let down and other questions

[southernraised27]

Hi,
I have a long list of questions and I am hoping that someone will help me. I have looked to so many people and have gotten so many different opinions, and it is very confusing.

My let down hurts a little and I don't feel it during pumping nor during feeding, is this normal?

My son is 1.5 months old and is hardly ever satisfied after feeding, so sometimes I have to supplement with formula which will help, does this mean I am not producing enough?

I only pump between 1.5-3.0 oz. total when pumping I was told this is too little true or not?

Fenugreek? Ever been linked to children dying or any problems? Is it completly safe?

My son falls asleep very quickly and I have tried all remedies to keep him awake and it does not work, any advice?

My WIC nurse said that she thinks that I have a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance and my ped. said not to worry about this either that he is getting what he needs. Someone told me that if the baby does not get enough of the hindmilk then it could effect the brain development, is all of this true?

My son has green poop, is not seedy, very gassey, for the most part pretty cranky, what could this be from? The ped. says not too worry, but being a
1st time mom it is hard not too...

I thank you in advance for all the advice.

Candi

[caryn]

Green poops, gassy.
Try massaging the breast wall, toward the nipple yet away from the areola to facilitate hind milk transfer. Sounds like he is not fully draining the breast. Nurse on one breast for 20 minutes, change diaper, then offer him the second.
Fenugreek is a galactagogue used since ancient times. Oatmeal is another.
Rent a hospital grade breast pump and make sure the breast shells you are pumping into are not too tight; pump the same time every day as well.
If he has 8-12 wet diapers per day (really wet) he just loves to nurse - as long as his weight gain is good :)
6 weeks is a huge growth spurt so they will want to nurse constantly.

[southernraised27]

This did not seem to answer my questions, but his diapers are wet but not really wet, what should I do? I am so confused. He is gaining good weight, but I don't know if that is because I am helping him with formula.

[caryn]

Try massaging the breast wall, toward the nipple yet away from the areola to facilitate hind milk transfer. Sounds like he is not fully draining the breast. Nurse on one breast for 20 minutes, change diaper, then offer him the second.
what kind of pump are you using?
Also, cranky/gassy - you should limit or eliminate all dairy as well.

[southernraised27]

I am using a Medela double electric pump. What about the Fenugreek question?

[caryn]

Ever been linked to children dying or any problems? Is it completly safe?

It is contraindicated (not recommended) for people with asthma

[southernraised27]

ok, now what about the Hind milk question? About the brain development being effected?

[southernraised27]

Also, what about these questions too??

My son has green poop, is not seedy, very gassey, for the most part pretty cranky, what could this be from? The ped. says not too worry, but being a
1st time mom it is hard not too...

My son falls asleep very quickly and I have tried all remedies to keep him awake and it does not work, any advice?

My let down hurts a little and I don't feel it during pumping nor during feeding, is this normal?

I only pump between 1.5-3.0 oz. total when pumping I was told this is too little true or not?

[caryn]

My son has green poop, is not seedy, very gassey, for the most part pretty cranky, what could this be from? The ped. says not too worry, but being a
1st time mom it is hard not too...
1) hind milk to foremilk ratio is low. massage breast during feeds.
Eliminate dairy from your diet - milk cheese ice cream yogurt - see if this cuts down on his gas/fussiness



My son falls asleep very quickly and I have tried all remedies to keep him awake and it does not work, any advice?

Nurse him on one breast for 20 minutes while massaging the breast wall. It is better for him to have one full breast (more hind milk) than only a bit from each.
CHANGE DIAPER.
Then offer the 2nd breast. Pump the 2nd if he falls asleep right away.
I would consult an IBCLC. as well - perhaps using an SNS at the breast (tube system) you can offer some breast milk during feeds as well.

let down can tingle/hurt anytime and not other times. normal.

3 oz. is average.



My let down hurts a little and I don't feel it during pumping nor during feeding, is this normal?

I only pump between 1.5-3.0 oz. total when pumping I was told this is too little true or not?

[caryn]

Perhaps going to breastfeeding support group or LLL meeting will help you as well.