trying to get established

[jen123]

Hi,

I'm new here and I was looking for some advise. I am a mom of two. My oldest will be turning 2 in July and my youngest is 5 weeks old. I didnt have a very good milk supply from the start and I have been able to pump anywhere from 1-2 ounces. I have been supplimenting since we brought her home and my husband and I would like her to breastfeed exclusivly. I was able to breastfeed my first child for 3 months ( I didnt know about relactation then or it would've been longer) I would like to breastfeed my second child for at least 6 months. I've read that relactation is very difficult. My concern is how in the world am I going to be able to do this with a energy driven 2 year old. If there is anyone with advice on how to handle my 2 year old or how to be successfull with relactation I would greatly appreciate. Any advice would be a great help :) I'm kinda nervous about this.

-Jen

[jessiehannan]

The only way I manage to pump to relactate w/an energetic six year old and an equally energetic 3 year and a 4 week old....is I "gabey proofed" the house (it goes beyond baby proofed) and I let them pretty much do as they will as long as 1)something isn't getting broken, 2) some one is not getting hurt/possibly getting hurt, and 3) I quit arguing w/them over how much tv they want to watch. Probably not the best ideas, but my kids are pretty self sufficient, and it works for us. Oh yeah, and i put them to work in the house like picking up the floor and doing dishes. They get to hold their baby sister and feed her as a reward. On good days they get to go swimming in the pool when daddy gets home. I guess it pretty much sums up to letting them burn as much energy as they can, letting housework slide until later that day, and forming a routine. Routine definitely helps. We do the same things every day, in the same spacing no matter what time we get up. May I ask what measures you are taking to establish a good supply? I am using a hospital grade double pump and pumping 15 minutes when I wake up, then every three hours and letting her nurse as often as possible.If you are in the States, go to your local WIC office and ask for bfing help, they are great. and I will be using a Supplemental Nursing System as soon as I can get one. If you don't have one it is a must! I would ask around at your local medical supply company about one, the one here offers them for $18, versus the $50 they are going for online, and I believe it is the Medela one.
Are you pumping 1 -2 ounces a time or a day? how often do you pump and how long? Drinking enough water? getting enough rest?