Please someone answer these questions!!!

Joy - posted on 09/26/2011

U will only produce what he eats and needs. Your boobs are NOT to big. Breast milk is higher in fat and calories. That is why yor baby may not need as much. You might need a breast shield. Since you gave a bottle.

Kathy - posted on 09/19/2011

Here is some information on breastfeeding with larger breasts:

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/l...

Samantha - posted on 09/19/2011

You have probably seen a decrease because your body is adjusting to what is being removed. Try to latch at every feeding before he is hungry and then pump. You should be pumping every 2 hours for about 10 to 15 minutes. It seems demanding but in order to keep your supply up it is what you need to do. Have you tried a nipple shield? Baby's mouth is little so a shield may be easier to latch onto. Keep pumping regularly and breastfeeding will get better. Good luck and let us all know if things are getting better!!

Randie - posted on 09/14/2011

Not sure if it's been mentioned before but Fenugreek boosts your milk supply...try it...please don't give up! good luck!

Gill - posted on 09/14/2011

you've probably already got through, but if you are still having problems just remember, a very little baby only needs a small amount of milk at one time - think how tiny their tummies are! (about the size of a marble) Don't worry - it's probably unlikely you're not producing enough milk

Mercy - posted on 09/09/2011

Eat foods that increase milk secretion.. Even if it didn't work, ask your Dr for an alternative baby power when the baby needs more than yours..

Kate - posted on 09/08/2011

Keep trying, don't give up! It took me and my son about 8 weeks to get the hang of latching and breastfeeding. I used a nipple shield at first because of flat nipples and they helped a lot. A lactation consultant may be helpful- my experience wasn't fantastic with them though- I didn't get the help I needed, and I got stuck with a huge huge bill b/c my insurance doesn't cover it. It wasn't free as someone else indicated- make sure you check before going!! My midwife was way more helpful than the lactation consultants. La Leche League is also helpful. I have www.kellymom.com bookmarked- it has a ton of useful info. I feel hyprocritical saying this as I stress about my own supply, but try to relax and know that it's going to work out no matter what. You'll both figure it out. Congratulations on your little boy!!

Dee - posted on 09/05/2011

Congratulations to you on being able to pump, I had a really hard time with that. I have to agree with the other posters, because the idea of a breast being too big for a baby boggles my mind. I am also confused as to whether or not you mean your nipples or the breast itself. I have never had experience with a tongue-tied baby, but if you suspect that may be the problem, I would recommend checking it out with a doctor immediately. That aside, the best advice I can give you is check how you are positioning the baby. If your breasts are large, you may be smothering the poor little guy unintentionally. Also, if you pump, I would suggest feeding him with a small cup, like a shot glass. It works surprisingly well, is what they do in many countries, and eliminates the problem of nipple confusion. Relax and offer the breast often. Skin on skin is also a great way to go.

Jessica - posted on 08/28/2011

Hi Amy~I had this issue with my son. Big boobs, little mouth. He also had a "funny latch", too, which created a lot of pain for me. I ended up pumping for six months, but I tried him at the breast every day to see how we were coming along. Around six months, I think his mouth had grown and his latch became better. After that we nursed. Using the pump didn't effect my supply, but I did have supply issues at three months just like I had with my first child. Between all three of my kids, I have tried herbs (fenugreek and blessed thistle), Reglan and Domperidone. The herbs didn't work for me, but some people have success with them. What worked the best for me was Domperidone, which is difficult to get in the US, but can be ordered online. In any case, definitely go see a lactation consultant for help, and hang in there :)

