Needing Advice from Moms Who Were Induced into Labor.

I was induced at 38 weeks as well and didn't have any trouble breastfeeding. I did pump in the hospital and at home regularly to help build up my milk supply, but that was more so that my husband could help me... I think I would've done fine without pumping as well. You'll do fine whether it works or not.

Hello! I was not able to breastfeed exclusively for my first either... despite REALLY trying, but that's a whole 'nother story. I was also induced for second (though I was past due, and didn't have any health issues). The good news is that I have had no trouble exclusively breastfeeding my second!! My milk even came in unusually early. One of the things I did this tme around, is pump after feeding twice a day for the first two months. I don't know if that was necessary or not, but I do think it helped stabilize my supply. Good luck!

If I were you I would resist being induced unless it were absolutely necessary for you and the baby and you are in imediate danger. If you think about it this way- if it can be scheduled for a future date, there is time to discuss it adn think about it then there is not an emergency. Induction can be stressful for you and the baby. Just do soem research, seek a second opinion and do what you untimately feel is in your best interest.
Abotu the breast feeding. Nurse as much as possible the first several days. it takes time. If your baby is receiving supplementation it will nto be nursing as much adn this will inhibit your supply. To increase your supply you can drink Mother's Milk Tea by Traditional Medicinals, eat oatmeal and take a fenugreek supplement. These can all be found at Central Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts or any other health food store.

dont want to scare you but I was induced and had to have an emergency c-section because my sons hearts started stopping.I am not sure what went wrong but it happen right after they gave me some pain meds.So it may have been from that but I always say if i could go back and do it again i wouldnt be induced and I wouldnt have any pain meds but he is fine now and that is all that matter but just do what you think is best for your baby.Good luck

I was induced with both of my children (the first because of high blood pressure and the second because of high amniotic fluid). I had no issues with breastfeeding and breastfed both for a year. In both cases I went to the library and checked out books on breastfeeding, they were terrific for informing me on dos and don'ts the first time and reminding me the second. In both instances I asked for a visit from the lactation consultant while I was still in the hospital. I wanted assurances I was getting the proper latch. With my son I was not, so I am glad I insisted on a visit. And my son was a large baby, so I was given tricks of the trade for helping my milk come in earlier (skin on skin contact, pumping one breast while feeding on the other...). DO NOT be afraid to ask for help, the lactation specialists are an wonderful resource!

I was induced with both kids, with an epidural and the doctor breaking my water. I had no problems with milk production at all. In fact, I overproduced with both babies!

My first baby and I did have trouble getting the hang of it and I used a lactation consultant - very much worth every penny (and some insurances may cover it). My second baby and I were pros from the beginning. But it was more than a few days before it became comfortable. I had read it would be about 2 weeks - my OB said it would be more like a month. She was right. Hang in there during this time - it DOES get better!

I don't have any advice for before the birth, but after - just don't give up unless a lactation consultant works with you and says it isn't possible. Your body makes milk on demand, so - if you don't nurse, you won't make milk. If you skip nursings, and use formula, you need to pump, or your body will think you are weaning and will begin to reduce production.

Good luck!

P.S. I was 40 when the first was born and 42 for the second, so age was not a factor in breastfeeding.

i have trouble getting my milk to come in. and am not a good milk maker. i've never heard of a conection between that and being induced. i would bring your pump to the hospital and start pumping right away to encourage your milk to come in faster. after 4 days my milk hadn't come in and i then i pumped and it came in within the hour.

I was given pitocin at 37 weeks due to high blood pressure - no problem with breast feeding at all. I donated over 1000 oz to mother's milk bank.

Your body will release the hormones necessary to breast feed regardless of how you go about delivering your baby. It is a response to the actual delivery of the baby. Just be patient and relax.

I was induced with my first at 38 1/2 weeks. I never had trouble b/f. I did have a c/s, so I couldn't nurse immediately, but I did as soon as I got back into my room. I also asked the nurses not to give him a pacifier, until a couple days later after he'd gotten used to nursing. The hospital I delivered at sent a lactation consultant to each nursing mom, so she helped with any questions I had. If your hospital doesn't automatically send one to you, I would ask to speak with a lactation consultant. I think that's probably the best you can do, is to ask for help from a pro! I never contacte La Leche Leauge, but you should probably do that before the baby comes since you're concerned. I've heard they can offer tons of help!

Hi N.!

