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BF'ing: Building Milk Supply?
Ok ladies, I'm really really trying to hang on for two weeks (which everyone stated is the hardest). Maybe I'm just being hard on myself, but I feel like I shouldn't have to supplement w/ formula nor do we want to but I can't even barely get a 1/2 ounce per pumping. K didn't latch well and the lactation consultant stated that he was having difficulty latching and that I needed to get a pump, which we did. Baby K is eating about an ounce a feeding (a 1/2 ounce more than I am pumping), so we've been supplementing with formula. I've been drinking more water than I normally do, about five large glasses a day at minimum. Any suggestions? I've been doing skin on skin which they say produces more, but I've not had much improvement. I realize that it's only day three, but when does the milk production catch up with what the little one needs? I'm pumping every three or so hours, and am trying to get at least an ounce ahead of the little guy, but not having much luck. Any suggestions would be HUGELY appreciated.
Re: BF'ing: Building Milk Supply?
Fenugreek supplements can help increase your supply too. I think you can get those at GNC or Campbell's Nutrition in Urbandale.
Don't be too hard on yourself, I've exclusively pumped from the beginning because we never got a good latch and I also had to supplement formula at first. I just kept reminding myself that any amount of breastmilk is better than none.
Make sure to eat plenty as well! I'm always starving when BF'ing. And oatmeal is supposed to be awesome for increasing supply. instant is ok, but Old Fashioned is better, and steel cut is best. But any oatmeal is supposed to help. And there's a recipe for Lactation Cookies in case you have someone who wants to bake for you. They're really a good chocolate chip cookie.
That being said, my milk came in on day 6 with DS1,and on day 4 with DS2. You'll know, as the engorgement is insane.
You may also try pumping for just a bit to make your nipples a bit bigger and start the milk/letdown, then offer to your little guy. Makes it easier, and more "instant gratification" for them.
And don't stress out too much on it, as stress does not help! The first few weeks are not fun at all-DS2 is now 10 days old, and I feel like all I do is feed him. It takes him an hour to eat (30 mins per side), and he wants to eat every 2-3 hours.
Good luck! Once they get good at it, it takes about 15-20 minutes. I have to keep telling myself this a lot at this stage myself.