I need some help/advice

[Oakenfoldgrl]

When Aja was first born she was a champ nurser. Then she had her surgery and of course my supply dipped a bit until she started feelin well enough to nurse again. I don't know what is going on, but the girl will only nurse 1 side at a time and our sessions only last about 10 minutes. My supply is SO SO SO low. I don't know what to do. I don't know if I should start pumping. I did today and got 2 oz from my left breast and 1 oz from my right breast (right is not producing very much at all).

Do you HAVE to pump when nursing or is just nursing enough? I am a SAHM so finding the time to nurse isn't a problem, it's finding the baby to be interested in it. She won't eat unless it's been 1-1.5 hours since her last feeding. She's making plenty of diapers, but I don't think she is gaining any weight.

I'm scared for when she goes through a growth spurt cuz I know I won't have enough.

Any help would be appreciated.:hugegrin:

[Jacksmommy]

Your baby nurses 10 minutes on one breast every hour or hour and a half. She is making plenty of wet diapers, and you are able to pump 1-2 ounces after feeding her? This does not sound like a supply problem to me. When she needs more, she'll nurse more, and you'll make more. If you are concerned she is not gaining like she should, have you had her weighed? That could put your worry to rest. Just take her in for a weight check.

[whitnessforhim]

ITA with Jacksmommy, 100%.

Again, I would weight her if you are worried to put your mind at rest.

[Nipple_nectar]

I agree completely as well! At 4-6 weeks your supply becomes regulated and you can stop having some annoying things associated with a new supply like leaking, uncomfortable fullness~ this is not an indicator of supply.

The only reliable indicator for supply with an exclusively breastfed baby is counting wet diapers. If you are seeing a minimum of six wet in a 24 hour period, then you are doing fine.

Aja sounds like she has an excellent latch and she is becoming more efficient at emptying the breast in less time and that my friend, is the good news:)

Try and relax and Trust the bewbie!

[jodibug]

I agree, get a weight check, it will put your mind at ease.

A couple of months ago I bought a baby scale from Amazon ($80) because I was so worried. Now I just weigh her about once a week and she is gaining great so I don't worry nearly as much. It was worth every penny!

If you can't buy a scale, you may be able to rent one. Or, ask your ped's office if you can come in and weigh her once a week or do a before and after weight check.

It really sounds like you are doing great!

[madelsmama]

It sounds like you're doing great!

No, you don't have to pump if you're nursing her. What indicators are there that your supply is very low?

When she goes through a growth spurt, she'll want to nurse often, which will signal for more production. You'll be fine. :)

[paigesmomma]

ITA with what all of the others have said. DS is and has been much the same way for quite some time now. They just are so efficiant, they can get all the milk they need in a short amount of time!

[Stephanie]

Ditto what pp said.

Sounds like everything is great, mama.

[minx17051]

You can also go to your local WIC office for weight checks as well. All you have to do it contact them. Even if you do not qualify for WIC assistance you will find that they are still very supportive and you can also get help from there breastfeeding councelor. They have been a great help to me with my first child in which I was totally lost and almost quit and my now 6 week old who has a totally different style than my oldest. You are doing great! Always remember that.