breastfeeding help

[KevzQueen]

I can pump for nearly an hr and get 3 ounces. I quit letting my baby suck this week when I bought the pump because I was tired of the pain. Why isn't the pump giving me enough though? I feel so much better giving him my milk, and want to continue doing it, but I want to pump only. I just don't know why my milk is so low.

[Victoria]

This is why I always warn people when buying an expensive breast pump. Some women just don't produce enough milk via the pump. Babies usually get more milk when sucking directly from the breast.

[SezzySue]

I have heard that too, the baby signals more of a let down. Plus if you never established a large supply then you aren't going to produce much more by only pumping.

[Veronica]

I never got more than 4-5oz with a pump, but I still nurse my almost 2 year old so I obviously had enough milk. Have you talked to a Lactation Consultant? I know they say if you have pain the baby isnt latched correctly but to me thats bull. I always had a little pain. and horrendous pain when I had mastitis. Try lalecheleague.org it really has lots of answers and you can contact one of their lactation consultants 24/7!!!! HTH

[Amber V]

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time with this. My first advice would be to try breast feeding a couple of weeks longer and then go back to the pump. I know it can make you sore but you are half way through the rough spot if not more. Second advice if you really just do not want to nurse anymore talk to a lactation nurse about what you can do and /or take to up your pumping supply. I know it can be really hard. I am very proud of you for trying so hard to stick with breast milk. You have done a great job.

[Debra]

I agree with everything asvandoren said!

Are you drinking enough water? Like atleast 10 glasses a day? Have you tried taking fenugreek? It is a natural bm booster!

Fenugreek -- 3 pills at each meal (9/day) until supply is up for a day or 2 then you can stop, or until you start to smell like maple syrup.

What about mother's milk tea? Have you tried that?

Oatmeal is also a good booster!

Have you looked up any more ways to boost supply on the kellymom.com website? Or maybe LLL site?

I'd contact a LLL leader or other lactation consultant for more help!

Good luck!

[amandalaine]

I would contact a lactation consultant to take a look at how he is when he's latched on. There might be a problem with that. I know with Preston, the pump hurts more than he does, and when he nurses it actually feels good...When he starts sucking there is a huge feeling of release on the breast if that makes any sense. It's kinda like my boob is going "ahhh" lol But yea, pumps apparently aren't known for getting a whole lot out of you.

[A_BU'swife]

What pump are u using? I use to have Medela electric and it was ok...but now I have the manual and love it....I pump one side and nurse the other at the same time cause u have your letdown...and at our breastfeeding group she suggests doing it in the am...or in a bath with warm water.

[Chevy_Gurl]

Also you should NEVER measure the amount of milk you produce by what the output is via pumping. You will always be given false results. Pumps can not 'suck' like a baby does therefore they do not generate what your child gets when they do nurse.

Also if one side is worse then the other, try nursing on the less sore side, while pumping at the same time on the other side.

Diffiently increase your fluid intake, eat more oatmeal, get some Lanisoln. I also found to help with the soreness was to use breast sheilds. It keeps your nipples from touching the fabric and allows for them to heal better.

I use the Avent Isis manual pump and absolutely LOVE that thing. Spent 40 dollars and it is by far the best for me.

[Chrissie]

I had the same problem, but I would pump and only get .5 ounce in 30 minutes. Turns out he wasnt getting a whole lot of milk. Now, with ds2 I would pump and in 15 minutes I'd have 4 ounces. I had an amelda purely yours double breast pump.