Trouble producing

[missjess]

I've tried everything, pumping every 2-3 hours, drinking loads, guiness beer, rest... My breasts don't wanna produce more than about 6 onz a day! Sometimes I pump and NOTHING comes out! Not even a drop !

I want Josh to get more breastmilk... What can I do? I just feel so tired, and I can't even give proper feeding to him

 

[Margerle]

Have you tried putting him to the breast?

I know you don't want to feed from the breast, but his contact, and the stimulation of him suckling is the body's natural cue to produce milk.

 

[AquaDementia]

Are you breast feeding him as well Jess?

 

[Margerle]

Also have you tried the supplement fenugreek?

Eating good quality oatmeal (not instant)?

DO you think he needs more than 6 oz a day? Is he dehydrating? Does he have 10 or more wet diapers a day?

 

[missjess]

I've tried oatmeal.. I'll have to ask about some supplement to my dr. Anyone tried them? do they work well?

He has maybe 6-7 heavy wet diapers a day I'd say.

No I'm not breastfeeding him, he doesn't wanna latch on anymore... (tried several times with the breastfeeding nurse that came to my house) I do some nipple stimulation, but that doesn't seem to work either. My boobs seems so small now too... I'm back to a tiny B cup.

 

[Margerle]

I've tried oatmeal.. I'll have to ask about some supplement to my dr. Anyone tried them? do they work well?

He has maybe 6-7 heavy wet diapers a day I'd say.

No I'm not breastfeeding him, he doesn't wanna latch on anymore... (tried several times with the breastfeeding nurse that came to my house) I do some nipple stimulation, but that doesn't seem to work either. My boobs seems so small now too... I'm back to a tiny B cup.

First of all boob size is NO indication of production. Don't let that scare you.

If you have 6-7 HEAVY wet diapers, that sound like a fair amount.

Here's some info on fenugreek:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek

Note:

Fenugreek seed is widely used as a galactagogue (milk producing agent) by nursing mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply. Studies have shown that fenugreek is a potent stimulator of breastmilk production and its use was associated with increases in milk production of as much as 900%. [3] It can be found in capsule form in many health food stores.[4]

Keep getting him to try sucking the nipple... that is the best way to stimulate milk production for you.

Most of all, RELAX. I know it was hard for me at first because I just wasn't relaxing enough. Take baby to bed (or the couch) with you, expose your breast to him, and sit with him all day - enjoy baby, watch movies, read, nap, relax. I know it sounds silly or boring, but first of all you won't always have time to be this close with him And second of all, if you want to bf, you and he need to start working together. You can't just 'do it for him'. He needs to cue your body and you need to take his cues.

It sounds like the rhythm is off just a tad right now. Don't give up, and don't get frustrated (back to relaxing ).

Now, if you decide in the end that it just isn't working out, don't feel bad! I'm not a lactation nazi here trying to get you to feel bad. I just know what a wonderful experience it is, and how scary and overwhelming it can be (and frustrating if it's not going well). But you know you, your baby, and each of your needs. You are the mama, and are starting the parenting journey where you will need to decide what is best for you and your family/children. Be confident, and secure that you are doing exactly what you need to.

Good job mama!.

 

[AquaDementia]

I was scared I wouldn't be able to feed her because even though my boobs grew in pregnancy, they were still on the small side.
But now they are so much bigger. I think they are a large C cup at this point and it is so easy to feed her now, compared to the agony I experienced in the hospital.

 

[mickey]

well, I am breastfeeding since nearly half year, my baby is growing well, but I did not get anything out via pump, although I bought a smaller breastshild for my pump!

I don't have a clue why???

but you see, possibly it has got nothing to do with your production!

 

[Margerle]

This really isn't uncommon. For one thing it might be harder for a woman to really relax enough to have good letdown. (which is why a lot of the bags that breastpumps come in have slots for baby pictures- to give mom visual cues to let-down).

I had overactive letdown with my first... I assume I will with this one as well, so I'm just going to pump the other side as it lets down to get my milk stores.

Might this work in your case? Actually pump the other side while baby nurses the other?

Well done on hitting the 6 month mark for bf'ing!

 

[kookie]

i really think the other girls are right keep trying to feed him yourself i have trouble with a pump as well but no problems breastfeeding good luck xx

 

[AquaDementia]

I've noticed that since I started BF Mia more often I can pump less, but when she latches on it just pours like crazy!

 

[TashaAndBump]

Have you tried laying a hot flannel over your breasts while you express? It helped me to get more colostrum out when I was expressing for Anna in hospital... I don't know if it would work for you Worth a go?

Also, how long did you try expressing every 3-4 hours for? Because it will take some time for your body to recieve the message and increase it's production according to the demand... So I wouldn't give up on this one just yet if I were you.

I really hope this does work out for you two... I second what has been said about trying to put him to the breast again - his suckling really is gonna be your best bet for encouraging greater milk stores..... But if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out - you'll know what's best for you.

Good luck, Jess.

 

[Phexia]

Do you keep pumping even when nothing comes out? That's the way to go, your brain will get the signal to make more the next time.

 

[TashaAndBump]

Do you keep pumping even when nothing comes out? That's the way to go, your brain will get the signal to make more the next time.

Oh yes I forgot to say this.... (whoops! lol) Pumping when nothing is coming out will indeed increase your flow - as breasts were designed to work on a milk-on-demand basis, if the suction continues after the milk has run out then they should get the message they are not producing enough and up the production (fingers crossed, anyway!)

Good luck again, hun