Help with Breastfeeding - Ridgefield Park, NJ

Hi N.,
Don't worry! My daughter (now 5 months) was also born via c-section and in the NICU for 7 days. Breastfeeding has been a challenge to say the least. The NICU didn't offer the intimate environment conducive to breastfeeding although the staff did their best to assist me. She ate a lot of formula-- on a strict schedule initially. Now, I feed her on demand from my breast and supplement with breast milk (either mine or donor) in order to meet her daily needs. I occasionally still use formula if I need fast food. Regardless, you will find what works for you. Be patient and compassionate with yourself.

I consulted 4 lactation consultants in total. We had latching difficulties at first and it turned out that my daughter had a tongue-tie! My Pediatrician and first three LC's were not familiar with the 4 types of tongue tie (only the more common, highly visible types) and were not able to help me. I cried often but didn't give up-- I was determined to breastfeed. The tongue tie was actually diagnosed by a volunteer La Leche Leader! She then referred me to an LC to verify the tongue tie and who then assisted and offered solutions. In general, breastfeeding is extrememly intuitive. Each LC has their own approach, experience and advice-- find an LC who responds to you and the baby.

I felt like I would have gone to the ends of the earth in order to successfully and painlessly breastfeed. It is possible. If you are committed to it, you can do it! Once you start asking for support, it will come. La Leche referred me to literature and resources for galactogogues-- substances that induce lactation.

You may want to first try skin to skin contact with your baby and putting the baby to the breast frequently. Aside from pumping (which I know can be extremely tiring), galactogogues can help increase your supply. I have learned from my LC and La Leche several things. Foods that support lactation are oatmeal, sesame seeds, malt and almonds. Mother's Milk Herbal tea and Lactation support teas are also helpful. Herbs that are useful include fenugreek and blessed thistle. Goat's Rue worked for me. And domperidone is a drug that induces lactation by increasing the amount of prolactin (the hormone that causes lactation) to increase. I have tried all of these things and through trial and error, found what works for me.
All in all, there are tons of options, tools and resources for you. Don't give up! And know that there are other moms out there who can assist and support you! We are behind you!

To keep your milk supply up, you need to eat more, drink plenty of water and get more rest. I think your milk supply will be fine when you do those three things and the baby with his demand for more milk will help with that also. You HAVE to get more rest though. Even if you have to supplement with formula until he seems satisfied with you, that will be fine. Big kudos to you for sticking with nursing. It is going to do such great and healthy things for your baby. Best wishes!

First, I think that you should try hard not to stress our about this b/c i heard that stress affects your milk production...could be wivestale but to be on the safeside!

I had a real hard time breastfeeding in the beginning and my milk production varied from 5 oz to 2oz in total...i was very sore and had to give myself a break and just pump a whole week after my son was born so i could heal.

I supplemented him with formula since day 2 from coming home from the hospital but always gave him what i pumped and when my nipples weren't sore anymore I would latch him on (even if it was just a few minutes). My son is now 8.5 months old, breastfed until he was 6 months and now he has formula all day and he still sometimes snacks around 2:30 am on the breast... I still have some milk!

Even though I didnt exlusively breastfeed, my son never had nipple confusion! I dont believe in it - I think whether its a breast nipple or bottle nippple it is a Food Source and that's all they care about...they just want to eat!

Also, i did find this very helpful: drink a whole glass of water before and after pumping or nursing - drink alot of water throughout the day!!! and if your nipple feels sore when you pump or after you nurse put a little bit of olive oil on your nipple area - it really helped me!!

Good luck!

At this point you can't skip pumping because your supply is not established (it takes 40 days to establish). At this point you should pump probably every 3 or 4 hours. After your milk is established you can gradually increase the amount of time in between pumping without affect the supply. I did this and now (after 8 1/2 months) can pump only 3 times a day.

