I’m really needing some advice. Breast feeding has been really tough on me. I want to do the best…
I’m really needing some advice.
Breast feeding has been really tough on me. I want to do the best thing for my baby but I’m having a really rough time. I’ve been breastfeeding but also trying to pump. Yesterday I got about 2 ounces from both breasts combined but today I’ve tried to pump a few times and I’ve gotten nothing. Makes me really nervous that when I’m breast feeding he’s getting nothing. He doesn’t seem unsatisfied when he comes off the boob but I’m just not sure. I’ve tried formula and he won’t take it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Could it be that the pump I have is crappy? Or could it be something else and I need to give up on the breastfeeding?
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Try not to worry. I worried and stressed a lot and it affected my supply. I've read online that the first 6 weeks to 3 months, to establish a good supply, you need to empty your breasts 8-12 times in 24 hours. Also stay hydrated. I was told to drink a cup every time baby fed or I pumped.
I'm not an expert. I only managed to nurse my girl for 6 weeks, then pumped until she was 6 months. My supply was not good. Even with the medication my Dr gave me. I'm sure you'll get better advice from others!
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Oh, another thing is to make sure the flanges on your pump are the right size (you'll need to look on your pumps site for more info)
You can contact a lactation consultant too. I'm not sure if that's free or not
LEO Wifey·
How do your breasts feel - do they feel like they're stretching or full? If so, you're making milk. It could be a poor pump, and babies are generally much better at getting milk out than pumps are.
I know it's hard to tell, but if baby is swallowing, then he's getting milk. The best way to tell is to keep an eye on diapers. If he's having enough wet diapers and seems satisfied after eating, he's getting food. 😊
This is a really nervewreaking time for new bf'ing moms - I was just as nervous and probably called lactation hotlines/nurses every other day with questions. If you have any of those available to you, don't hesitate to use them!
deleted-user·
Don’t worry about how much the pump gets out baby is much much more efficient at pulling milk out. If he is satisfied and having wet diapers that’s all the matters! Some women don’t respond well or at all to pumps. Whenever I tried pumping barely anything came out 95% of the time, but my son has still been exclusively breastfed this whole time. Make sure you have the right sized flange, drink lots of water, try some lactation cookies or tea, some women respond to lactation supplements and some don’t though.