Rachel - posted on 08/24/2011

All I can say is TRY TRY TRY. My daughter was born 3 weeks early and didnt know how to suck. I never knew this was possible. She is our first child. I spent 3 months trying and trying to get her to nurse. In the hospital the nurses were trying but said my breasts/nipples might be too large. I thought please I am not the only person who bf's with big breasts. These were nurses not lactation specialists. My husband and I first had to finger feed our daughter and then I would try and use a nipple shield. I pumped for the first 12 months she was born. Since she really didnt nurse the first 3 months. I pumped after everytime we did a "feeding". Yes it takes a lot of work but I was trying to keep my body with how much she was demanding. I also did not wear an underwire bra. Underwires in some woman hurt their milk supply so you will not produce as much. Also, if you have an IUD as birth control that can cause low milk supply. I had an IUD but I also pumped more to counter act that. Keep trying he will come back around. Make sure you are pumping often and drink lots or water. If you are still unsure contact a lactation specialist. Your OB may have one you can contact, in my case the hospital always has some on staff for patients if they need them. I always offered my breast before a bottle. I would try until I knew my little girl might be getting frustrated. There are also hot teas you can get to help boost your milk supply (I have seen them at Babies 'R Us and you can also find recipes online for lactation cookies. My daughter is 26 months now, and I nursed her until he was 22-23 months. She naturally weaned herself. Stick with it. I know you can do it!

Leyla - posted on 08/24/2011

i'm a 40H and i have been nursing for 2.5 years now with my son......you just have to make sure he is getting enough areola. breast size can make it challenging but not impossible.

Leah - posted on 08/22/2011

Great to hear things are working out. By the way my friend used the nipple shield for her infant and could not get him to latch on her breast again. Part she had low supply and part she was using the shield from newborn to a month old. The baby wasn't latching on good either. She also got a yeast infection on her nipples. She wasn't sanitizing the shield after each use. Make sure you are continuing to keep in contact with your consultant and trying the nipple before the shield everytime you feed. Both my kids were "lazy" breastfeeders the first week and half. They got stronger by 2 weeks and getting their practice in. Your baby just needs time to get used to breastfeeding and staying latched. I remember those days of holding the baby on the boob and keeping their jaws moving to feed. Btw my boobs were HUGE! Like FFF size at first. Hang in there.=)

Leah - posted on 08/22/2011

I would recommend that you contact your obgyn right away to get a number for a lactation consultant in your area and go see them asap. They will be able to help you. I had a similar problem when I brought my 1st home from the hospital. We did great in the hospital but got home and she had trouble latching. I saw a lactation consultant and she helped me. They are a God sent. Good luck and best wishes.

Amy - posted on 08/22/2011

Thanks everyone and yes I did see a consultant He is still having trouble eating from the breast so I have fully started pumping into bottles and feeding his this way. He is still getting breast milk and I do try to latch him everyday to see how he does but not so good right now.......He isnt tongue tied I had him checked b4 we even left the hospital. I have been told to get a nipple shield so thats my next step! thanks again to all of you

Carly - posted on 08/22/2011

Have you tried the football hold? I have gigantic breasts (I or even J sometimes) and I found that the football hold worked best. I would put a pillow behind me and a pillow or 2 down flat next to me and lay the baby on the side pillows and just bring his head to the breast. His body would kind of go under my arm and stick out behind me. When he got bigger (I breastfed both my sons until 17-19 months), he would just prop his feet up on the couch or headboard behind me! Silly boy!

Marjorie - posted on 08/22/2011

What you might try - if he is fond of the bottle is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nipple_shie...(breastfeeding) These might help as they are elongated like a bottle nipple (the baby might not like to have to work at feeding anymore now that he has something that reaches down into his throat the way a bottle nipple does). I would recommend taking it out of the sterilizer and using it while warm, expressing a bit into it so that it smells right and seeing what he will do. Then over time, during the feed when your nipple is in a shape that he likes you can start to remove the shield.
Good luck!

