I had horrible supply issues with my first son. Is there anything I can do during pregnancy to help this out for the future?
Thanks for the responses! I had such a horrible time with breastfeeding and at first we couldn't even get my son to eat from a dropper (even though he was full term). I had worked with so many lactation consultants for quite a while, and ended up pumping and supplementing. After 6 months, I was only able to pump one ounce from each breast for the entire day (10-12 sessions).
hydration hydration hydration. Get a big cup with a straw fill it with ice water and drink it every time you baby nurses, you drink as well. We end up too busy to take care of ourselves when we are too worried about the babies to fully nurish ourselves.
The only think I know that I did differently with youngest that made a huge difference is the pump I used. I had to get a manila pump in style with my youngest with my oldest I had an evil flow.
just wanted to say, that each pregnancy can be different, sounds like you have some good advice, try it again and don't feel bad about what ever happens.
K.,
This one should be easy for you - go to www.kellymom.com and read all of it but most especially preparing to breastfeed. Consider going to a breastfeeding class and take your PARTNER with you.
In order to promote immediate latching, have the baby put on you right after birth. Do this whether birth is vaginal or c-section. My second nursed on the table while the doctor stitched me after my CBAC. Ask for help latching and definately have a private lactation consultant or friend who has lots of experience in nursing (my best friend had nursed 5!) on hand to help you the day that your baby is born, preferrably in the first couple of hours if you need help. Then make sure baby nurses every hour and a half to two hours for the first two weeks. Put baby to your breast before baby begins to do hunger cues so that you have time to get a good latch before baby becomes frustrated or tired.
I had trouble with my first baby but nursed my second to 14 months and it was a wonderful experience. He is now 20 months and I still miss it - but he weaned himself.
Good luck! Remember, unless you have a very traumatic birth or have had breast surgery previously, you shouldn't have a supply issue. C.
I had the same issue with my little one and would be worried too if I were to be pregnant again.....here are my recommendations:
1. Definitely rent a professional hospital grade pump
2. Have a lactation consultant ready to meet with after delivery in case there are latching issues
3. Please keep yourself hydrated and fed while breastfeeding - this is critical. A glass of milk while breastfeeding goes a long way for mommy and baby.
4. start taking fenugreek supplements
5. this is more of a traditional option - but you can roast (unitl color changes) cumin seeds in jaggery and pure cow ghee (all available at local Indian grocery stores) - heat up ghee (like you would cooking oil) and then add jaggery and cumin seeds. Take one teaspoon twice a day. This helped me a TON.
6. start massaging your breasts and pinching nipple in the weeks before due date.
7. Ask what pain killers your dr will prescribe after delivery - I realized that naproxin given to me to recover from c section was actually reducing my milk supply. you can research in advance and discuss altenatives.
8. Lastly don't stress.......plays key role in reducing supply....... do your best for the baby and don;t hesitate to supplement with formula......baby getting proper nutrition is key and lots of babies do just fine on fornula alone - we as Moms are so hard on ourselves.....
Good Luck
See if you can get a referral to a lactation consultant before hand. Breastfeeding is natural, but not necessarily easy. Having a "coach" may help. Good luck!
