Supply problem

[intokermit]

Unfortunately, I'm unable to breastfeed at all. I do pump, and pump for about 20 minutes, per breast, about 6-8 times a day. I'm only averaging about 1.75 ounces per breast, per pump. My son is eating that, and wanting more after he's done. He's only 5 weeks old. I'm having to give him about 2 ounces of formula after giving him the breast milk. I am drinking Mother's Milk tea after every pump, so that I can get the most out of the next pump, but it's not enough for him. I really don't want to have to give my son formula, but I need a way to produce more. Any help?

[Stephanie]

Congrats on the birth of your little one!

May I ask why you were unable to nurse? I would post this on the general boards. At 5 weeks, you can still get your baby back to breast, if that is something you desire. The mamas there can help you out with that.

If you want to continue pumping, I would start pumping every 1.5-2 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. A nursing 5 week old can be nursing 10-12 times a day, so you should be pumping at least that much.

What kind of pump are you using?

Here are some links:

Low milk supply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#increase

pumping and supply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

how to bottle feed a breastfed baby:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

[RedheadbyChoice]

Welcome! Echoing Stephanie, barring some physiological issue, it's very possible to get babe to nurse.

Your pump output is actually quite good, average being 2 ounces, and you're getting that.

What kind of pump are you using?

Ack.......back in a bit, babe hollering at me here!

[ima062002]

Can you share why you are unable to nurse? Maybe we can help.

As for pumping, I agree with Stephanie. You need to pump at least 10 times a day. The more the better. It is frequency not longer sessions that increase the supply. Red has given you some good links to read through too for more tips.

[RedheadbyChoice]

Tagging on the others, you need to be pumping every time babe eats. I'd suggest every 2 hours during the day, every 2-3 at night. Supply and demand, the more frequently you pump, the better. If you're exclusively pumping, a hospital grade double electric pump would be best, they're designed for all day pumping.

[intokermit]

I have severe Raynaud's in both nipples. I'm on a blood pressure medication to try and make the pain a little less severe, but it's not working. When I do try to breastfeed, my nipples turn completely white, and the pain is so intense that I can't get any milk out. We've tried different positions, and tried working on the latch, but the pain was still really bad. I'm in lots of pain when I pump, but as it's a constant pain, and it's measured, I can try and block it out. I was using a Medela symphony pump, but I got a Lansinoh pump, and actually get more milk out with that. I would love to be able to put him to breast, and am still working with my doctor to find a medication that will help block the pain, but is minimally transferred thru the milk. If you know of anything, please let me know!

[DecemberBaby]

First....I commend you for your persistance.

Second have you ever heard of fenugreek? It is in mothers milk tea at 35mg but there is a supplement that is in caspsule form at 610 mg. Fenugreek is to stimulate milk production. I would ask your lactation consultant about this. I took it when I was in the hospital the second week of my sons life because of labor complications. It work so well I had over supply. So try the pumping closer together first! I was so scared my milk supply would go down I did everything.

Good luck.