Getting more from the pump, but maybe I have a "dud"?

[lisamarie1081]

Hi, Ladies!

It's been a few days since I checked in, but wanted to provide an update, get some feedback and pose some new questions (that I'm sure have been answered here over and over again ... but just for good measure....  ;)  ).

We had our 2 week appt with the little guy on Monday -- he gained back his birthweight plus 5 oz!  The doctor was pleased, and probably borderline concerned about the excess weight gain.  He told us it was fine to scale back on the formula (they had us supplementing with 1 oz formula after each feeding for about a week and in recent days, the baby wanted to take 2 oz, so we let him have it).  We discussed my late / low milk issues and he seemed confident that as I phase out the formula, my supply will increase.  HOW THE HECK DOES THAT WORK IF I'M PUMPING?!  Anyway, DS had been eating about 1 oz (that's all i could pump ever 2 hrs) breastmilk and 1 -2 oz formula for the last 5 days or so.  I have also been taking Fenugreek tincture (2 mL 3-4 x each day) for those 5 days.  Now, I can pump almost 3 oz in the middle of the night, after not having nursed or pumped for about 6hrs. I haven't tried every 2 hrs because I'm trying to nurse DS as often as he wants, as often as possible, as often as he fusses, as often as I want him to sleep ... if any of those "as oftens" are different from each other.

Even though I'm getting 3 oz total with the pump, only my left breast has really increased and seems to be carrying the bulk of the supply.  My right breast barely reaches 1 oz, even with the fenugreek and constant nursing.  Why is this and can I even it out?

Also -- I'm totally stumped on how to wean this guy off of the formula supplement.  Yesterday, I only ahd to give him 4 oz all day ... he seemed satisfied from nursing (constantly).  Today, he's a different beast.  He seems hungry CONSTANTLY and my nipples are wayyyyyyyyyyy too sore to nurse him.  Even when I do nurse him, he's still making all the trademark signals of hunger afterword.   Any advice about weaning off of this?

Forgot to mention -- he projectile vomited at the dr. office on Monday ... and he routinely spits up after a formula feeding -- not to mention that he has gas for hours afterword.  I know his belly is not taking the formula well, yet he's hungry enough for it. 

I'd love to get your feedback!  :)

[CoBabyMaker]

I am a little confused on whether you are exclusively pumping or nursing and pumping.  Can you clarify that? 

You have probably heard this but it's totally normal and fine for a baby of that age to want to nurse constantly.  As far as sore nipples go try to remain completely topless as much as possible, just close the curtains first. Is his latch not right or are you just sore from pumping/nursing?

If you are pumping between nursing then I would not be concerned about the amount you are getting at all.

Also, some of use just don't respond well to the pump but do fine with nursing.  (like me)  I couldn't get more than half an ounce from the pump most of the time but I made enough for my babies.  THE PUMP IS NOT INDICATIVE OF YOUR SUPPLY. 

It's also common to have one side produce more than the other.  You can try pumping a little longer on the right side if you want.

As far as increasing your supply more (which I think would be the key to getting him off the formula) I would try getting a supplement that also has blessed thistle and alfalfa.  Also, OATS.  Lots of oats!  When DD two was little all of the sudden my supply was way up and I realized it was because i was eating lots of granola bars.

Hope that helps