I had similiar issues pumping and feeding my preemie when he came home from the nicu. I would feed him then pump & not much would come out. The baby is getting your milk when he feeds from you, that's why there's not much left when you pump! ( also, he may not be getting enough at the next feed because the pumping emptied you) .Once I stopped pumping after every feeding, I felt he was getting more. Just eep putting him to your breast every 2 - 3 hours. i would suggest to not pump so much, maybe only once or twice a day. if you turn down the strength on the pupm that should help the blisters too.

Hey N.,
So sorry you're going through such a difficult time. My first son is 2 and I had my second 8 weeks ago. I nursed my first for 13 months, and am nursing my second too.
My first child had to go immediately to the NICU also. HE had a problem with his esoophogus that needed immediate surgery. HE couldn't eat orally for the first 8 days of his life and then had to be monitored via a bottle for the second week of his life to see exactly how much he was getting. I pumped throughout this time and made sure that he got my breast milk in the bottles they gave him in the NICU. My breasts were totally out of whack for those first few weeks. I was in excruciating pain from engorgement and when I was finally able to try nursing my son, it was really tough. I spoke to lactation consultants from the hospital pretty often. One specialist came to my house when my son was released from the hospital (he was there for 2 weeks), and I didn't think he would nurse after only having bottles. But I was wrong. She told me I had to stop giving a bottle for a few weeks. The first 24-48 hours was hard, but I made the commitment NOT to give in a give him a bottle. It worked. Much quicker than I expected. And after a week or two, my breasts calmed down and fell into sync with my baby. It will happen for you too. Your baby will get the breast feeding thing and will prefer it to the bottle. And your body will adjust and begin making more milk. I don't know about the blisters, except that my nipples were cracked a bleeding and terribly painful for the first week or 2 with both babies. The lansinoh nipple cream is amazing though, and your nipples will definately toughen up. I'm sure the lactation specialists have told you about the right way for your baby to latch on- important to help your nipples heal.
Lots of luck. The first month of nursing is the hardest- then it gets so easy and you'll be thrilled not to have to deal with bottles! By the way, my 2 year old is totally fine and a vigorous eater!!

Hey Mama! Do not give up! You sound like you have a wonderful milk supply coming in. Don't forget that breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. As long as you are eating and drinking plenty of fluids your milk will increase as your baby demands more. Also be thankful the baby did take to the bottle first. I had this happen with my son as well because he was a premie. I had to pump and deliver milk to the hospital. He actually stayed 1 week after he was born in the hospital and I only stayed 4 days. :( Luckily he was a big premie. The breastfeeding is natural and the baby will take just fine. It can be frustrating for the baby at times, but it's all about technique. Just remember that having the right position will help you both with the feeding. If baby gives you a problem latching on you may want to go to Babies R' Us or Target and pick up a Breast Shell. The ones I used were made by Medela. It's a piece of silicone that resembles a bottle nipple and helps the baby latch on. It worked wonders for me and by 1 and 1/2 weeks we didn't need it anymore. Good Luck and just remember it will all pass soon. Just don't give up. It makes us stronger. :)

First of all, try not to stress(easier said than done, but being stressed can lower your milk supply)and second of all don't worry...once you get the test results and start nursing you will build up your milk supply...mine usually wasn't in full swing til the second or third week anyway...so really you're still "on track" and worse case scenerio if you can't nurse it's OKAY!!! I am a mother of 5, I nursed all of my babies, but I had to quit nursing my third son at 12 weeks...it wasn't my plan for it to work out that way all the others were nursed for at least a year and some longer, but it happened and it doesn't mean I love him any less than the four I nursed longer...you know as a mom of older kids...sometimes plans change, all we can do is try our best! Good luck!

I would absolutely recommend that you get a lactation consultant - often hospitals offer a free home visit or two. They can definitely help to make sure the baby latches on correctly and can help ease this transition for you both of you.
The best thing you can do is rest any moment you can, eat healthy, and drink as much water as you can. Once the baby starts to nurse, it will help your production a lot more than pumping will to restore your milk supply.
Try to stay positive and calm. It really does affect your bodily response - as well as the baby's.
Best of luck to you!

