SNS question

[bender]

DS hasn't gained weight for a week, so I'm using an SNS with him (as well as taking herbs and pumping after feedings). I've done 2 feedings with it already, and he does well with it. However, I'm not sure if i should use it at night?

I have more supply at the 1/2am feeding, and he usually is able to chow down and pass out in about 15-20 minutes, and then sleeps for another 2-3hrs (if it's not daylight out yet). I'm thinking he would be fine without it for that feeding, but later ones would use the SNS.

Any ideas/suggestions?

[Megan73]

Sounds like you're doing all the right things
I have low supply and have used a Lact-Aid to supplement but I've never needed to supplement in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.
My LC told me that's because prolactin levels are highest then.
Supply tends to be lowest for most women in the late afternoon and evening so that's when I'd supplement.

[justthinkn]

Exactly! I used the SNS long-term, and almost never had to use it at night (just for the occasional growth spurt). I purposely fed DD with it right after she woke up each time during the day to make sure that she wouldn't associate falling asleep with SNS - just plain old boob for falling sleeping!

[bender]

The SNS is depressing. While I'm happy my baby is getting enough to eat, it saddens me to see how much he was needing that I'm not producing. I've been pumping after all the feedings, and I can't wiat to see the effort pay off. Right now, it just feels so discouraging.

[Megan73]

I'm so sorry I know how depressing it is but you're really doing a great job. Hang in there.
I bet you'll be able to eliminate the supplement when your babe catches up in growth and your supply rises to meet the new demand. Have you considered trying domperidone along with the herbs?
Good luck, mama.

[bender]

Megan, do you know where I can get it? It's not available in the states.

I talked with an LC nurse, and she wanted to prepare me that it might not be possible to fully breast feed my baby (my boobs fit the profile for not having enough tissue for milk production). I'm going to keep doing what I can, but I'm finding peace if this is the best it will be.

Found it online: www.inhousepharmacy.com

[Megan73]

Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear that
I do want you to know, though, that you CAN have a wonderful nursing relationship with your little one even if you have to supplement.
I have unexplained low supply but I'm still nursing my almost one-year-old – and we both love it :
I would urge you to check out www.lact-aid.com – it's a supplemental nursing system that many women who supplement at the breast find MUCH superior to the SNS. It's really been a lifesaver for me.
Please do consider ordering some dom. You can find information about taking it at www.drjacknewman.com. I see you found one source but you can also ask in the domeridone FAQ thread in this forum.
Please feel free to PM me anytime for support, OK?

[lil_miss_understood]

When I was struggling with low supply due to thyroid issues with DS2, I never used my SNS at night. He was contented with the feedings he got at night (between 12am and 6am- he nursed every 2-3 hours usually). I *did* have to use it occasionally at night when I was having thyroid issues though if I ate sage or mint. They still totally tank my supply.
You're doing such a wonderful job!