Slow let down = mad baby

[sbrinton]

I have a good friend who had a preemie born last spring. While he was in the hospital, she had to pump. She had a very huge supply. The baby eventually learned how to breastfeed and has been home from the hospital for 4 months. He's good at breastfeeding, but now that the mom's let down is taking a little longer, the baby gets mad and will not nurse long enough to make the milk come in. Mom has been pumping every time until her milk lets down and then she feeds baby, but this is getting old. Any ideas?? Thanks!

[aksign]

Let LO twiddle other side. Works every time for me!!

[Blessed_Mom]

Originally Posted by aksign

Let LO twiddle other side. Works every time for me!!

What does twiddle mean and how can you let baby twiddle?

[aksign]

oh, it just means kind of play with the other nipple. If it feels weird to you physically or mentally, then I wouldnt recommend it, but it doesnt bother me, and seems to help let down, and feels just natural.

[Comtessa]

A LC suggested this to me, too, when I was dealing with the same problem. She said that stimulating both nipples simultaneously will boost the body's production of oxytocin, which is responsible for letdown. Your friend could start pumping until she gets letdown, then latch the baby on. This worked for me a couple of times. Now it seems to have stopped happening, for the most part - I find that nursing more frequently throughout the day (and offering the breast more often at night) seems to help this not be so much of a problem (perhaps because the LO isn't so hungry and desperate).