As long as there is no nipple confusion, as soon as you start to put him on the breast your milk will increase. The baby's mouth can open all the sinuses (I don't know why they're called that, I mean I do but it sounds funny) anyway, nothing opens those sinuses like the baby's mouth. You may want to call a lactation specialist to come to the house for some help. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated. That helps too. Good luck and congratulations!!!

Get help and support before you give up! La Leche league is great for support and usually know who are the best lactation consultants and most nursing friendly doctors locally. It is very hard to get a good milk supply just pumping--I had to pump exclusively for about 9 weeks while my son was in the NICU. He never transitioned to breastmilk only but he got some breastmilk every day until he was about 5 months old. It sounds like you have a relatively short term problem (a week or 2 at most to resolve) and that is well within the window that you milk supply can readjust. A lot of other people have gone through the supplements available so I won't repeatthat. What I didn't know in time to help me was to pump more often for shorter periods-5 min at a time 6-8 times a day or more (even once in the middle of the night). It is a lot so do as best you can! Also, my hospital pump had adjustable suction so I could start medium to low and then work up (after a few weeks I had it up to the full suction).

Keep at it. Nursing is supply and demand. I know the first few days, weeks are exhausting but pump every few hours as the baby would nurse that often. Even if you don't get a lot keep at it. The more you demand the more you will supply. Also you need to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. Just when you think you have drank enough drink some more. Water is best but if you can't stand water add a little lemon or lime or mix in a small amount of fruit juice. Your body had been through a gigantic trama and it is trying to heal, produce milk, function and all with a lack of sleep. Try to sleep every chance you get. Breastfeeding is an awesome experience if you can just stick with it through the first few weeks. Keep going and congratulations on a new miracle in your life. A.

Stick with it! It is SO worth it in the end. Your milk is produced on the supply/demand principle- your baby will NOT starve.
It's gonna be rough for you- physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. You need to know that.
My first child (23 years ago!) could not be nursed in the hospital right away, either. I pumped and tried to nurse when I got home. I was young, a first-time mom, and I gave up way, way too soon. It certainly didn't help that the older generation (mom, mother-in-law) kept telling me to give him formula, he was hungry, I didn't have enough milk, etc. etc. I listened to them. After successfully nursing 3 more kids I have always regretted not nursing my first longer. I swear that I don't have the bond with him that I have with the other 3.
Please join La Leche League right away and go buy the book. Having that book next to me during nursing always made me feel better.
Good luck!
-J.

First of all, you are doing such a great thing by breastfeeding your son, even though it is not coming easy for you. Before I give you advice, you should know that I am a midwife and in charge of breastfeeding issues at a local hospital. You should start putting him on your breast today. If the sores are gone, you are safe. They had to be super careful while he was in the nursery, that was for the hospital, not for you and your baby. All of the experts in Breastfeeding medicine say that the only time not to nurse with herpes, is a lesion on that breast. And it doesn't sound like thrush or yeast. And if it was, that wouldn't prevent nursing! It sounds like you were hurting from the pump... Put your son skin to skin. This means lay with him belly to belly on you with no shirt on him or you. This helps make the hormonal connection between you & the baby. He will feed. It would be great for you to have a lactation consultant guide you in your process to breastfeed. It is not too late. Your milk supply will increase as soon as he starts feeding from you. You will need plenty of rest, help with the other children and housework. For the next few days, keep him close to you and feed him at every opportunity, but at least every 2 hours around the clock. Trust me, it will be worth it. Where are you? I may be able to suggest someone to help you. The Medela website has a great "latch" video that may be helpful to view.
Your story touched me because my kids were 11 & 8 when I had my last baby. I nursed her and it was a beautiful experience that every woman deserves. Don't let this minor set back interfere. Good Luck,
L.

