Umm...ready to nurse? « Back to Group Discussions

[beccabus]

So this pregnancy was a total surprise for us :) :)  We are so happy!  

My first true hint was bizarre!  Anyone else experience this??  I am experiencing the sensation of let-down and am actually leaking milk--colostrum to be exact.  I have not experienced this with my previous pregnancies, so I'm kind of in shock.  I'm excited!!  

For a moment I thought that I could start pumping and building up a stock pile, but is that a good idea??

[ivymae]

Did you nurse your last little one? How long ago did they wean? I guess you could pump, but any demand you give right now will increase your supply, and I'm not sure I'd want to be tied to the pump right now.

Speaking of, who is nursing while pregnant? I am still nursing our youngest (19 months), but I feel like my milk is already drying up. I nursed through the beginnings of my other pregnancies, but both kiddos self weaned mid pregnancy (both, strangely at 22 months, despite it being at different stages of pregnancy) so it will be interesting to see if she weans at a similar time. I'm not relishing the idea of tandem nursing, so I will not be heartbroken if she weans sometime in the next 8 months. 

[WendyJo410]

We're still nursing over here! DS is 10 months and still going to town... I'm hoping to tandem nurse, so hopefully he doesn't wean!

beccabus - From what I've read, I wouldn't pump/stockpile. Prolactin makes milk - Progesterone helps sustain a pregnancy. When prolactin is produced, it inhibits the production of progesterone - i.e. why so many nursing mothers don't have AF or can't get pregnant. I'm currently using progesterone cream to help with the pregnancy, just in case my progesterone levels drop because of nursing. (just my 2 cents!) I would talk to your midwife or care provider before pumping... but that's crazy that milk's coming already!

[MaerynPearl]

My little Mae I had this (my #3) quite early and found it odd. by the end there were times I was crying because i wanted her out to nurse (not like, because it hurt... i just missed nursing, my youngest before her is 5 years older than her)

This time around, still nursing DD, she's only 14 months.

[triple07]

I have tried to squeeze milk out this time, but nothing. For me, my breasts feel like they are already getting full of milk ( I'm only 6 weeks along...)

I nursed DS1 through DS2's pregnancy and tandem nursed for 1 1/2 years after that. I agree I would ask dr or midwife before pumping, though.

[WendyJo410]

Originally Posted by triple07 

I have tried to squeeze milk out this time, but nothing. For me, my breasts feel like they are already getting full of milk ( I'm only 6 weeks along...)
I nursed DS1 through DS2's pregnancy and tandem nursed for 1 1/2 years after that. I agree I would ask dr or midwife before pumping, though.

How did tandem nursing go for you? So many mother's seem to have supply issues during the 1/2 trimester. Any advice/suggestions? Did you read that book "Adventures in Tandem Nursing?"

[DeepLove]

I am currently nursing my 7 month old and pumping while I'm at work!  My supply has decreased dramatically.  What to do?  I am 5 weeks today

[Choaners]

Originally Posted by DeepLove 

I am currently nursing my 7 month old and pumping while I'm at work!  My supply has decreased dramatically.  What to do?  I am 5 weeks today

Oh i feel for you.  My DD just turned a year two weeks ago and I decided to stop pumping (since I was only able to nurse her at night, I spent more time w/ my pump than my daughter, but she got the benefit of breast milk for a full year!).  Anyway, it was such a relief to stop the pump.  I still planned to night nurse and didn't want to ween her , but whamo! Pregnant! and my supply just plummeted.  I'm sure it's a combination of stopping pumping and the first trimester hormones, but i can't believe how much my breasts shrank!  She's still getting two or three feeds a night, so hopefully she's keeping my supply up.  I'm not sure what I'd do in your shoes, besides just keep going!  7 months is rough b/c even though you're adding some solids, she's still reliant on you.  Maybe go back to the Fenugreek? or try   http://www.kellymom.com

that website is a lifesaver!

May the nursing goddesses be with you!

[BigMamaBear]

I'm nursing my 11 month old and already noticing supply reducing and it's already very uncomfortable to nurse - tender nipples etc. :( 

[WendyJo410]

My midwife has suggested to make sure you're getting enough nutrition and WATER - the two biggest things for keeping your supply up... oh, and nursing as often as possible! I haven't noticed any supply issues, but then again, DS has never had a bottle and nurses on demands with solids... so I just assume he's getting enough when he stops nursing after a while. Supplementing on top of the proper nutrition will be our biggest helper!

I hear ya mamabear on the sore nipples! DS has 8 teeth and he's usually very gentle - but sometimes my nipples are so sensitive it feels like he's clamping down!

[craft_media_hero]

Hi, I just joined but going to jump right in here!

How awesome that you are making colostrum already! Pumping/bf can sometimes initiate uterine contractions, it's true, butcolostrum is so valuable and presentfor such a short ti e after tge birth that I can totally see why you would want to stockpile it

Personally, I might not ramp up the pump but would feel comfortable withhand expression--some lc's say that hand exp is more effective than a pump with colostrum anyways. I wouldnt aim for ounces and ounces but even a teaspoon can have such great benefits that I would be thrilled with filling up an ice cube worth, for sure!

Currently nursing my 15mo ds who is crazy for it! Nursesheavily all day! So far I've noticed 1-2 days of tender nipples which dissipated and actually a greater supply than usual. I hope he doesnt wean coz I've always wanted to tandem nurse (tho I may be kicking myself for saying that later!).

I am SUPER hungry and thirsty all the time which is all right and I'm surenecessary to keep up with my body's needs for both little ones!

[MaerynPearl]

I think I need to start eating oatmeal to get mine back up, my 14mo is NOT happy with the amount I'm making.

[beccabus]

Thanks for all the input!!  I think I will hold off and just revel in the miracle of my body :) :)