How do you do it?

[thetnpreacherswife]

How do you get your LO to empty the breast? My ds isn't getting enough but there is always milk still there--he just refuses to wake up and finish. I was pumping for awhile but that wore on my sanity to pump every time we nurse...
suggestions?

[Violet2]

I am not as expert as some on here, but you sound like you may have a bit of oversupply or he's not the most aggressive nurser.

Either way, don't pump unless you want the imbalance to continue.

Or pump because you want to develop a freezer stash. I know in the early weeks/months it seems almost insurmountable that you bf and pump, but be forward thinking. I kind of wished I had pumped, but then I've had supply issues.

Eventually it'll all work out. Your supply won't know what it's doing for a few more weeks yet ime.

Just keep an eye out for plugged ducts or mastitis.

HTH
V

[Violet2]

Oh and block nursing will help empty the breast. Do the same breast for two feedings (or however) and then switch sides.

V

[asunlitrose]

It sounds like you're having trouble keeping him awake. I know it's not always possible, but try to feed him as often as you can with him just wearing a diaper. He'll stay awake because he's cold and will want to stay near your body to be warm. Alternatively, when you see him getting sleepy, do a diaper change and put him back on the same breast. You could also break the latch and do some "baby sit-ups," where you lay him down with your arms/hands under his arms (hands supporting the neck and head) and lift his top half up and down to keep him awake -- then have him latch on again.

I'm sure I'm forgetting more tips to keep a sleepy baby awake, but I'll come back and list more once I find my book!