my 1 month old baby girl never really latched on so i have been pumping. however i didn't get milk for almost a week which i know is normal. someone told me to take alfalfa and that would help get my milk in. that worked but i am not getting a whole lot. i am lucky to get an oz in a day. any ideas on getting more milk. don't really want to give her all formuala.
Thank you everyone for all your help. I drank the tea and took the pills. I was able to continue for a little while longer and I am so tankful of that. I have since dried up due to some medication that the doctor put me on and that bummed me out for a whiel but at least she got some of the good stuff before we started this med.
I didn't get a whole lot either with my pump, but I agree with the advice to try a different pump. I think we're all just different and a pump that works well for one woman might not for another. Good luck!
Hmmm, I have heard that Fenugreek helps a lot, although I haven't personally tried it. I believe you can find it health stores like Sprouts and Whole Foods. What kind of pump are you using? I had a double electric pump and it worked really well. It did a number on my nipples, though!
I understand your pain with pumping, though. My baby was premature, so in the hospital they gave her a bottle to make sure she could eat on her own. This completely thwarted my plans for breastfeeding. I was never able to get her to latch on, so like you, I continued to pump for about 4 months. Luckily, I didn't have a shortage of milk. As she got older, it was just to hard to take care of her and pump 8 times a day. Plus, I would pump in the middle of the night after her feedings so I only got an hour of sleep at a time. After a while the adrenaline wears off and I became a walking zombie! To also ensure my milk supply, I started off pumping every 2 hours, then after I was established, switched to every 3 hours. Once she was sleeping longer at night, I didn't get up to pump then either.
I will say, that it is hard having to give your child formula. I still feel guilty about it every time I buy it at the store, but ultimately, it was the best decision for us. I have more time for my daughter and that's what's really important. I hope this helps. Try not to give up hope, but if you have to give her formula, she'll be just fine. Plus, there is the added bonus of handing her off to Dad for a feeding every now and then.
When I wanted to get more output for my twins, my doctor gave me a prescription for Reglan. You might ask about that... Or if that doesn't work, maybe go to GNC and look for Fenugreek. That is also known to boost lactation output. But I would definitely research each of them before asking, because you might want to be prepared with questions for the doctor.
B., I too have had problems with my supply. I am taking Fenugreek, Mother's Milk Tea and Brewers Yeast pills, which you can get at the health food store. Good luck.
Try fenugreek. It stimulates milk production and other secretions. A word of caution, though, it will make you sweat more and smell lightly of syrup. Fenugreek is also the flavoring added to "maple flavored" syrup. You can get it at just about any health food or supplement store.
Hi B.- what kind of pump are you using? That can make a big difference. In the beginning your breasts are in that supply and demand process so if you are using a "cheap" pump then when you pump you might only get maybe 80% of your milk, then the next time you make milk you only make roughly 80% of what you made before, and so continues the downward spiral. I pumped with my first for the first month but had rented a hospital grade pump that helps extract like 98% of your milk. Also- the longer/more frequently you pump the more you are telling your body that you need MORE MILK!!!! Good for you for pumping- that is dedicated and the BEST thing for your baby, but if it stresses you out then your milk supply will decrease as well. It sounds like you love your little girl like crazy and that is really the best thing for her :-) Good Luck!!!