Don't worry. I was induced a little early and didn't have any trouble breastfeeding. My son had a few issues during his delivery, so I didn't even get a chance to try to feed him for a few hours. He couldn't latch properly, but the Medela Nipple Shield helped with that($6 at Babies R Us or Target). I know that they don't really like you to use those, but it was a life saver for me. My little fellow used it for 6 weeks, before he could latch properly on both sides. I also LOVED using the my Breat Friend Pillow....that thing was GREAT. I would highly suggest both. Just relax and drink as much water as possible! Good Luck!

N.~
I was induced at 36 weeks because of high blood pressure, as well. I had spent a month in the hospital and the doctor finally did an amnio to make sure my daughters lungs were developed before inducing. After delivery they gave me lasiks (spg?) for the water retention and blood pressure pills. I pumped and pumped and pumped and nothing happened because of the meds. Check with your ob/gyn and see what meds she's going to be putting you on, maybe there is something to counter act the lasiks so your milk will come in.
Good Luck!

I was induced at normal stage of 40 weeks but I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding. It got better after a few weeks but the experience was not as great as I was hoping for. Other moms have posted information on here about supplements/vitamins/natural rememdies that are supposed to help bring on and/or increase milk production. It would probably help to start before delivering but I think that its something that you should check with your doctor first because of your blood pressure. I wish you the best of luck!

i was induced with one of my girls and naturally went into labor with the other. i wasn't able to nurse either one of them. i just think its a thing with your body if you can or cant

A lactation consultant recommended that I try Blessed Thissle (sp?) and Fenugreek (sp) herbal supplements to help with my milk production. Also, I heard oatmeal can help. Most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff. The one at Presby. Allen came to see me right away after delivery. I'm sure if you called the hospital that you are going to deliver at they can put you in contact with their lactaction consultand and they can give you other tips.

N.:
Great questions!

I had high BP with both my pregnancies and had to be induced with my second at 39 weeks. I know how you feel. I have some pointers if you want them. I am anti-induction (personal reasons) but my induction went very smooth. Here aer some tips (esp geared towards breastfeeding, as I nursed both mine too and that was your main concern).

DRINK TONS OF WATER..twice as much as one should that is not pregnant........hydration will help in ease of delivery and in milk production. Continue to drink tons of water until your milk fully comes in (several days after delivery). Don't drink coffee or cafiene (as it aids in drying you up).
Do you have a breat pump? If so, start using it like 48 hours before the induction. Nipple stimulation can actually put you into natural labor without pitocin. What happens is your body, when nipples are stimulated like a newborn would, believes your milk is ready and the baby needs born so it starts naturally dialating and contracting. In order to get the best result from this, follow these guidlines: NEVER have the suction so high that it hurts "dry" (milk-less) nipples. Start using your pump 48 hrs prior to induction for like 10 minutes every 4 hours. Work your way up to at least 20 minuetes every 2-3 hours (just as if you were nursing a baby) as quickly as you can after beginning to get the natural hormones flowing in your body and make sure to keep up the rhythm, even wake from sleeping to "nurse". Also, it may help to take the pump with you to the hospital. And try to nurse your baby within 20 minutes of delivery, no matter how the baby is born!

And finally, these are much harder and not preferred by some, but they really do help the hormone situation out when nursing: POSTPONE INDUCTION AS MUCH/LONG AS YOU SAFELY (safty is important word here, so weigh your options) CAN, GET as LITTLE medicine and hospital intervention as possible: SLOWEST PITOCIN DRIP AS POSSIBLE, AS LITTLE PAIN MEDS AS POSSIBLE (make the baby not as easy to nurse right after delivery), LITTLE OR NO INTERNAL MONITORING, AND NO FORCED WATER BREAKAGE! All of these things greatly impact your hormones and how your body will respond to delivery and nursing. There are reasons to foroce the above, but most of the time these guidlines are followed because of WANT, not need: WANT the baby to be born quicker, Dr WANTS to have complete control. If you want more of the reasons to WAIT or AVOID the stuff listed above as I recommended above, pm me and I will let you know more science behind it!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!
It will be fine........it just takes more work to nurse the first few days following an induced or early birth. It should be much easier than last time and DON'T allow supplementing at all!!!!!!!!!!!! Newborns get all they need from the colostrum until the milk comes in! And I would suggest trying to avoid any false nipples (pacifiers), but I know this sometimes can be tricky!

Again, good luck! And congrats on your new baby!

I was induced with BOTH of my babies and had no trouble with breat feeding either one. Well, I say no trouble, my first was more difficult because, well he was my first. But after I had Lauren I put her on the breast as soon as I could to get her started and she was magnificent. It is a lot harder to breastfeed only and not supplement, but so worth it. As far as the induction itself, they went great, Lauren was a bit more trouble as far as her heart rate kept dropping, but that was just because she had her umbilical cord wrapped around. So I wouldn't worry about either issue. If you are commited to breastfeeding then you should do it. I am so glad I did. best of luck!