Start drinking Mother Milk tea, it will help to increase your supply. It doens't taste that great but you'll get use to it over time, trust me it really works.

Good Luck

Keep pumping! Even if you don't think it's enough, it will be. Right now pumping is just keeping your supply at a certain level, but as soon as those test results come back- you can start nursing, right? Then your milk will come in even stronger. So don't worry! This isn't permanent! Your milk supply will get bigger and smaller based on the baby's appetite throughout the nursing experience, and this is no different. Plus, his belly is still very tiny. You will have no trouble filling him up. (3-5 oz is HUGE at this stage! I was only doing 1-2 oz, and I didn't have any of your challenges.)

I'm so sorry it's been such a rough couple of weeks! You're doing an amazing job, and really showing how much you are willing to sacrifice for this baby! Lucky little guy! :)

Hi N.,
Many women panic abot breast-feeding. Myself included. I have 2 beautiful daughters that I breast fed, exclusively. Your body will adjust itself to the baby's needs as soon as you start breast-feeding again, so don't worry. I pumped on top of breast-feeding in fear of losing my milk. It was senseless, because my daugher never used the milk I pumped. My first daughter was in the NICU for 2 1/2 wks. She had to be fed by bottle. I had no problem transitioning her to my breast. In fact, she liked it so much more. I think (hind-sight)as soon as we get past the panicking of having a new baby, the easier things have a tendency to be. If you don't have any open sores on your nipples, I would breast-feed and stop pumping. You are doing twice the amount of work. It takes time for you to dry up, so don't worry about that and enjoy your new baby.

N.,

La Leche League has the answers to a lot of your questions.

It's been a while since you nursed - if you nursed your other two children. Chances are you're going to have to get used to it all over again.

There is a silicone shield you can purchase and go forward to nursing your son as soon as you have the okay.

I'm surprised you can feed him your milk but not nurse him, though I am not a doctor.

Theory: as much as your son eats, your breasts will replace. They tend to overproduce early on - so make the most of it while you can, especially if you have to pump, and freeze at least some of it. Encourage him to nurse all the time the first couple of months - even if you have to wake him. He'll fall right back to sleep, but that's fine.

You mentioned he was in NICU, but not whether he was preemie.

Drink your water, nurse him as often as you can as soon as you get the all-clear, and pump in between to boost your supply. Remember to drink just after and during nursing, as well as after your visits to the restroom. Eat your 3 meals plus snacks a day, too, and remember protein and balanced stuff.

Other than that, can't help ya. You'll have to rely on your body to do the rest of the work.

Good luck! It sounds like you are off to a good start!
M.

You have to be kind to yourself and don't worry if you have to formula feed during this time. I think with the help of a lactation consultant (many times you can call one for free from your hospital) you can get through this. Try to eat well and drink plenty of water for yourself. It may be hard to do but if you really want it and you take good care of yourself (eat well and drink lots of water) I think you will be able to get through this. Definitely keep in good contact with your lactation consultant.

im so glad to hear that. you will do fine now that he is nursing. just remember, if it seems like he isnt getting enough, have him on the breast more, whatever you do, try not to supplement. you body needs to "know" its not making enogh, but if you supplement, the body thinks its making just the right amount. if you think you start to decline, just put him on even more often.

and always feed on demand, dont do schedules with breastfeeding and your milk should be fine. good luck, im so glad its working out.

Hi N. - congrats on your newborn. Please don't give up! I had complications and went back into the hospital for five days. During that time I was exhausted too and pumped only a few times a day and dumped due to meds. At the time my twins were formula fed every three hours - 4 ounces at a time. When I returned I supplemented too much. I should have breastfed more agressively, especially when their intake was so much less. They are now thirteen weeks old and I am still trying to fully relactate. I would suggest you keep pumping agressively and when you get the clearance, breastfeed everyt 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours. The more you do earlier on the better the results!

