Ok, I feel like a total failure in this department. I was pumping to keep up my supply and had been doing great. Then I decided to sleep through the night and didn't pump a few times and almost immediately my supply diminished to next to nothing. I had no idea this would happen so quick. I had been pumping mainly because my baby is a preemie and didn't have the power a full term baby would to BF. She would basically fall asleep after a few minutes,wake up, fall asleep and it would take a long time to feed her so I found it easier to pump and bottle feed her. Is there anything I can do to get my milk supply back? I only get a very little amount out now. I feel like I failed in this department. My baby could have really used mommy's help to get stronger through BF. Is it too late or is there hope because I still have a little left in me?
Nancy
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Sue - you didn't fail! I am sure that you should be able to build it back up considering it doesn't sound like you lost your complete supply.
It will take a couple of days, but just increasing the demand for the milk should help bring it back in. I know Michele knows a great deal about natural remedies to help up the supply. The two that I know off hand are oatmeal and a dark beer.
You could FM here though for all the details!
NovemberSue
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I am not sure if there is any hope of getting it back. My supply has decreased significantly. I feel like I failed my baby in this department. I am so upset with myself. If anyone knows of anything I can do to try to bring back my supply, please let me know.
Stacey1403
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Sue eat oatmeal and there are some herbs you could take too, of course I can't think of the names now I would call a lactation consultant asap, I'm sure they could help you
Nancy
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Posted by NovemberSue
I am not sure if there is any hope of getting it back. My supply has decreased significantly. I feel like I failed my baby in this department. I am so upset with myself. If anyone knows of anything I can do to try to bring back my supply, please let me know.
Sue, first thing I would think is to think positively...I know it sounds stupid, but I think it helps to relax to let the milk 'flow' No matter what, it will take time.
I know that oatmeal in any form is helpful. So if you don't like eating oatmeal, bake some cookies and eat those! No one can resist cookies!
anna
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Sue, Im sure there is still hope. I think there would even be hope if you had totally stopped and wanted to start back again. I remember reading about relactating, and you still have milk so you should be totally able to get your supply back up.
There are some mommies on here who will be of great support. Or maybe you can call a LLL Member who can help you right over the phone (its free to call them). Let me know if you need phone numbers.
Good luck ! You can do it!
NovemberSue
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I'm sure if I called someone, they would want me to join some group and pay fees. I don't have time to do any of that. I just need to get some quick advice from anyone who knows what I can do. Anyone know? Cookies? I love cookies.
NIHA
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Sue, you have not failed!! You've done so much already for your little girl. I personally think it is worth it to pay one for one or 2 visits, it could help a lot (you would be spending the $$ on formula anyway). First call LLL, they offer free advice, but will also probably refer you to a LC.
I was pumping around the clock for a month and drank mother's milk tea, and also took fenugreek supplements. You can find both in a health food store. Good luck.
NovemberSue
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
What is LLL?
Nancy
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
LLL is a lactation specialist, I believe.
What about your peditrician? The ped I picked has a lactation consultant right on staff or they may be able to help you find an affordable option!
coselige
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
LLL I believe means La Leche League.
Sue - don't give up. I would suggest maybe forum mailing Michele or Jenny or Stacey. I myself have not tried to breastfeed, but they as well as some of the BTDT mommies could probably offer some great tips. Good luck
Claud2001
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I agree with Niha, Sue. It is a smart investment to go see a Lactation Consultant for some help now, before it is too late.
I think Michele has the name of a really great LC nearby (in Suffolk). She is not cheap, but you need all the help you can get. And, your insurance company might actually cover some of the costs.
Also, what pump are you using to pump? When your supply is low or decreasing, you need a more powerful (hospital grade) pump to help increase the demand on your milk production.
Try to pump as often as physically possible. Take Fenugreek and eat Oatmeal for breakfast. Drink PLENTY of fluids - no caffeine, no sugary sodas...try lots of water and no sugar added juices.
Hang in there - you're gonna be fine and I'm sure the milk will come back!
Victoria
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
You can still do this. I agree with all the others. Contact a lactation consultant. I think it is worth it to pay for one private session and then see if you think you should continue with them. You may only need one session. The fenugreek, mother's milk tea and oatmeal also help. Keep pumping as much as you can. If you think she is strong enough to nurse directly now, then pump the side she is not eating on. You will probably have a better letdown while she is eating. Keep us posted on your progress. You are really helping her with any amount of milk, especially a preemie.
NovemberSue
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I read about the Fenogreek but I also read that it could be harmful to the baby. I read it online when I went to look up info on it. My baby is a preemie so she isn't as strong as a regular newborn which is why I haven't been BF and I've been mostly pumping. I have the Medela pump. I'm trying to pump every 3 or 4 hours hoping my supply will get better. In the meantime, I've been giving Alyssa formula which really stinks because its obviously not as digestible and she spits a little up every time.
Claud2001
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Sue, I think you should be pumping closer to every 2-3 hours at the most. Waiting 4 hours is a big gap IMO, for someone who is trying to increase their supply.
Remember, BFing is all about supply vs. demand, so you have to make your boobs think that the baby wants MORE food - the only way to do this is continue pumping as often as possible.
Also, do you mean the Medela Pump In Style? If so, that's not really a hospital grade pump and it really works better for a Mom who has an established milk supply already.
FM Michele and ask her for the name of the LC she used. I am sure Michele will get back to you ASAP with the info.
michele31
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I just FMd you Sue. Sorry I was away for the weekend with no LIW access. I FMd you the LC's number. Since you have a preemie your insurance may cover it and normally they cover the cost of the breast pump. You NEED a hospital grade pump, not your PIS right now. She can help you get one of those. You need to work on this right now but there is A LOT of hope. I had NO milk when I came home and the LC really helped me and after 3 weeks I didn't need any formula anymore. You have a lot of challenges with bfing and you are doing your best. I am very proud of you!!!
michele31
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
Oh, I meant to also add you need to pump every 2 hours (from when you start, not when you finish) to build supply. At night wake up and pump every 4 hours- even if the baby is sleeping!
Also- drink a FULL glass of water while you are pumping.
I never had any problems with fenugeek. It helped me a ton.
Lack of sleep and stress also greatly effect your supply. Try to ask your mom to come over for an hour or two and take a nice nap. I bet your supply will increase then.
pschica
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
i know i am not a mom but wanted to try and help (you know for future practice!)
sue, you certainly didn't fail - you are a wonderful mom who has already been through so much....
you are an inspiration to all of us 'non-mom's' yet!
take care and don't let it get you down!
(hope i didn't overstep by posting on this... )
NovemberSue
Posted:
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
I went to the Lactation Consultant that Michele31 recommended today and I rented a breast pump. I had taken a BF course before the baby was born but they never mentioned anything about situations in which you may need to rent a breast pump. They did mention perhaps that you may want to buy a little pump at BRU or something for when you have to go back to work. I didn't even realize that those are not good enough to keep up your supply and that they are only good for if you have to go out for a few hours and need to keep a bottle home.Anyway, the lady Michele told me about was really nice. I rented a pump from her and she told me that I should see an improvement in a few days. Thanks everyone for all the advice and thanks Michele for all the info.
phyl
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Re: Breastfeeding issues (pumping issues).
keep up your spirits.. it really DOES make a difference. you are doing a GREAT job!!