Hi, N.! I was pretty much induced because my water broke @ 36 weeks so they had to give me pitocin to start my labor. In order to allow me to breastfeed but insure that my daughter was getting enough nutrients, they gave me a device that held formula and had two little flexible tubes that were taped to my breasts. So, when Katie nursed, she was sucking, which helped encourage my milk production, but she was also getting formula. The device was provided by the hospital and was something from Medula, but I don't remember the name. I hope this helps. Good luck!

S.

HI N.,

I was induced with both my girls. However, I was OVERdue on the first and right on time with the second. I had no problems breastfeeding either time. Both my girls latched on in the delivery room and I fed them the first time there. I think it helped because their instinct to nuzzle and nurse for soothing is so strong right at first.

As for the process, they started my pitossin (sp?) about two hours before breaking my water, and in just a few hours with my first, I had a baby in my arms. My second was a little longer, but it was because we stopped the pitossin after just a few minutes and restarted it later in the afternoon. Still, we started the process around 8am, and she was in my arms by 5:00pm.

I did not have any drugs or epidural (and I had 8lb12oz & 8lb8oz babies). However, I did have an episiotomy with my first, and it was miserable, for weeks! So, with the second we did not do it. I delivered natural with some tearing, and the doctor did sutures as needed. MUCH better comfort and FASTER healing.

Good luck!

T.

I was induced with both of my children and had no problems breastfeeding. I think one important thing is to breast feed as soon as they will let you, like within the 1st hour after the baby is born. They are much more awake right away then they will be later. Another thing I reccommend is Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. These herbs worked really well for me and my sister-in-law. They made me have a little too much milk, so I had to back off of them after just a few days. Good luck, I strongly support breast-feeding but I also know it's not easy for everyone.

I was induced with my second child and I never had an issues with breastfeeding her. I've never heard of this being a source of interference for breastfeeding. Take care!

i have to jump in here and second the question of a non-emergency induction for blood pressure. but, since that's not your question (sorry! ;) i would also like to offer a bit of my experience in the 'nursing through tough starts' department. i've been in your shoes! with my first being a preemie and my second actually making it past-term, i was loaded, aimed, and ready to make breastfeeding a success the second time around. so this post isn't a million miles long, i'll just try to list out what comes to the top of my head:
-avoid any kind of drug or intervention you possibly can (this includes avoiding induction if possible, staying at home as long as possible during labor, getting a heplock instead of an i.v. (or nothing if you can convince the hospital), refusing an epidural, refusing routine pitocin (before and after delivery), refusing prophylactic antibiotics, refusing early cord-clamping and cutting, refusing routine suctioning, refusing any artificial nipples (this includes pacifiers), and minimizing stress (for me that included refusing an epidural, refusing the nursery (baby stayed with me), refusing the bath (presents risk that baby's temperature will need regulating aka - "we need to take the baby to the nursery"), refusing the hep b vaccine (not for newborns anyway, but that's another thread!), and going home ASAP (not as soon as normal, as soon as possible - without going ama).)
-once you're home, i highly recommend co-sleeping and nursing as often as possible, for as long as possible. it's actually quite relaxing! (accept help when it's offered!)
-pour over kellymom.com that's the best site, hands-down, for anything and everything breastfeeding. i trust the information on there more than any doctor my children have had (and with a preemie, you know that's saying a lot!)
-as for supplementing, if you digest everything on kellymom about it, and it's still necessary, you might consider using a supplemental nursing system or trying cupfeeding, spoon feeding, or finger feeding first.
-key words: nurse! nurse! nurse!
HTH & best wishes!

Hi N.,
I used some natural herbs that I found at Whole Foods (or probably any other vitamin type shop) to help get my milk supply up there and to maintain it. I had my second child by a planned c-sec and it seemed like it took my milk slightly longer to come in, but she was getting enough colostrum out that I didn't have to supplement with formula. The herbs are Marshmallow and Blessed Thistle. One makes more and the other one thickens the milk. I also drank a cup to 2 cups of Mother's Milk tea which can also be found at Health Food stores. This really helped me and it was natural for my kids. On the Marshmallow and Blessed Thistle Herbs, they are in a pill form and I took 2 of each 3 times a day. You could consider taking more if needed.

