Breastfeeding - Reynolds,IN

I'm confused... are you saying you have low milk supply or are you having trouble with actually using the pump? If you are having low milk supply, I have had the same issue several times. Pumping does help, especially if you pump after you feed him/her. You could also take Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle 3 capsules 3 times a day... it'll feel like all you are doing is popping pills. :) Drink lots of water. I take Reglan, a prescription med that my physician prescribed. It's a med that helps with GI issues and nasea but as a side effect causes milk production. It is very successful. Good luck.

When my twins were born, they had a hard time getting the sucking thing going so I, too, pumped, and then fed them. I found that my hand pump worked way better than the big, expensive, electric pump I had. And, yes, drink lots of water and pump often. I also know there is something that makes your milk come in more, contact a Milkworks or some lactation specialists.

You won't get as much pumping if you just feed the baby. Also, you will dry up quicker. I had pumped when i had preemies and it only lasted 2 1/2 months then I was drying out. It helps to pump every 3 hours, even at night. Drink lots of water!!!!! Good luck!

I had problems pumping when I returned to work. I drank lots of milk and took hot showers that seemed to help. If you can't don't fret about it, the stress could make your milk non existant. When and if you are getting to the point that it is not enough you will have to talk to your ped about adding formula. You want to make sure he is eating enough.

I was so sad when my milk stopped too soon. Especially since I was able to get out (2) 9 oz bottles at one time before. But I finally realized I had pumped as long as I could. I did what my body allowed.

Hi S.,

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBMarApr03p64.html

Check out this link to the La Leche League learn to pump article. They are the main source for women working hard to breastfeed their babies. It's tough but very rewarding. Don't give up because there is always help available. Also check out
http://www.kellymom.com/

Be sure you are using a decent pump and remember that expressing milk is an emotional act. I had trouble until I bought a gently used Medela Pump-in-Style. Worth every penny. Have a picture of your baby and be in a quit private place.

Also, fenugreek seed herbal suppliment, 2 capsuls 3 times a day will increase your supply dramatically. Although it will make you and your baby smell a little like maple syrup.

E.

I had that problem and the what I did drank a lots of water and stated away from caffeen. Good Luck

Hi S.,
I too had problems pumping. I started taking the herbal supplements Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek three times a day. You can find these at Campbells Nutrition and they are about $10 a bottle for a 1 month supply. They really do work. Make sure you drink a lot of water with them. Stay away from caffiene and chocolate. It's very important to relax when you are pumping, this can be difficult but it makes a huge difference. The type of pump you use can make a difference as well. I had no luck with the Avent Isis hand pump. It took forever and was very uncomfortable. The electric Medela Pump-In-Style works a lot better for me, you may just have to find the right pump for you. Your hospital and local medical supply companies can rent you hospital grade pumps if you need a stronger electric pump. You might want to call the lactation consultants at the hospital where you delivered, they will probably have more helpful suggestions.
Good Luck,
A. J

I have recently ran into the same problem. I have found that if you drink lots of water and take Fenugreek it helps alot. You can find it at the health food stores.

You did not mention why you want to pump? Are you getting ready to work outside the home or do you just want milk stored up just in case? Getting ready to go back to work and continue to nurse full time is stressful and that might be part of your problem. First and foremost, relax.

A lot of this advice assumes you are going to be working outside the home, because that is my experience, but even if not, I hope it helps.

You need a good pump. This is absolutely crucial. I used Medela Pump In Style. It got me through 2 years of pumping and it never broke down. Drink lots of water. If you are going to be away from your child, you need to pump every 2-3 hours, never more than 4 hours between pumping. Pump both breasts at once, not one at a time.

Lower your expectations. You won't make as much milk pumping as when you are breastfeeding. The pump is simply not as effective. And it is very difficult to increase production through pumping.

Why do you think you need to pump more? I think you could probably google the average amount per session and get an idea of where you are. I never got more than 4 ounces per breast per pumping session. The average would have to be 2 or 3 ounces per breast. Some people can pump a lot more than this, but I suspect this is about average. If it is a caregiver feeding your baby the expressed milk who says your baby is still hungry, consider what they are comparing it against. They are used to feeding formula fed babies and having a lot of formula left over. You simply have to trust your body that it is making enough for your child. My pediatrician always said that if the child is growing and thriving, you are doing ok.

Breastfeed your baby whenever you can. Very frequently on the weekends. Whenever you are with your child, nurse. Put everything else on the back burner. This will maintain your production and increase it during growth spurts.

And if all else fails, supplementing with formula won't hurt anyone. And it might just lighten your load and give you the relief you need to relax!