preparing for breastfeeding

[StranjeGirl]

I had a horrible experience last time- basically couldn't get much milk to dd or with a pump. Spent a ton on lactation consultants and tried everything I could. It may have been due to circumstances as we moved out of town when dd was 3 weeks old and it was very stressful. However, I am prepared for it to be difficult again and I was wondering if there was anything I could take toward the end of pregnancy to help produce milk? I know with dd I was taking fenugreek and drinking mothers milk tea, but I am not sure if there is anything that is recommended while you are still pregnant? If anyone has any insight please share! Thanks!

 

[Mrs Dragonfly]

Following because I'm curious! I have a lot of friends who had issues breast feeding their first LO's.

I'd like to get around to baking some lactation cookies, a friend of mine swears by them.

 

[shinona]

It's probably not the best idea to be messing around with fenugreek or teas until baby is here and you find that there is a problem with supply. What I would say is that every baby is different so while you might have struggled before, this one could take to it like a champ. Make sure to do lots of skin to skin from the word go and put baby to the breast as often as you can for the first few days to encourage your milk to come in. I also would personally stay away from the pump until you've got feeding at the breast well established....baby is the best thing to encourage good supply.

I hope that helps. Have you been in to the breastfeeding forum on here too? It's really helpful and you might get some more encouraging stories and hints there too.

Good luck. I'm sure it will work out for you xx

 

[MiniBump]

Skin to skin (not only straight after birth, for the first couple of weeks or longer), breast massage and feed, feed, feed!

Not many women truly have a low supply but lots do interfere in the delicate process that your boobs and your baby are going through in the early days and weeks by timing feeds, introducing dummies (pacifiers), bottles, water, pumps, etc. which can affect supply.

Just feed your baby when your baby wants feeding until around 3-4 weeks (particularly during the night) and you should be set! Also, get the details of your nearest professional help and find your local mum to mum breastfeeding support group, perhaps even go along now, if you have any issues then support is vital!

 

[RaspberryK]

Education and determination.

Educate yourself on normal breastfeeding newborn behaviour, signs that baby is getting enough (nappy output), and where to get help.
Determination - well because those first weeks can be tough and you'll have people telling you left right and centre that you're starving your baby, just get the bottle out, and the answer to everything is formula and a dummy.
Xx

 

[stephj25]

I breastfed my DD and for me it was awful for the first few weeks. I ended up getting severly engorged that it was painful and then got scabs on my nipples!! I would really recommend getting some lanolin though as this can prevent sores while baby is establishing how to latch on properly. Also, I set myself weekly goals.
I must admit, I almost gave up a few times but for me, everything seemed to all fall into place at around 6 weeks and it was perfect. Ended up breastfeeding for 9 months. Would have done a year but I had to be back at work. Good luck xx

 

[petitpas]

All good advice here! Being in a less stressful environment where you can snuggle with your baby in bed will definitely help, too. A lot of women are surprised at how different (easier) things are the second time round so that is something to look forward to.
I would also stock up on lansinoh for your nipples and try to avoid shields (unless you are in agony, obviously!), dummies (pacifiers), the pump. Just baby and you. If you don't already have one, maybe try one of those stretchy wraps so you can keep your baby close to you even when you are tending to your older child.

In terms of food, oats are supposed to be good for milk production. I like golden syrup porridge so having a portion every morning was normal for me. I also think that at the beginning you shouldn't watch your weight but rather listen to what your body wants. If it wants kitkats for fatty milk production, then go with that.

Otherwise, keep all those numbers handy in case you need help with latching. You'll be fine! Your daughter obviously survived infancy and whatever you do this time round will be easier in many ways

 

[AnonymousCAT]

A lactation consultant at the hospital told me that if you stimulate your nipples in the first hour after delivery (baby or yourself if baby unable) it will double your milk supply in the future. It's worth a try

 

[Hodge-Podge]

I too have been considering what to do with my newborn as I had a horrific experience with my first. I also tried fenugreek and found that it quickly dried me up. It is recommended by most lactation specialist but I have had several friends that it did the opposite and actually dried them up. I wasn't having issues producing... my son is/was a tongue thruster so anytime he tried to nurse, he would instantly push it out of his mouth and was unable to keep it in to feed. I was told from day one to go to a bottle but I wasn't willing to give up. I did everything I could and pumped 4 oz from each side (total of 8 oz) went to bed for 3 hours - got up to pump and it was gone. Pretty sure my body (mentally and physically) just couldn't take it any longer.

I haven't decided if I plan to bf this time around (I will pump if I don't nurse) but definitely looking into ways to continue producing a lot more and sooner as it took 5 full days before my milk came in last time.

 

[StranjeGirl]

Thanks so much for the help ladies! I am going to give everything a try! Had no idea that fenugreek could dry you up! Good to know! My milk never really came in last time...It was quite bizzare and dd was about to be hospitalized due to huge weight loss. That is why they had me pumping after every feeding - to try and increase my supply. It didnt help that I had a sleepy baby who would fall asleep while feeding and wouldn't wake up for anything. The lactation consultant had never seen a child that you couldn't wake up with all the techniques they use. On the bright side dd still sleeps like that and would sleep through a hurricane! Well hopefully the second time is a charm and I will get some milk this time! Thanks again for the support and advice!

 

[NotNic]

In my experience, and from talking to the mw, milk tends to come in earlier second time around. In fact I have the opposite problem - too much milk. We are in our 5th week and my breasts get very full throughout the day, uncomfortably so.

I've also found second time around we are much more aware of the issues. I started to blister and crack again, but before I caused any damage, we used the shields. I also used them as DS wasn't latching well because of the size of my boobs. I was reliant upon them last time, whereas this time I used them just at the right time, so it was a short time measure. With both babies I've allowed cluster feeding, on demand feeding and skin to skin. My mw also said to ensure you eat lots of fruit and veg as that's the best thing for feeding - not eating calorific / fattening foods. Though a large bar of dairy milk is fine in a balanced diet.

 

[mod19]

Hey, I've not yet bf, but just wanted to recommend something that a few ladies I know swear by. The brand is Motherlove. They have a lot of products for bf and postpardum. The liquid special blend is what I've been told is the best. It has goats rue in it, which aids in the fenugreek to help produce more milk
Also, I've been told that skin to skin for the first few hours is essential for bf. These are the two main things I will be doing to help ensure milk production. Oh, and regular feedings so the supply keeps up.

 

[FlatShoes]

Keep hydrated and true feeding on demand are the best things to do - honestly, the first few weeks are killer, you feel like they are on your boob 24/7 but thats what stimulates your supply.

Good luck

 

[prgirl_11]

Definitely read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by La Leche League. Also, look for a La Leche League group in your area and meet some local breastfeeding moms that can support you through the good and bad.