I would love to try and breastfeed my second child but...

Marci - posted on 12/02/2008

I feed on demand for the first 6 to 8 weeks. They will schedule themselves, but to build that milk they like to eat and eat. I always expected them to eat everyhour on the hour for the first 24 hours after I got home from the hospital. I have had 4 babies and all did that like clock work. I was told by my LC that is their way of building the milk supply. Also, you will build at 3 and 6 weeks and then at 3 and 6 months. Just listen to the cues. You will be much more relaxed with this one. Enjoy it goes so fast. My baby is 19 months!

Jennifer - posted on 11/28/2008

I did and do use the Fenugreek and mothers milk currently- but only post-partum. I also use the blessed thistle. Fenugreek 3 caps 3 times a day with blessed thistle- 2-3 caps three times a day. And I add honey to the tea for flavor.



And time you offer is when they get hungry...which is a lot! Newborns eat frequently bc their stomachs are so small! Every 2 hours is a great place to start!! Good luck! And remember to enjoy the moment and take lots of pictures of your babies- when they are that young and youre that tired, you can forget!

Clara - posted on 11/28/2008

I had a lot of trouble feeding both my babies, my milk supply was pretty poor, but the worst thing is that when you have poor supply, even when you know you shouldn't stress, you do stress whether consciously or not because you worry about your baby's nutrition - this is natural! I know that not being able to feed properly really made me emotional, and that also affects milk supply. Not only does stress and being emotional affect our milk, but our baby SENSES our stress and they get unsettled or can't feed properly. I guess the clue is to go into it knowing that you are doing your absolute best, and if your body can't supply, that is NOT your fault! Have someone check whether you are getting the baby onto the breast correctly, and if you are, just relax and go with the flow (no pun intended)! If it turns out that you have to stop feeding and go to formula, well, you know you did your best and that babies grow well on formula all around the world. :) I was told to drink 1-2 glasses of water for every breast feed, so that is an easy way to get enough fluid. One more thing... when you are holding your baby in your arms to feed, relax and enjoy baby first and foremost - that will help you relax. Focus on baby's sweet little face and cuteness and forget that you're there to do a job. If at the end of the feed baby has not had enough to satisfy, top up with formula. See a doctor first, but a vitamin that will help stabilise your emotions is Vitamin B12. If you take high doses of them (I take them in 1000mcg form), that might help you deal with everything better too - but like I said, check with your doctor before you take ANY medications!

Andrea - posted on 11/28/2008

Thank you so much for all of your replies! Yes, I had the pump in style with my son and I am planning on using it with our daughter as well. As for drinking lots and having to go to the bathroom too much...I am already in great practice for that. I swear my son left a bullseye on my bladder to show his sister exactly where to kick. There are days I swear she is using my bladder as a trampoline.



With Matty I never really looked at it as the 3 oz of breastmilk he was getting a day was better than not getting any at all, and that it was 3 oz less of formula I had to give him each day. Certain people I know made me feel bad for giving up the breastfeeding when he was 4-5 weeks old, but at that time I would cry each time I pumped and would yeild less than 1 oz of breastmilk. At that point I figured it was better for me to enjoy having that precious gift than to worry so much about what I was feeding him. From 5 weeks old he only had formula and he turned out great so I know it was not bad for him. This time I want to give it the same college effort, but on the other hand I do NOT want to stress myself out if I do not yeild a huge supply.



For those of you who have tried the fenugreek and mothers milk tea, did you start that before you delivered your babies or after? With Matty I offered him the breast every 2-3 hours is that a reasonable amount of time between each feeding or should I offer her the breast more often from the start?



Thanks again for responding to my note you ladies have made me feel more confident and less like a failure:)

Jennifer - posted on 11/27/2008

I feel the same. I'm still bf at 11 weeks, and I only pump about 3- 3 1/2 oz total at a feeding. Your body can only provide what it can. I was also told by the LC that the pump isn't as efficient as a baby is at getting breastmilk out and the output from a pump isn't that accurate. So I bf and supplement with formula. I don't feel guilty and doing both is time consuming, but I like the I'm providing my baby with what I can. I also use fenugreek and mothers milk tea.



Also, stress, fatigue and less than optimal caloric intake reduces what you can produce. So remember to love your child, enjoy the present, eat, drink and be merry! It helps!

Marci - posted on 11/27/2008

I would agree the pump has to be the Pump in Style or at least a medela electric pump. But I also think that if you can carry your baby longer that will help. Push lots of fluids and let the baby nurse as often as he or she wants especially at first. Try not to get all stressed out whatever you are able to give the baby is better than nothing at all.



Good luck and keep us posted!

Shannon - posted on 11/27/2008

First off you're not alone. There are mommies and babies who seem to be pros at breastfeeding right out of the womb. And there are those who try and try and try - and try - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. If you were not aware - preemie babies can be a little challenging due to their gestational age - they may not take in much milk at each feeding until they're closer to term. If baby has difficulty latching on, try not to get anxious during the feeding - babies sense these things and if you're tense it's less likely to be a calm, soothing experience for baby.
For you drink A LOT of fluids (no caffeine), if you're mouth is dry during the day - you're not getting enough to drink. My pediatrician told me a good rule of thumb is when baby drinks - you drink. You'll have to go to the bathroom a lot but at least you won't be dehydrated. And feed often. You may need to try different breastfeeding holds. Hospital staff, including lactation professionals, may be helpful for advice. Perhaps your OB/GYN can suggest a lactation consultant and/or support group in your area. Sometimes moms with similar experiences offer better advice/support than the doctors.
I also found this article from the La Leche league...
http://www.llli.org//FAQ/increase.html

Tasha - posted on 11/27/2008

what kind of pump are you using? with a hand pump I could never get much milk, but when I switched to the Medela Pump in Style- I know it is a bit pricey but it was worth it- I could pump 10 oz in 5 min.



Otherwise lots of fluids and try not to stress out about it- that reduces milk supply also.

BEst of luck and Congratulations on #2!