Tracy - posted on 08/21/2011

I had issues with pumping myself.. actually I never was able to pump more then an ounce for either of my children, but the road block for me was let down. Are you experiencing that tingling release sensation during feeding and or pumping? this is the milk ducts opening up to release the milk. If the baby can not latch on regardless of trying multipul positions (cradle,football,laying,etc) then try to manualy express some milk by massaging your breast with a towel on hand to wipe up any leakage. Releasing some of the tension of the built up milk (esp. if you are not having let down and expressing all of your milk) may make the aerola (sp?) more pliable and accessible for your munchkin . I would try this three maybe four times before ruling this out as a solution. My guess (from what you describe) is that because you are not experiencing let down your breasts and in turn your body thinks your don't need the milk and there for is shortening your supply. Don't fret, working to correct it and return to full expression will tell your body to return to production. I found, at first, that let down was hard to achieve unless we were both calm, warm, comfortable and often alone because it allowed me to relax an focus on the process rather then the "other" outside factors that could effect each of our responses to feeding. My son was a veracious feeder and I needed to do very little to help him, but my daughter required, at first, that I take my hand, cup my breast and use my pointer finger to aim my nipple into her frantically rooting little mouth. I would gently move her closer as I aimed my nipple so she could latch on far enough down and in the correct position. Some times we forget that this is their first time too :) I sure hope you find a way to make it work!! let us know if you can ♥

Aleks - posted on 08/21/2011

Big breast should not cause problems with breastfeeding. Full Stop.
I have naturally E to F cups (when not lactating) and these have since increased to G and H cups (this did not include the milk coming in stage which is even larger). Both my babies did not have problems breastfeeding. Yes, you have to angle your breast (and also sometimes hold it with one hand) while feeding your baby, but it should not impact ability to breastfeed.
My daughter was a relatively small baby (at only 6lbs 8oz at birth) and she did not have porblems latching.
I found it best to use a feeding pillow to prop up the baby and also holding my breast up so the nipple is horizontal towards the baby (while doing the "C" hold with my palm/fingers around the nipple).
Again. Big breasts are not a deterrent to breast feeding.
Who ever tells you this has got wrong information.

I would recommend speaking with a lactation consultant regarding this issue. And if they tell you that the size of your breasts is a problem, go and find another one.
Good luck :-)

Elise - posted on 08/21/2011

I went through a similar experience with my first and the lactation consultant I saw was excellent and helped get him back on the boob and feeding properly so I really recommend getting in touch with one. I'm not sure where you are but where I am you can use the hospital lactation consultants free if you make contact within 6 weeks of leaving hospital. My son found the bottle so much easier than the boob so didn't want to bf. We ended up using a haberman special needs feeder, after using that for a week or two we had him on the breast and no issues after that. I have had friends since who have used the haberman bottle with great success also. Best to discuss it with an LC though. Good Luck!

Natalie - posted on 08/21/2011

I forgot to mention that one snag we hit during breastfeeding was, because my breasts are big, I had to sometimes help position my son so that his nose had plenty of airspace around it. I wasn't smothering him, but he didn't like the weight of the breast on his face. We often used the "football" hold and that seemed to work wonderfully. With my second son, he didn't like the football hold, so we did the standard cross-the-body hold, but I used my free hand to help support my breast and keep it up and away from his nose. I hope that helps!

Joanna - posted on 08/20/2011

My son had a hard time in the beginning, but the best advice anyone ever gave me was to stick with it. Keep tryinig the breast---he will get the hang of it. Your breasts will stop feeling so full as they are regulating the supply....however, you do need to keep pumping if he is not feeding regularly to keep your supply going. Remember, it's supply and demand. My breasts are DD and neither of my children have had problems. I breastfed my son for 13 months and am still feeding my 6 month old now. Good luck to you!

Natalie - posted on 08/20/2011

I'm not sure who told your your breasts are too big for nursing, but it is absolutely not true. I have DD's, and I know women with bigger breasts then I, and we have all successfully nursed. I also have very large aureolas and nipples, and this did not cause problems for my kids. Please go to a la leche league group if you can, or at least call a LLL leader. They helped me so much through the years of nursing my two boys. If you don't have one near you, a lactation consultant or even a midwife can help you!

Jessica - posted on 08/20/2011

Maybe try a nipple shield? My first child had a difficult time latching (although I think my inexperience had a lot to do with it) and a nipple shield helped a lot.