N.,

I am nursing baby number three now... I was not successful with my first two. Baby #1 only 2 weeks and #2 about 2 months before I had to start giving formula so I understand your concerns and frustrations! I truly believe what helped me this time was learning to relax and having enough help at home that the first two weeks I was to relax and cuddle with the baby and nurse as often as possible. Your milk will not let down if you aren't relaxed and nursing frequently in the first weeks of life gets your supply up. Since your daughter is older she'll be a big help. Just prepare her... let her know you'll be working hard to feed the baby so you'll need extra help from her to keep her room cleaned and toys picked up, etc. This last pregnancy is when my 7 yr old son learned to load the dishwasher and sweep. :) And, if you don't have it already, try to get a comfortable chair to nurse in at home. I LOVE my glider and ottoman. Put it in the room you think you will feel most comfortable in while learning to nurse your new baby.

Also, be sure the doctors and nurses on staff during your delivery know that you are planning to breastfeed so that they can be more careful with type and quantity of drugs you get during labor. It also helps that any drugs that may make you tired but turned off if possible before you are fully dilated so they can get out of the babies system (remember they make him drowsy too!) before he is born. If he is alert when he is born it will be much easier to get that first latch on. I don't know much about the meds you may be taking for your BP but if it is okay to nurse with them, nurse as soon as he's born.

I wish you the best in breastfeeding this time around!

K.

Both of my labors were induced (my son, just 2 weeks ago). With my daughter, I was induced 2 weeks before my due date because of my blood pressure. I didn't have any problems with my milk coming in. With both, it came in about 4 days after delivery. The only advice I would give is to just keep trying, and not to supplement with formula (unless, of course, the dr. says you should). Lanolin was my best friend after about a week of nursing because I had huge scabs that would open every time I nursed. And I did have to pump for a couple of days while I healed. That was beyond exhausting, but worth it. So, just keep trying and ask the lactation people for help if you need it. And if you do end up supplementing or just straight formula feeding don't let anyone try to make you feel bad about it. Congratulations!!!

N.,

I was induced (thank God) and had no problem breast feeding. I don't think being induced and breast feeding have any connection at all. Whenever the body goes into labor and gives birth, it sends a signal for the breasts to produce milk. The body doesn't know if it's being induced. If you don't produce enough milk, it will have nothing to do w/ being induced. Good luck!

I was induced with both of my girls, but both were over 40 weeks. However, being induced before my body was 'ready' to go into labor didn't really seem to affect my milk coming in. I don't know if that's because I was already at 40 weeks; I THINK, though, that the hormones you release during labor are what triggers the colostrum, so your milk should be there for you even if you're induced. In fact, another friend of mine had to have a C-section at 38 weeks and her milk came in fine as well. Good luck and congrats!!

I have always heard the best thing to do is put the baby on the breast within the first hour of delivery. The baby sucking on your breast will trigger the milk to come down. I would not let any nurses or anyone give the baby a bottle until you have established a good breastfeeding routine and your milk is all the way in. Another thing that helps is to pump after you feed the baby, and especially after taking a hot shower, which helps trigger the milk to come down. I did this with both of my children and breastfeeding was not a problem. My first was 9 days early and second was 7 days early and induced. I wouldn't worry too much about it! Just be comfortable and enjoy your new addition! I hope it all goes well! Congratulations!

Hi N.,
Congrats on your impending baby! What an exciting time for your family. It sounds like you are a great mom. I really want you to focus on that. You can do this. You want to nurse your baby, you are healthy and have a supportive husband. You will be fine. Just try to stay nourished and as well-rested as possible and you will have plenty of milk. Drink lots of water! (Can grandma or some other wonderful person come and scoop up your 7-yr old for a few hours while you nap?) And maybe try contacting Le Leche League - they will give you practical advice and support. I know you will be fine!

I was induced at 38 weeks and had no more trouble than anyone else i knew (who hadn't been) with milk production and breastfeeding.

Without offending, I would like to mention that my lactation consultant said that she believed that many people use being induced as an excuse to by pass the hard work of beginning breastfeeding. After all, women who adopt and have never been pregnant are often able to produce milk and breastfeed after much hard work.

That being said, I wouldn't have stuck with it if I hadn't contacted the La Leche League for help and committed my family to holding me accountable for my decision to breastfeed for at least 6 months. the first 6 weeks were difficult, but IT GOT SO MUCH EASIER FROM THERE... I nursed my daughter for 14 months and she has literally NEVER been sick.

Good luck on your journey.

