come in the third time around. Keep nursing and keep pumping on a schedule. If you need some hands on advice contact a local lactation consultant or the La Leche League in your area today. Just try to relax, eat well, get enough rest, stay hydrated and let nature do what it needs to do. Try to stop supplementing but if you do supplement with formula you should pump right after to keep yourself on a schedule. I personally never had to supplement but I have girls and they seemed more patient when it came to nursing. Good Luck!

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D.K.

answers from New York on

Hi H.,

Congrats on your new addition! Try masaging your brest before you feed. Also nurse often. I wouldn't use formula at all since it is easier to get and the baby may not nurse since it is "harder". You could try fenugreek ( got it at a healthfood store)...it will help. The "Mother's Milk" teras is also great. You can try hot compresses too to help with the flow. Don't give up!

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