Advice needed re: good start

[pregnant@40]

Hi, I need advice. I had difficulties w/ breastfeeding after my first child was born. In order to seek help, I utilized the services of lactation consultants multiple times, and sought advice at La Leche League meetings, all to no avail. My problem was a supply issue, for I could not make enough milk to meet the needs of my child. This was true w/ both direct breastfeeding & in using a hospital grade pump. I co-slept w/ my child and offered by breasts on demand around-the-clock. Unfortunately, I had to supplement my child from birth since there was a really long delay in my breastmilk coming in, and my baby would not make urine. So DS had both breast milk (what little I could make) and formula for 11 months, with foods introduced around 6 months (from what I remember).

I'm pregnant again, and want to have a better experience. Any advice if I have a supply issue again, or ways to overcome it? Last time I started pumping weeks into feeding, so am wondering if it would be helpful to start pumping right after birth (even if the milk isn't yet in)? Also, any methods for staying supple and preventing pain? I remember going through a really painful start last time....

Thank you!

[pregnant@40]

Ok, never got an answer, but just wanted to share that I bought a Medela double electric pump & plan to start pumping in the hospital. I came to this decision after talking w/ my family practice doc, whom is also currently a breastfeeding/pumping mother of a 1yo. She stated that sometimes it takes 3-4 days for milk to come in, but to just pump the colostrum to get my supply up (& give to baby, of course, since colostrum is the most important part). So hopefully this works in preventing problems, and I'll eventually have enough supply to breastfeed w/out pumping.

However, I'll probably keep pumping throughout so that my 6yo and husband can also feed the baby at times, for bonding purposes. This will also allow me to return to work after 3-4 months or so...

[PatioGardener]

nak so this will be short :)

if you pump, put baby to breast first then pump

have baby checked for tongue-tie

consider herbs or medication to increase supply if it looks like baby is not gaining well

avoid bottles for at least the first 6 weeks - supplement at the breast if needed

good luck!

[CheriK]

You might want to get a copy of the book, "The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk," by Diana West, IBCLC, and Lisa Marasco, M.A., IBCLC.  They also have a website, lowmilksupply.org, but the book is more comprehensive. 

Look for a really good, well-recommended IBCLC with experience working through milk supply issues.  Your local LLL can probably help with finding someone.  Not every IBCLC has the same experience or knowledge.  Consider a consultation before birth to explore your previous experience & get a personalized plan for this time around.

Consider joining your local LLL group and starting to attend now.  Being in a nursing "culture" will help.  Having supportive friends who understand why this is so important to you will help.  Knowing the face on the other end of the phone if you need support will help.  If your local group isn't particularly supportive, and there are other groups nearby, attend more than one to find a better "fit".

Minimize interventions during labor.  If possible, drug-free childbirth with no mother/baby separation.  Strongly consider a birth doula.  If possible, give birth at a baby-friendly hospital (www.babyfriendly.org) so you know they are trained and motivated to help you suceed at breastfeeding.  Insist on a consult with the hospital IBCLC within 24 hour of giving birth.  If no IBCLCs on staff, or only on staff during weekday "business" hours, consider another hospital if possible.

Get help at the first sign of concern.  Sore nipples are the first sign for many women.  A baby with a poor latch will damage your nipples, won't remove milk effectively, and will not signal your body to establish a full supply.  Most breastfeeding problems are easy to fix in the first few days and get progressively harder as baby gets older.

Good luck.  Many many moms who have a disappointing first experience find breastfeeding to be far easier the second time around.  Milk making cells form during each pregnancy; your body has a head start this time around from your previous pregancy and breastfeeding.  Hopefully, you'll have a wonderful, easy time with this baby.  Planning ahead is still a good idea!