BFing moms, come in please!

I tried to BF my little guys, but find that it takes WAY too long (and even after keeping them on the breast for 30 minutes, they are still starving). And since they were preemies and need to be on a feeding schedule to increase their weights, I decided it is best to pump and bottle feed them so that I know how much they are eating. I have been pumping almost every 3 hours, but I still cant seem to make enough milk to cover more than 3 feedings for each of them. They are 2.5 weeks now and they are eating about 24 oz/day each (8 times/day). I supplement with NeoSure (preemie formula) for the other feedings.

Any tips on how I can increase my supply so I can give more of my milk to them?? I'm making a pretty good amount of milk if I only had 1 baby, but definitely not enough for 2 of them...is it because its still only been 2 weeks or is it because im only pumping and not actually BFing them??

TIA

Message edited 6/27/2010 1:34:51 PM.

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

I don't have multiples but I pump exclusively my singleton. Are you using a hospital grade pump like the Symphony? You should. Are you pumping at least once in the middle of the night? You should also try pumping after a hot shower. I find that works well. I pump when I wake up and get about 14 ounces. I immediately shower and then pump again. This usually gets me another 3 or 4 ounces. You can also try massaging your breasts before pumping.

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

My best advice is still put them to the breast for a cfew feedings and then top them off with a bottle. Babies are better at sucking and increasing yhour milk supply. It will be rough the first few weeks but you will get there!

Great job mama!

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

I have 10 day old twin girls at home and I am doing exactly what you are doing- I bottle feed them my pumped milk. The firstt 5 days I had them on my breast but I didn't know how much they were getting and I felt that I always had my boobs out- between feeding them and then again to pump.

I probably pump 5 times a day and I also do a midnight or early morning pump. I drink TONS OF WATER easliy - 6 32 oz huge water cups. I don't have a probable producing. I have to also tell you that I am not EBF, I do give them formula about once a day.

I have been told my girlfriends and my sisters that some women just can;t produce alot of milk for whatever reason- go easy on yourself and keep at it.

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

I have twin girls. BF was just not happenening for me I got way to stressed and gave up too quick. My ped said I need to drink 2 glasses of water before, during and after pumping. I also drank Mother's Milk tea

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

I was never able to pump enough. In the beginning, I definitely felt like I was constantly BFing, but it got so much better. Have you tried tandem nursing?

Re: BFing moms, come in please!

i felt the same way with twins. it is hard. i saw a lactation consultant. She suggested a lot of water and an extra feeding/pumping. like i had time for that.
It does get easier after a couple of weeks.

there are also these cookies called milk makers that really increase your supply.

good luck! your doing great