I was induced into labor a little early with my second - around 39 weeks. She had a tied tongue which contributed to a lot of frustration and difficult latching on. However, as far as wanting the breast, there were no issues. I would just suggest breastfeeding as soon as you can in the hospital. That is what I did with both of mine and each latched on quickly. Also, if you have difficulty there should be a lactation consultant there that will be able to assist you with any issues. Some things you can do in advance are not to put too much pressure on yourself. Also, go with your instict. The nurses can put so much pressure on you to feed every hour and keep a log. I was one of thoses that just fed on demand. I used lots of Lansolin to prevent my nipples from cracking and drying up. I brought a bottle to the hospital and applied it constantly. The helped a lot. Good luck!!

I was induced with 2 of my children. One at 41 weeks and one at 38 weeks. The one born at 41 weeks had no problems nursing neither did my oldest son who was born without induction. My youngest who was induced at 38 weeks did have lots of problems with nursing really sucking in general. I was induced with cyotec with both children. I only had to have one dose and it worked great. I did not need picotin during labor with either baby. My son lost too much weight so I did have to give him bottles which he had a difficulty sucking on the bottle and it would take him a long time to get him to take a bottle. I would always try to get him latched on at every feeding. He finally learn to latch on but was not having a nutritive suck so I would have let down and he would not really do anything to transfer the milk. I tried the supplemental nursing system but would usually end up giving him it in a bottle. I was pumping every 2-3 hours to keep up my milk supply. I was also taking Fenugeek, an herb to increase milk supply. I consulted a couple lactation counsultants who were very helpful but the bottom line was the problem was with him and his weak suck and inability to transfer the milk. I decided to continue the attempted to nurse, bottle-feed and pump for 3 months and if he didn't have it by then I would reconsider. He got it down at about 2 1/2 months and he weight gain has been great since then. I did also see a speech pathologist to check my son out. He was 7 weeks at the time. She told me white males are the weakest babies and he is acting like he was born at about 34 weeks but he was born at 38 weeks. She told me that he is on his way and he will probably be nursing great in a couple of weeks. That was just the encouragement I needed to keep going. Know that breastfeeding can work even after 2-3 months but it important to have a good breast pump so you can maitain you milk supply. Also, know that you can e-mail me once you baby is born and I encourage you. I know it can be a tough road.

i was not induced but I did have to supplement 2 of my three children, it is different with every child, my first would nurse and take supplement formula ( he would eat anything and everything offered) my third had to be supplemented and eventually didn't want the breast because my milk began to dry up... (I had a bad cold and was having to take meds and they made me dry up), I think it is different for each child, if you have trouble breast feeding I highly recommend La Leche, they were great for me, admittedly it was 9 yrs ago but they were very helpful, more so than the lactation consultant at the hospital/Dr's office. Good luck

I had preeclampsia and at first like that they wanted to induce me due to the high blood pressure. But later I hated it. Sometimes being induced means that you might have to have a cesearen which I did. When I had my second baby, I had to switch doctors because the one I used didn't do VBAC's which is vaginal delivery after c-section. I defenitly decided I wanted a vaginal delivery but the downside was I had to go into natural labor, contractions had to start on there own and at least be at a 2 to a 3 before they admitted. Thankfully that is exactly what happened so I got what I wanted with no complications.

The being induced part is your decision, but you have to think, whats more important waiting to go into natural labor and risk having seisures or worse then they have to do an emergency c-section anyways or allowing them to go ahead and induce early and hope you get a natural birth. Personnally, I'd go for the inducing part. My baby's life is more important than mine.

My advice to you would be to contact your local La Leche League asap and talk to someone there for advice. Also, take advantage of the lactation consultants in the hospital. It could be that everything will go just fine, but better to educate yourself before hand and to line up your resources now instead of after the fact. Good luck!!

I would contact a lactation consultant at the hospital now and ask them questions (it's free). If you're delivering at Baylor Grapevine, they are very pro breastfeeding, and their consultants are great! Also, if for some reason you end up with a c-section, they take the baby into the recovery room so you can nurse immediately after delivery (and of course after they've gotten you back together). I don't think it would be an issue because you're already considered full term at that time, and I know many women who have nursed successfully. I was induced with my first -- overdue though --, had a c-section and nursed beautifully. Good luck!

I was induced for both deliveries and I don't believe that played any role whatsoever in milk production or my ability to nurse. What put the wrench in nursing with my 2nd baby was the pain meds and muscle relaxers I was prescribed because of a bad epidural insertion. The meds dried me up and I had to supplement because my dgtr kept losing weight, and like you experienced, once your baby gets a belly full, they are reluctant to work on nursing any further. Don't go into the delivery with added stress or worries, just let the doctors and the pitocin do their jobs and you and your baby will be just fine.
Good luck!