Breastfeeding Support Group Community

I am curious to read some replies to this. I was not successful with BF my DD due to what I believed was low supply at the time. I am due to give birth to my second any day now and can't decide whether or not to try BF again. I pumped with DD in an attempt to increase my milk and still only got 1/2 ounce total. Hoping things will be different this time around.

Just make sure to talk to a Lactation consultant before giving up there might be an issue with latching or something. I suggest to make sure you are remaining hydrated and you are eating regularly, believe me if you aren't eating or dehydrated you will not produce enough if any milk. Also try to keep your stress levels down as that messes with your milk production. But the best thing to do is talk to a lactation consultant and if you aren't successful for a long time or for all your babies feedings remember that you have not "failed" and you are doing what is best for the baby either way. Because a stressed out Mom equals a stressed baby too. HTH and GL!!!!

I agree with the pp. With my first DD I was dehydrated when I was addmitted and did not produce enough milk. With DD2 (week and a half old) so far I have been able to exclusively bf. I have been drinking plenty of water, eating fruit and veg. as snacks and eating healthy.

Thanks for the feedback. When should I begin looking for a LC. I'll be 4 months tomorrow. I'm just a little anxious about everything.

It is actually very rare that a mother does not make enough milk as long as she is feeding on demand. Many mothers believe they are not making enough because their baby eats all the time...but the truth is, for the first couple months, your baby DOES eat all the time!!! It's normal! Be prepared to feed every two hours (from start of feeding to start of feeding. Meaning, if your baby takes 45 minutes to finish eating, you will be feeding again an hour and 15 minutes later!) I will not lie, sometimes it's frustrating how much a newborn eats. It's exhausting. But it gets better; you just have to hang in there.

Another thing that makes women think they're not making enough is they pump "just to see" how much they've got. However, if you're feeding on demand, you're not going to get much from pumping. Your body is amazing. It adjusts to exactly what your baby needs. There is not a lot of leftovers And babies are much more efficient at getting milk than a pump. Sometimes, babies can get twice as much milk as a pump! So pumping is not a good determination of how much you're producing.

The best advice I can give to ensure a good supply is: nurse, nurse, nurse! In the beginning, nursing should be the first thing you try when your baby fusses. Don't try to follow the clock, thinking "my baby just ate 30 minutes ago, she can't possibly be hungry." Yes, she can! The more your nurse, the more milk you will make. It's all supply and demand. Also, allowing your baby to nurse for comfort will help your supply. One of the best things I was told in the beginning was: for the first four to six weeks, forget about EVERYTHING (housework, etc). Your sole purpose, full-time job is to nurse your baby and take care of yourself by resting and eating and drinking properly.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself! Read as much as you can. I love the site www.kellymom.com It has a lot of great info. And take a breastfeeding class! Most hospitals offer them for free or cheap.

Good luck!

I agree 100% w pp. I'm a first time mom and those first few weeks were tough, but well worth it. My DD is 9 months know-all real pro!

I found a Pediatrician I liked that had a lactation nurse on staff. Very convenient and cost nothing extra! I also read "The womanly art of breast feeding" A great book w tons of information.

Don't give up! Be prepared and plan on it being all consuming (in a good way)

Come back here, too. We'll be here for you!!!

I agree with PP - in the beginning, pump when you can after or bbetween nursings. And stick with it. Its tough in the beginning, bbut well worth it.
There were many times I thought, "I can't do this." But I have for four months and see no problems with making it 6 months. the beginning was a challenge and going back to work and having to pump has been a challenge, but I'm so glad I've stuck with it.
Talk to the lactation specialist at the hospital - she came to me after my delivery and I called her once after I was home. She was a big help so don't be afraid to utilize that resource!