Naheeda - posted on 08/20/2011

I agree with many other moms who have posted. I would definitely suggesting seeing a lactation consultants, there are also doctors out there who specialize in breastfeeding. Although you may be getting frustrated getting your baby to latch on I would suggest keeping trying. At every feeding have the baby latch on as best as you can and then follow up with pumping additional milk. This should keep your breast supply up. Having the baby suck is the best way to keep milk supply up, it is even better than a pump doing this. I would suggest drinking a lot of fluids before breastfeeding, massaging the breast before breastfeeding, not stressing and relaxing. You mentioned your nipple being big but as long as the baby is latching on as wide as possibly (does not necessarily need to be covering the whole areola). Ensure you are positioning the baby in order to maximize breastfeeding, a nursinug pillow may help with this. A nipple shield may help... You can take vitamins such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, nursing tea to ensure milk supply stays up. If these do not work then you can be prescribed domperidone but I would suggest these as a last option. Good luck

Nettia - posted on 08/20/2011

As said, offer the breast constantly. Baby-led can help. My son was funny about latching on in the first few days as well. I used, what I believe what is called a nursing kit that was was supplied by the hospital. Basically, it's like someone else said, you want to get the milk flowing first. Once the taste is there he should naturally be drawn to latch on. As far as your nipple being too big, this is definitely possible at this time. Make sure you are not at all engorged before hand. Express if you must. If you are, this makes it incredibly more difficult for baby to latch on. Also, don't worry about getting all of you nipple into his mouth, just as much as you can. I've seen significant amount of areola showing, but if both mom and baby are happy (no pain and weight gain) then it works. Lastly, pumping should only be used once milk supply is stable. I would try to hold off on that if possible. Of course it's better than nothing, but try to pump after nursing. No matter how strong the force, pumps just aren't as efficient as a baby's mouth.
On keeping your milks supply up, make sure you're eating well, drinking lots, and getting rest!!! For me, rest is a BIG one. If I don't get decent sleep, my milk production is really jeopardized.
And my most important advice: See a lactation consultant
Don't give up. The beginning is always tough. :)

Sally - posted on 08/20/2011

Open your yellow pages or your favorite search engine. Look up then call your local La Leche League Leader. She's a free (sometimes 24/7) lactation consultant. She can also tell you when and where the local group meets so you can spend time with other nursing moms and give each other help and support.
Good luck

Angela - posted on 08/20/2011

Have you seen a Lactation Consultant? That would definitely be the first step. If you have and all they are telling you is that your breast is too big... find another one. Keep going to new ones until someone actually helps you. You may also want to contact Dr. Jack Newman for advice. An supplemental nurser could also help.

Ania - posted on 08/20/2011

Could he be tongue tied? My friend figured that out when her baby was 4 months old. If he can latch now again I would just offer him breast constantly, that will help him practice and boost your supply better than any pump out there. Just relax. Now is the time of growth spurts evrytime he fusses and wants to eat constantly just offer breast, that's what exclusively breastfed babies do. He needs more and you are giving him that, even if your breasts feel empty, by constant suckling he will boost your supply. He does not need formula at all. It will be demanding on you. I had days when I could not get off the couch because my son would constantly feed, but because he was getting my boob constantly, whenever he wanted I never had issues with supply. As for latch i would really try to see Lactation consultant or contact local La Leche League. good luck. You really don't need to pump or give him formula. Just let him suck a lot this will fix the problem

Melissa - posted on 08/20/2011

It takes 3 days for your milk supply to get back to normal after you noticed a decrease (most likely from pumping & bottle feeding. If you want to continue breastfeeding, I would not suppliment with formula, I would breastfeed 1st, at each feeding(the baby is best at increasing milk supply) then pump about 10 min on each side (even though you won't get but a few drops, that's ok). If you're baby seems hungry after emptying both breasts, then give the formula. Just make sure you pump at least 5 min for each ounce of formula. Your milk supply will increase in 3-4 days, but don't get discouraged, it could take a week or so to be breastfeeing exclusively again. Good luck!

