latch-on problems & low supply - need breastpump advice

[blueeyes]

When baby was born he was losing too much weight too fast. The Dr had me supplement with formula, which helped, but now we are struggling with milk supply as well as latch-on difficulty. Before I go on, I want to add that this is my first time Bfing and I had no clue that a bottle of formula a day could impede milk production. Because of this, we thought it would be a good idea to give the formula once a day, so baby would be used to it 'just in case'. I have since learned otherwise & am now sorry that we decided to do this. After seeing the doctor for sore nipples, I learned that the baby is not latching on properly & I am most likely not emptying fully during feedings. She suggested I purchase a pump & recommended Medela pump in style. Medela recommends this pump as well, according to their literature. However, I am wondering if a single pump, like the Medela Swing, would be just as effective? It isn't listed on the box for these issues, but I'm wondering if there are any reasons why a double pump would be more effective for this then a single? Or maybe it's a mechanical reason? I want to EBF and pumping will also allow for my husband to still feed him at night, without the formula . Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[FaithfulOne]

I'm sorry that you have had a rough start! You're making the first great move by searching for help. Nothing you've descibed sounds to me like anything impossible to succeed in.

With that said, I would definately look into correcting your latch issues first. Find your local LLL, call a leader and attend a meeting, check out KellyMom/LLL/Dr.Sears websites, they have links to clips showing incorrect vs. correct latches.

http://www.drjacknewman.com/video-clips.asp
the above one is Jack Newman, Great! IMO

Remember, even the BEST pump is no comparison to a correct latch by a baby. Don't rely on a pump for re-establishing/maintaining supply. Pumps can be efficient back-ups, but merely only that. So...my advice is to hold off on pumping until you get to be EBF. I occaisionally used a Medela Pump In Style. It worked well for me, especially if I would let one breast fill up by feeding a few times on one side. I would then drape a hot towel on the full side to soften it nicely before pumping (I pumped only during my sons hospital stay).

Good Luck!

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by FaithfulOne

Remember, even the BEST pump is no comparison to a correct latch by a baby. Don't rely on a pump for re-establishing/maintaining supply. Pumps can be efficient back-ups, but merely only that. So...my advice is to hold off on pumping until you get to be EBF.

nak more later

[emilysmama]

Hello,

My dd didn't know how to latch on at all for her first three months of life. So I had to use pump, not baby to get my supply up. If you have low supply, then yes, you really do need the double. I read some books when I pump, and those books say that pumping both sides at the same time triggers a hormone response and generates more milk than pumping just one side at a time. So yes, I do think that you will need a double electric pump.

Don't feel bad about the formula. Because I had no supply, and my dd didn't latch for a very long time, my dd had only formula for the first week or more of her life.

Eventually, I got my supply up. Then dd latched. And she became a strong nurser who weaned herself at 3 years of age.

You can do it too!

[maddymama]

Hi Mama,
I'm sure this is such a hard situation for you to be in, but I am glad that you are moving in the right direction.
First, I second the PP advice to go see you LLL leader, and read up on correct latching. It truly helps soooo much once your LO has a great latch and can effectively suck to increase your milk supply. Second, think about taking fenugreek, drinking a good dark beer, or eating some oatmeal. These are all things that help increase your milk supply. Also, nurse and try to relax as much as possible- this helps your letdown tremendously. Put on your favorite TV show or movie, read your favorite book, etc. Also, plan on spending up to a week or more working on nothing but nursing- no housekeeping, no cooking, no nothing. Just your and your baby!
Your baby was made to nurse, just be patient and let your supply build up.
Let us know how it goes!
~maddymama

[AislinCarys]

Fenugreek has already been mentioned. If you haven't got a lact-aid or SNS I suggest you get that and feed any formula or pumped milk in that - no more bottles. I'd try the lact-aid if possible, I think it is easier than the SNS, which I used.

And just feed a lot! Give any formula at the end of a long (hour long or so) feed.

And watch the videos at Dr Jack Newman's site, to make sure latch is ok, and baby is actually swallowing!

And see a lactation consultant! Perhaps MOST important!

DD was 4 weeks old when she lost weight, and we got my supply up, despite DD being over a month old! You can do it!

[braidmama]

Hi there!
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles...I have a medela pump-in-style as well that i bought for when I went back to work. I've also had supply issues quite a bit and I definitly agree ith everyone that the pump is not nearly as effective as your suckling little one. We haven't seen a lactation consultant becasue for some reason I though at 4 months its too late, but from reading all these pots I'm realizing its not too late and I should do it! I've found whether I pump with both flanges (its a double pump) or hook it up to only use one at a time, I still produce the same amount roughly either way but I think its different for everyone.