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Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Infant feeding

Expressing for first time

11 replies

KatieLily12 · 23/01/2013 20:16

And there appears to be little to no milk?!?

Erm....? Is this normal the first few times?

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diddlediddledumpling · 23/01/2013 20:20

Are you pumping or hand expressing?
The let-down reflex that releases the milk sometimes doesn't happen as easily when not feeding. I used to try imagining I was feeding, a bit like thinking about yawning makes you yawn!
Or could be pump not air tight. Or time not great, morning times were generally better for me.

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fraktion · 23/01/2013 20:26

It's a habit that you need to relax into IME. The first few tins I got very little but by the time DS was 5 months or so and is been back at work a whole I was getting a full bottle off each boob each session.

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fraktion · 23/01/2013 20:27

Sorry rubbish autocorrect whilst feeding a wriggly 21 month old before bed!

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MadameJosephine · 23/01/2013 20:29

I find that if I express while DD is feeding on the other boob I get loads more as she triggers the let down. It's a bit tricky to start with but with a cushion and DD tucked under one arm I've got the other arm free for the pump

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KatieLily12 · 23/01/2013 20:59

Thanks all

It's tricky as hell. I'm expressing as we have had issues and I'm hoping it will boost my supply and give me a back up in case LO refuses again. We've had a tough day too which probably hasn't helped.

Not sure if I dare risk possible distraction as feeding is going pretty badly already. I'll try again in the morning after her feed. I daren't try before or she won't feed. She expects a dam to break...

Off to sob quietly...,

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CitrusyOne · 23/01/2013 22:01

I was told that about an hour after first morning feed is best time, but I have found if I wait a little bit longer I get more. DD is13 wks, and I reliably get about 2oz each time. I found that to start with it was really hit and miss, some days I'd get 3oz, others barely any. Also read about keeping routines the same when expressing- same seat, time, drink etc can all help. Apparently!

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KatieLily12 · 24/01/2013 00:11

Thanks citrusyone will try in morning

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stargirl1701 · 24/01/2013 00:14

Try looking at a photo of your LO while pumping. Or, having something that smells if her near you.

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KatieLily12 · 24/01/2013 00:35

Yes someone said keep some baby clothes nearby. Good idea thank you.

I'll need to give her morning feed then have a go a bit later. Hopefully she'll feed well enough that I can manage it. Poor thing

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CitrusyOne · 24/01/2013 09:25

If you've got low supply I was advised to eat oats. So over the last week I've had flapjack, oatcakes, hob nobs and oaty Brekkie cereal. It does seem to have made a difference. Keep at it, you're doing a fab job!

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KatieLily12 · 24/01/2013 10:38

Ooo I'm eating porridge while I read this and I love flapjacks. I'm also drinking fennel tea.

It's been a rough ride. She wants things to gush but has suspected reflux. She has been refusing to feed and I'm at my wits end. I got 50ml for her this morning from one breast so I have some back up now. It's horrible