Blessings!

Melissa

(mom of 3, all breastfed)

Susan - posted on 08/20/2011

Hi there. I know people will say be careful with what I am about to suggest as it could cause nipple confusion but when my lactation advisor realised my daughter was not latching on as my breasts were too big for her, she suggested getting nipple shields. I fed her through these for 2 weeks until she was big enough to feed direct from me.
On the supply front, try not to stress, that will affect your let down. Pump more often and it might help if you hold your son whilst pumping.
Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 08/20/2011

Have you tried baby-led latching? I learnt this method from the Australian Breastfeeding Association, and used it in the early days when my baby was still learning how to latch but was very fussy and wouldn't latch. Be topless, and put your baby cheek on your chest in between your two breasts, or on top of one of your breasts. Let your baby find your breast and latch. Your baby's head will bop around your breast, and he will use his sense of smell to locate your breast by the smell of breastmilk. It is instinctive. You can help guide your baby, but don't force him. Check out this video:

Secondly, to maintain your milk supply, the most important thing is to remain relaxed, keep drinking lots of water and keep up eating nutrious foods (esp fish)! I also read from 'Baby Love' by Robyn Barker that you will need to feed off your breast at least 6 times a day in order to maintain your milk supply in these early days... the more they drink from you in these early days, the more milk you will get.

I hope this helped! :)

Dawna - posted on 08/19/2011

Okay, that sounded desperate. So, first thing first.... CALM DOWN. Stress, even stressing over milk, can DECREASE your milk supply!! Ironic, eh? The baby may also be sensing your stress and that may be the issue. So, take a deep breath........ in..........out........... and patiently work with your LO to latch. If you feel your LO did not eat enough to your liking pump, wait a few minutes and serve. Always, offer breast first, wait..... then feed himbreast milk in the bottle. He may want to take that breast after all instead of waiting. It sounds to me like you got an impatient babe there and the bottle is an instant satisfier. By the way, I have size G boobs and I am still nursing at 17mo. Boob size does not matter!! Also, just an FYI, once your breast understands what is going on it will naturally decrease its supply.... not necessarily that you are losing but that you don't need that much EVERY TIME you nurse. Your baby will not be a bottle baby unless you WANT him to be... so again I say RELAX, TAKE A DEEP BREATH and enjoy nursing! It is an amazing experience!

Sarah - posted on 08/18/2011

I would think it's something your eating...some food's change how your milk taste's and babies only like change when they want it

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 08/17/2011

Exclusively pumping is very hard. Pumps don't remove milk as well as a baby so it's hard to maintain a good supply. I agree with ditching the bottles. Feed with a spoon, open cup, syringe or tube (like a supplemental nursing system). Lots of skin to skin and offer the breast frequently. You can try pumping just enough to get a letdown and then latch him on. This way he's instantly rewarded with milk. Try taking naps and sleeping with him if you're comfortable with that (research safe cosleeping). Wear baby in a sling, carrier or wrap to keep him close to you. Here are some great tips:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

It's not too late, keep trying! Good luck!

Selia - posted on 08/17/2011

Was he circumcised? That can cause problems with breastfeeding and you just have to keep trying and he'll come back around. It shouldn't be a size issue if he latched fine before. Don't worry about how much you can/can't pump right now, it will vary despite actual supply. It would be best if you can spoon/dropper feed him your milk (so he doesn't get too confused with the different nipple) and keep offering the breast. Go topless and offer it often. Keep him clothed lightly or diaper only and spend a lot of time skin to skin. Try to be relaxed and just keep it available and I am sure he'll get back to it. And drink plenty, that will help keep your supply up. If you are really worried you can take 6-9 tablets of Fenugreek daily (as much as it takes to make your urine smell sweet). It will take a few days to a week to kick in fully, but it will make a huge difference! You can do it mama!