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Breast pump/milk supply
Hi all
I'm wondering if anyone had experienced what I'm going through: I pump about 5-7 times in a 24 hr period give or take bc that is all I have time for. A couple of days ago the left side was feeling like a rock. This has happened before on both sides so I figured I needed to pump more and it would work itself out like always. Well ever since then, it softened back up but nothing has really come out in 2 days. Probably 2 oz total in 2 days. The right side is my power side and continues to produce 2-4 oz per session. I still nurse them on the left but have no clue if they are getting anything. It's bumming me out bc I give them a certain amount of bottles of bm a day and now I'm not keeping up. I'm not in any pain either. Can I still have a clogged duct or would I be in pain if that were the case?
My little nuggets
Re: Breast pump/milk supply
It sounds like a clogged duct.
You could try warm washcloths on it while pumping and massaging.
My little nuggets
Are you taking any new meds that could be drying you up like antihistamines or cold meds? Any changes in diet or are you dehydrated at all? When they nurse on that side do they seem satisfied?
I'm a little stumped and need to think about this one if it's more then a clogged duct. I'd do what pp said and heat, massage, and pump if you think it's a clogged duct.
My little nuggets
Mastitis? You might be feeling fine, but I've seen a few gals at the nicu get it and not have the typical 'sick' symptoms. And I'm also going to go with clogged duct and it really needs to be worked out. If hot compresses don't work, get yourself some of those corn bag things that can be microwaved. I have the Bamboozie brand and I microwave those things and stick them on there while pumping.
Hopefully it's just dehydration which can be easily remedied, but in the mean time, continue to nurse them on that side (especially first when they are most hungry) and continue pumping just to signal to that boob to keep making more milk.
Also, I had a dud boob that always produced half of what my other one did while pumping but I had no issues nursing. Those little babies are much better than the pump at sucking out any milk.
#1 12.11.11
#2 10.23.13 EDD
I'm with Jen here. If it's still soft and painless with no milk production, I would call an LC at this point. No signal to make milk = no milk produced.
FWIW, I used to force myself to down one full (24 oz) Tervis bottle of water each time Z nursed. Since it was Tervis, water was ice cold, which helped.
Ok so I've been forcing down water more today than usual and I've seen a difference. It's weird though bc I didn't think I was drinking less than usual but maybe I was without really realizing. I'm going to give it another day of tons of water and see where I am tomorrow.
I still nurse Andrew on that side and still pump regardless. Thanks for the feedback. We'll see what happens.
My little nuggets
I'm impressed you're still pumping! It must be so hard with two! I've had blocked ducts before. It was just like there was a grape or a marble in there. It eventually went away after a day or two, and my production went back to normal. I often have a day or two where I make less and worry...then it goes back to normal. I'm bad about drinking water, too...I try to drink 12-20 oz during each pump session. But, the other day I only had 2-3 glasses of water and it really affected my milk. Maybe give Rachelle a call to see what she has to say. She also answers emails --- I can msg you her address if you need it.
ps: I'm glad the boys are nursing too!
Eric suggested calling Rachelle too. Water seems to be helping but can you send me her email just so I have it please?
My little nuggets