If you do have a yeast infection you can work through it. My son and I both ended up with one due to the antibiotics given as a result of the c-section. We were both treated at the same time and I was able to continue to breastfeed.

Don't be concerned about relatching. My twins both did it beautifully. Skin to skin works best and I made breastfeeding more comfortable. With bottle feeding I didn't warm up the formula too much, just enough to take the edge off whereas my breastmilk was warm. When bottle feeding I held them but with breastfeeding I stroked them, soothed them, sang to them, and more. They still love to breastfeed even after all this time.

Good luck with your little one!

my goodness I would not want to have to go thru what you are going through that sounds tough but hang in there! I believe that if woman since the dawn of time and all over the world can breastfeed under all sorts of trying conditions, why cant we... the totally over-priveledged people of America with tons of recources... do it too? Just keep doing your best cuz thats the best you can do! Keep pumping as much as you can, and remember that even if you seem like you are not producing enough, a pump will never get milk like your baby can, and he will very soon enough! Even if you milk supply is decreasing, it is always possible to RE-lactate too, have you heard of women that can lactate to feed adopted babies? If they can do it so can we! Also remember that only 3% of woman physically CANT breastfeed, and u are probably not one of them lol, so just relax and trust in yourself and your strength to pull through this, and also accept that whatever will be is what is supposed to happen, and u will probably find that the less pressure u put on yourself, the easier it will be when it does happen! Good Luck!

Hi N. --

Congrats on your new baby. I won't go into the reasons for why my start at breastfeeding was rough, but for the first week or two I couldn't breastfeed regularly either. As soon as it was possible, I fed my son (a preemie but a surprisingly big eater) on demand, at least every three to four hours. I, too, felt like my supply was not great, but my body adjusted. I had a lactaction consultant and she said to relax, keep feeding him, take care of my health and things would be fine. And they were. I did supplement with pumped milk or formula ocassionally after the first few months when I was concerned he wasn't getting enough, but he was 90-95% breastfed for 6 months. I weaned him at 9 months when I found out I was pregnant again. (Oops.)

I guess what I'm saying is relax, keep pumping, and when you can breastfeed, do it on demand to get your body back to producing a strong milk supply. Almost all women produce more than enough milk for their babies, despite many who doubt they can. And contact the lactation consultant you saw in the hospital. She can reassure you and offer good advice.

Good luck!

N.,

Don't give up. You can get it to come back but it might bite for a bit. I know you are tired but you might have to keep the feeding and pumping up for a couple of weeks doing it every 2 to 3 hours. I had to do something similar with my oldest. There are also supplements you can take to help increase your production.

I would also suggest using the Avent Isis. I tried using those Medela and hospital pumps. I am not surprised your nipples are having issues. :( Those things are brutal! The Avent Isis has an insert that recreates the sucking of a baby. It is COMFORTABLE and studies showed that moms who used it were able to pump more than those who used hospital type pumps.

I wish you the best and hope your little one is okay. I have had 3 c-sections but luckily didn't have any of them have to go to NICU for any reason. I will say that I am concerned if they are having you feed with a bottle though as the baby might refuse to nurse. Did they have you use a bottle or a feeding syringe? My oldest had to be supplemented and they had me "feed him" my pinky finger and squirt the formula into the corner of his mouth until my production got up. I would ask about sw itching to that until you can nurse again.

Best of luck,
L.

N., As so many others have told you breastfeeding is supply and demand. I have been feeding my son since birth and he has steadily grown into a beautiful 9 month boy. It is an amazing feeling watching your child grow from the nourishment you supply from breastfeeding. It will get easier as time goes on. The only vitamin your child will not get from the breast milk is vitamin D and for that my doctor and midwife suggested a vitamin D supplement.

Hear is a great website by a doctor who specializes in breastfeeding.
http://www.drjacknewman.com/Breastfeeding-help.asp

Best wishes