Help...

That's actually great that you can pump that much. The baby is usually more effective than the pump. Many people have to pump more than once to get one feeding. I have had the best success with feeding on one side and pumping on the other when I am most full (like in the morning for example).

Since your baby is still so young, it's important to NURSE her as much as possible. That's the only way your supply is going to come up and your supply will become established. Pump after you nurse her to get extra to build your supply. Nurse, nurse, nurse all day long and your supply will come up! Good luck!!!

If you are up for the challenge you should pump every couple of hours. The more you pump the more your milk supply will increase. Also get you some lanilon for your nipples to help the soreness.

What kind of breast pump do you have? I have a automatice double pump that I was getting ready to list for sale for $150. It has different speeds and a wonderful machine. A pump could make the world of differnce.

I have breast fed my last three children (youngest is 10 months).

Good Luck!!!!!!

Yeah for you in making the decision to breastfeed. I agree with Nansie...nurse, nurse, nurse..every half hour if you need to. That is your baby's way of telling your body to increase your milk supply. I nursed my daughter 20 months and I'm currently nursing my 5 month old son. I know those fequent feedings can be difficult but it'll do the best for your milk supply. I used pumping in addition to fequent nursing to help improve my supply at the times it dropped. It is better to do more frequent, shorter duration pump sessions than long spread out ones. Also, take breaks for yourself throught out the day and drink your water. I would drink upwards of 3 liters of water a day at times. Good luck to you!

Hello L.,
I am a nurse at a local hospital childbirth center. I know that we have great lactation help there. It is ongoing after delivery. I would highly recommend you call them and schedule a time to talk to her. It is free to you and she is WONDERFUL! I had this same problem when only pumping for my son and she worked wonders. I really really recommend you at least calling and talking to her. Please email me if you want her phone number. I know she would be greatly willing to work with you! But, you may want to call sooner then later so you can quickly build up a supply! Best of Luck if I don't hear from you!
____@____.com

Dear L.,
My 18 year old daughter had problems with not being able to produce enough breast milk to continue breast feeding, even with a pump. This is not unusual, but don't be discouraged. Sometimes this cannot be helped. We consulted my grandson's pediatrician, and she suggested an appropriate formula that provides much of the nutrients that are found in breast milk. There are many mothers who have problems with producing enough breast milk no matter what they try. The Pediatrician said that there was nothing that could be done, and she would have to change to an appropriate formula. Try not to worry; There are formulas that can provide the nutrients that will benefit your son just as much as breast milk. Regarding the bonding issue, the love that you have to give to your son will be felt with holding him and talking to him. The physical contact will make him feel just as secure. Check with his pediatrician. He/She will be able to guide you with this issue. Best wishes! Christine S

L.,

The more I pumped, the more milk I produced. I also had to drink a LOT of water and eat a lot to keep up. Sometimes when my kids were in a growth spurt, they ate a lot (bunching), even every half an hour. They each grew out of bunching over time. Supplementing with formula is a great option if you still need something. Best of luck!

S.

let down can be a problem when you pump. my best advice would be that when you are home you nurse her, even if she is on your chest all day, it will help increase your milk supply and make it easier to have some left to store you can even let her nurse on one side while you pump the other and then switch at each feeding. good luck.

L., it's a tough life to be a mom, but a very rewarding one! I don't know if I have the best advice or not, but it was what worked for me. Drink lots and lots of water! All day long just keep drinking and not only should your milk supply increase the water has many other added benefits for your body like radiant skin. I hope this helps and the best of luck!

Hi L.!
It is so great that you are breastfeeding Averi. I agree with the advise that the BEST way to increase your milk supply is to actually breastfeed rather than pump (have successfully nursed four). Frequent nursing is normal for such a small infant. I remember thinking that "nursing every two hours" meant two hours from the end of one session to the beginning of the next session, but then was told that it really means two hours from start to start which sometimes meant 30 minutes between the end of one session to the beginning of another!!!! But it's only temporary!

With my first child, I had to go back to grad school one week after she was born. I ONLY nursed when I was with her and I carried my manual breast pump to school and pumped in the bathroom stalls and stored the milk in a cooler and brought it home. I eventually was able to nurse on one breast while holding the pump on the other breast to take advantage of the let down reflex caused by the nursing and could fill 8 oz. within minutes. So it CAN be done, but it takes commitment.

I also agree with the advise of getting a good quality pump. The pump should not hurt. A variable speed electric pump.

I just reread your post and you say you are getting 5 oz with each pumping session. Given that she is only three weeks old, you are doing well. My advise is to pump and store that milk and nurse her when she feeds. Do no feed her the bottled milk. In three weeks, you can have a substantial supply built up in the freezer, but have formula on hand just in case.

It is difficult to provide breastmilk exclusively while working full time so do not be disappointed if you have to resort to formula occasionally. Hopefully, your workplace has a space where you can express milk privately as you will have to do so during your work day. Also, bring a supply of breast pads. Your breast will eventually become regulated and you won't leak so much.

Good luck to you!

A.

Hi, Make sure you are drinking lots of water, I know this can be hard if you are not use to it. Make sure everytime you nurse you sit down with a glass of water. You can also use a heating pad. Also here are two herbal remedies that really do work. http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/herbs.html

Here is another article showing great new info about breatmilk

http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20081102-16879.html

Hi L.,

Good for you for giving your baby the best you have to give. You're doing great! Keep in mind these things (from the breastfeeding answer book) when you are trying to increase your milk supply:

1. The amount of milk the mother produces depends on the frequency and effectiveness of the sucking of HER BABY at the breast. A breast pump just doesn't do as good as a job of stimulating.

2. Milk production follows the principle of supply and demand.

3. More frequent but shorter nursings build and maintain a mothers milk supply more effectivly than less frequent but longer nursings.

Also, here are some more tips on increasing supply:

1. be sure of a good latch and good position

2. offer both breasts at each feeding and nurse long enough so that the baby recieves the high-calorie hind milk

3. If the baby is sleepy try moving him back and forth from one breath to another. switch when the babies sucking seems to slow down, usually around 2-5 minutes.

4. All the babies sucking should be at the breast, avoid bottles and pacifiers for now, at least until your milk supply is better.

5. Give only mother's milk, don't suppliment, at least not until your milk supply is better.

6. Take good care of yourself, plenty of rest, plenty of water, relax.

And it's ok to do nothing but nurse the baby. Enjoy it. And besides, what else does your baby have to do. Also keep in mind that the breasts seem to be better stimulated at night when the mothers hormones tend to be more relaxed. This is why babies always want to wake you up :) So try to stay close to your baby at night.

I would maybe try this for a week and then worry about storing milk. It will help to have a good milk supply before you pump for storage purposes.

I hope this helps, Good Luck!