Trying to build supply

[Thing1Thing2]

I had to formula feed my DS. I won't go into details, but they are here if anyone is curious:

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1333532/i-think-i-know-what-i-have-to-do/40#post_16728824

He ate formula for about a month, and I was pumping. Now I'm trying to get him back exclusively on the breast. His eating has increased - while my supply has decreased. And the pump just doesn't work that well for me.

I would say I can get about 18 ounces in a day, he eats about 27 ounces. When I put him on the breast, he gets frustrated because he's not getting enough. Then I have to give him a bottle for the rest of the feed.

Something tells me there's a better way - although one way I've heard is to stay in and let them feed all day. I can not do this, because feeding in intervals less than 2 hours apart seems to make his reflux even worse.  

Can anyone offer ideas?

[Megan73]

You've been through the ringer, mama! Good for you for sticking with the pumping. It's tough.
First, I'd eliminate the bottles and supplement at the breast with a Lact-Aid. It should help with the flow preference and get him back to the breast full time.
http://www.lact-aid.com/
Second, have you considered domperidone? I bet that coupled with pumping after feeds (and using the EBM to supplement at the next feed) it would boost your supply enough to eliminate the formula. When your supply is where you want it to be you could gradually wean off the pump while monitoring baby's weight. I think U.S. moms can buy dom online from overseas (doctors can prescribe it here in Canada) and there's a FAQ thread in the Breastfeeding Challenges forum.. Here's a link on how to use it:
http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-DGS
HTH

[Thing1Thing2]

Wow- the lactaid looks great. I think I've heard of it before. Thanks for the recomendation!

Haven't considered dom because I have allergies. I'm allergic to most medications, so I only medicate when absolutely necessary, but thanks anyway!

[Asiago]

I was just reading a study on hand expression- pertaining to establishing supply for a preemie.

The reason I am mentioning this, is at the end of the study, the authors felt it could be extremely useful for mothers needing to increase supply in general.

http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2009/july/nursing.html

[gemasita]

I second the Lact-Aid.  It will save you time and simplify for you while helping your son feel happy and satisfied at the breast.  It'll also provide you with stimulation.  I don't think my body responded very well to pumping so I also second the suggestion of hand expression.  I think that works better than pumping for some people.  It may not be as efficient (or it could end up being more efficient!) but it's different than pumping and your body might respond better to it.

[Thing1Thing2]

Thank you for the article! Sadly, I may have to try the hand expressing before the lactaid.

We have run into some more problems with breastfeeding.

[Asiago]

Good luck  I hope the hand expression is helpful.

[Thing1Thing2]

The hand expression has been helpful! I'm working on trying to get him to the breast more often because it's so hard to find time to pump KWIM?

[Megan73]

Originally Posted by Thing1Thing2 

We have run into some more problems with breastfeeding.

What's happening, mama?

[Asiago]

How is it going?

[Thing1Thing2]

Hi, thanks for asking, ladies. We are having problems getting him latched. He cries and struggles to get away from the breast as if it's hurting him or maybe tastes bad. It's been so frustrating. I've tried so many times that he won't even turn his head towards me anymore when I put him in the feeding position

I've tried lots of skin to skin contact, trying to catch a "sneak attack" in his sleep, and pumping before he latches for immediate gratification. I'm so confused as to why he won't latch on.

Dh remembers something I told him a while back (I completely forgot! Yay DH!!) That I could try using a nipple guard. We bought one tonight, I'm going to try it tomorrow morning.

My blood tests came back from the naturopath. She says I'm *extremely* low on vitamins D, A and B12. I'm also having other (not too serious) health problems that are weakening me. I'm hoping that by taking the extremely high amounts of vitamins the NP recommends, it will help my supply and give me strength to keep trying. 

[Megan73]

I'm so sorry to hear that. kellymom.com has some great info about overcoming nursing strikes. Can you get to a LLL meeting or talk to an IBCLC in real life?
A shield might help and it actually works really well with a SNS - otherwise baby might get even more frustrated because the shield can slow transfer.
Hang in there and take care of yourself, mama. My first son briefly refused the breast and I remember how devastating it was. It WILL get better and I hope you're feeling stronger soon.

[Asiago]

I'm sorry too, hang in there.  Have you tried wearing him (?) sometimes latching on is easier when in a carrier and exposed to the breast. Then the pressure is off for both of you, it may just happen on it's own that way. My son needed motion to latch in the early weeks. I think part of it was my overactive letdown was just frightening to him, poor baby could barely catch his breath. He seemed more relaxed when I was bouncing or in motion of some form. He seemed to forget his (presumed) worry and just latch on...or maybe it helped him somehow organize his sucking muscles.

Good luck, hang in there.

[Thing1Thing2]

Originally Posted by Megan73 

I'm so sorry to hear that. kellymom.com has some great info about overcoming nursing strikes. Can you get to a LLL meeting or talk to an IBCLC in real life?
A shield might help and it actually works really well with a SNS - otherwise baby might get even more frustrated because the shield can slow transfer.
Hang in there and take care of yourself, mama. My first son briefly refused the breast and I remember how devastating it was. It WILL get better and I hope you're feeling stronger soon.

Tried the shield today, he hates it. What's worse than holding a screaming baby to your breast as he repeatedly rejects it...

Originally Posted by Asiago 

I'm sorry too, hang in there.  Have you tried wearing him (?) sometimes latching on is easier when in a carrier and exposed to the breast. Then the pressure is off for both of you, it may just happen on it's own that way. My son needed motion to latch in the early weeks. I think part of it was my overactive letdown was just frightening to him, poor baby could barely catch his breath. He seemed more relaxed when I was bouncing or in motion of some form. He seemed to forget his (presumed) worry and just latch on...or maybe it helped him somehow organize his sucking muscles.

Good luck, hang in there.

Great advice! Going to try this right now!