Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

my son latched on right away in the hospital & things started off well. He did well on the colostrum.

When he was 4 days old, we took him to his first doctor's appointment & he lost weight. He was 7 pounds 4 oz at birth, 6 12 at discharge, & 6 8 at the doctors. She recommended I supplement with formula in addition to BF. After 2 feedings with the supplementation, my son did not want to latch back on! I was devasted! After many hours & tears, DH & I got him to latch back on and BF.

I met with a lactation consultant the next morning. She said my milk was in but I needed to increase my supply. It seemed my DS was getting less than 1 ounce at every feeding. She taught me some techniques, had me listen for swallowing versus just pacifying sucking.

Our plan:
Nurse every 2 hours during the day & 3 at night.

Pump 3-5 times per day

Supplement feedings with pumped breast milk and/or formula with a syrienge or dropper so there was no nipple confusion like before.

The problem is when I pump, I only get 1/2 ounce between both breasts! I was told to keep doing this and my milk supply will increase. I have been doing this plan for 4 days and my pumping has not increased.
DS is having the appropriate number of wet & soiled (seedy, yellow) diapers, and he is up to 7 pounds. I know it is working but when will it get better??? I am so exhausted & frustrated but want to continue with breastmilk. I am only supplementing every other feeding now.

Sometimes, I can't tell if he is getting enough from BF. Sometimes I have to wake him for feedings and other times he is hysterical. I just don't know how much milk I am actually producing and passing on to him. If you go by my pumping, I only get 1/2 ounce from both breasts. I wish I could pump more, introduce the bottle in a few weeks so I feel less stressed.

Sorry for the long post but any advice is greatly appreciated!

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

with my daughter the same thing happened as far as, in the hospital BF was breeze. She latched on right away and everything was great! Then we got home and my milk came in and it was horrible. I didn't get a lactation consultant (although I actually had the number to call and was about to) but my SIL came over every day for all the day feedings to help and give me support. She lost weight on the first doctors appointment, and it took about two weeks before things turned around. I'm not a lactation consultant so I'm not a professional, but I think it's great you have one and she is giving you awesome advice. Once my daughter and I worked it out my milk started coming in normally and she was eating really well and gaining weight! I know it's really emotional and very difficult thinking...I'm not giving my baby enough!!! But hang in there and surround yourself with positive support! You can do it!!

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

You can def do it! And honestly, it took me about 2 weeks to get it perfect with DS! And once you do, you will be so happy you stuck with it! The more you pump/nurse, the more your milk will come in. So, just keep it up! Also, make sure to keep drinking fluids yourself!!

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

Yuo have FM!!!

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

I feel the same way. I wish I could pump more so I can leave the house and not worry if she gets hungry earlier than 3 hrs. everyone says the amount you pump is not what your baby gets from you when bf'ing so I wouldnt worry about that. I'm 1.5 weeks pp and trying to bf and pump. I don't get a lot from pumping yet. the only time i got over 2 oz was when I pumped in place of a feeding b/c my mother gave her a bottle. when I pump in between feedings i'm lucky if I get 1 oz. from each side. I keep hearing the more you do it the more you'll eventually get. I think my big mistake was attempting to pump right after a feeding. Make sure you leave some time in btwn, think I heard an hour. I also heard you get more in the am. how long do you pump for? I'm thinking of trying that mothers milk tea I hear helps your supply...

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

Pump after everyfeed-or pump one side while he feeds on the other, next time switch. Go to whole foods or order online-More Milk Plus. It has helped a lot of ladies on here. Feed on demand instead of on a schedule. It will work out! Keep at it

Re: Repost from Parenting - New Moms who are breastfeeding...need advice please (long post)

i think since you are ebf, you wont pump as much because your baby is taking everything he needs...
you are doing the right thing!!! keep doing it!!