New low supply mom - couple questions

[starwishful]

I am a new mommy to 3 1/2 week old DS. I have a low milk supply due to complications from medical interventions in my birth. The quick version is basically that my blood pressure got extremely high toward the end of my pregnancy so I ended up agreeing to an induction. Pitocin led to an extremely fast and VIOLENT labor and delivery which led to horrible internal and external tearing from my clitoris to my vagina which led to immobilizing pain in the days following delivery which led to my milk not coming in for a really long time and then never coming in fully. The lactation consultants I've talked to have told me that my body likely shut down due to the pain and trauma and that caused my milk issues. I'm currently supplementing with formula but my supply has gotten significantly better just by me offering the breast to DS really really really often.

That's the background... here's my question: I'd really love to try to get to exclusive breastfeeding or at least cut back even more on formula. I have a hospital grade pump that I rented but I absolutely cannot let down for it. I can get some milk but I'm pretty sure it's just foremilk. I've tried the suggestions of the thinking of my baby and looking at him and I've tried the Marmet technique, but nothing has worked so far. Is pumping absolutely crucial for increasing my supply? I've read that it is, so I'm frustrated that it isn't working for me. I bought some Fenugreek today. Do you think the Fenugreek plus nursing frequently might be enough? I do still pump after a nursing session to get whatever I can but it's nearly nothing, and pumping between nursing sessions yields even less. Any suggestions for me? Thanks!!!

[aussiemo2]

Hi star, firstly congrats on your new baby boy. I had a similar experience to you and struggled with milk supply for a long time. My best advice is to nurse nurse nurse. Milk supply works on supply and demand so the more you nurse the more milk you will have. Pumping in between whether you get much out or not certainly does help. But don't do it to the point of tiring and stressing yourself out., Remember...you can't judge your supply on what you pump. I and plenty of Moms arent able to pump more then a few oz's.

Rest, plenty of water, fenugreek and mothers milk tea were all things that helped me. I never liked the hospital grade pump...I preferred the Medala PIS or the Medela Harmony. You may need to just lay low in bed for a few days and let your DS nurse whenever he wants for as long as he wants. You getting worried, tired adn stressed will only inhibit your supply so try to relax. The best judge of your supply is your baby....is he gaining weight, having regular wet diapers and is he contented. If it was me I would quit supplementing all together, but I understand if you are worried to go exclusive at this point, but it will only help.

I hope I have been of some help. I understand too well the emotions you are feeling. Hang in there, it does get easier and it sounds like you are doing a great job.

[onesofar]

First of all, kudos for wanting to get to a point where you are exclusively nursing. Especially with all the pain you have been in for the last few weeks! What a great mama

Our LC told us that the BEST way to bring up milk supply is skin-to-skin. Do you have a wrap or something that you could somehow maneuver so that dc is naked but for a diaper and laying on your chest - with only a bra on? Somehow our bodies know the skin-to-skin of a baby, and milk supply will go up. This will also help as pp mentioned to just nurse-nurse-nurse. I totally agree with the idea of just going to bed for a few days - if possible - and snugggling/nursing to build u p that milk supply.

Good luck and enjoy the quiet time spent with your lo

[Neth Naneth]

Originally Posted by aussiemo2

Hi star, firstly congrats on your new baby boy. My best advice is to nurse nurse nurse.

Rest, plenty of water, fenugreek and mothers milk tea were all things that helped me. The best judge of your supply is your baby....is he gaining weight, having regular wet diapers and is he contented.

: Your diet will help too, oatmeal and brown rice always worked great for me. Good luck!

[CathMac]

I am so sorry for your difficult labor and delivery. However, I sense that you are tough and you are already making great progress. I have high hopes that you'll achieve your goal or come pretty darn close.

At the risk of being overly philosophical I wonder if Moms with stories like yours don't cherish their BF'ing relationships just a little bit more and wind up nursing longer which could make up for whatever he isn't getting now.

To answer your questions:

A pump can be useful in putting an additional demand on your body that results in a greater supply. While it's disappointing that it isn't resulting in any pumped milk it's theoretically possible that the additional stimulation is resulting in some extra milk for your DC when he nurses. I'm not sure that's reason enough to keep pumping but I wouldn't give up on it yet. If your DC is satisfied with one side when nursing you can try pumping on the other. Your may letdown better to a pump if you are nursing at the same time.

Also, if one side is a bigger producer and your son is satisfied with the lower producer then try pumping on the stronger side to maximize the amount you pump.

I would also strongly recommend co-sleeping, that way DC will have access to the all night, self-serve milk bar while your Prolactin levels are highest. This will maximize his milk intake while maximizing your sleep at the same time.

For additional tips check out the "sticky" at the top of the BF'ing Challenges board. It contains a couple of posts from me with a lot of resources on Supply and Pumping. I suspect you've seen it already though since you're familiar with the Marmet technique.

Some of the links are likely to be inactive. Try googling the titles. If there are any you can't find PM me and I'll try to look them up for you.

Good luck and hang in there. FWIW, I think you are doing a terrific job and your baby is lucky to have you as a mom.

Please keep us posted.
~Cath