anyone a breast feeding expert?

Question

I had my baby 3 weeks ago...my milk came late like 5 or 6 six days after birth but my left breast got blocked before I got a chance to see any milk come out. I was told to pump and use a hot compress and continue feeding on that side with a nipple shield since my baby couldn't latch because of the hard shape my breast took.  I had a lumpectomy on that breast yrs ago and I told my visiting nurse I was worried that it was the cause of my milk not coming out even when I pumped that breast (not 1 day would go by that I didn't pump) she told me it was due to the kind of pump I was using, so I upgraded.  It has been 3 weeks since and I am only producing little drops of milk on my problem breast and my good breast is so sore from feeding so much and detaching myself from the baby improperly and its not producing enough milk for my baby who wants to drink 2 1/2 to 3 ounces at least and I'm lucky when I pump out 2 ounces (very time consuming to get 2 ounces).  I keep complaining about the problem and I keep hearing the same thing "keep pumping and nursing on that side and my body will produce more"  I'm to the point that I started taking fenugreek because my working breast is so sore I dread feeding. My question is since my block ducts cleared on its own since my pump at the time couldn't drain it did too much time go by and now I dried up? I never saw my boob drain anything...it just softened up over a few days. Is there any hope for me to breast feed normaly? And my good breast is so much bigger than my bad one now, can I fix that naturally??  I would love to continue breastfeeding but I'm feeling hopeless!!! Help!

tabi_cat1023 · Accepted Answer

Ok stop pumping, just stop, theres no need.  Put that baby to the breast, both breasts, always offer both and switch which side you offer first.  Pumping can stress moms out about amounts coming out but that doesn't show supply.  One breast can make enough milk for a baby but I'm sure you can use both.  5-6 days is normal for milk to come in, I hope your were nursing for the colostrum until then because thats all a baby needs until milk comes in as long as it comes in before 7 days.  YOU need to talk to a LC BUT I will help as much as I can here.

PUMPING DOESN'T SHOW SUPPLY, IT SHOWS WHAT YOU CAN PUMP!!!  Your baby can get milk out that no pump can get, thats why you need to pump and stop worrying about ounces.

Count diapers, 6-8 a day and your baby has been getting enough milk from you.  I bet you will find that when you put away the pump and nurse nurse nurse, don't time length or how often just nurse nurse nurse and count diapers life is much easier.

Join the site www.cafemom.com for help too, the ladies there are GREAT!!!

Curious · Answer

First of all - please go see your doctor. You should have a post-partum check up scheduled anyhow, but go early to discuss breastfeeding. Also, consider contacting La Leche League (look them up online for your closest chapter). They are extremely pro-breastfeeding and will do whatever they can to help you.

Finally, once you stop breastfeeding, after a while, your breasts will get back to their normal size and will be about equal. Don't worry about that. And consultation with your doctor or a La Leche League lactation consultant will help determine what can be done while you are breastfeeding.

Lastly, and I have to say this as a mother who breastfed and bottlefed her children - you are not a failure if you give up breastfeeding. Your baby is better off with a bottle and a calm, loving, confident mother, than a breastfed baby with a mother who is stressed out and worried about not producing enough milk to feed her infant.

Just think about it - I'm not trying to dissuade you - but realize that you have already tried harder than most mothers ever would. 

All the best!

Anonymous · Answer

Go to see a board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area. Many women breastfeed on only one side, If you can't get one side to resolve the problem, you can be very successful with just one side. As far as the breasts looking even, that will come as time goes one, even if just one breast is used. Even if one side is slightly bigger, it will not show by the time you put on a bra and shirt--most women have one side larger. Get some help sooner then later, it may be something easy to fix. Its great that you want to succeed and give your baby the best food possible! Hang in there. www.kellymom.com is also a good resource.

Researchgirl · Answer

You could get a hold of your local La Leche League 
Their website is: http://www.llli.org/

They are experts on nursing. Just wanted to warn you though, if you decide to give-up and don't want to breast feed anymore they get a little upset at you. I think if you want to nurse you should keep trying, but if you don't feel like you can make it work that's okay too. Baby's are still very healthy on formula. Hang in there. I hope you get the help you need.

Trending News

anyone a breast feeding expert?

4 Answers