Expressing for newborn going through growth spurt

[bramble16]

I am expressing for 6 day old large baby (was 9lb 3oz) as my nipples have become open weeping sores so bf is too painful. He has gone through a massive feeding frenzy since last night due to a growth spurt. As I have only just started expressing I don't have any reserves and am struggling to keep up with his demand. Can any one help with suggestions as to how I can quickly increase my supply. Also how long is this growth spurt likely to last??? I have no formula as wanted to avoid but everywhere is closed so don't have a back up!!

Fenugreek 3 tablets three times a day. Would take 24-48 hours to work. Have you tried a breast shield?

Ok, there are a couple of things you need to do.

1. You need to get someone to check your baby's latch as soon as possible. Nipple damage is a very common sign of something being not completely right. A tiny adjustment can make all the difference.

On the expressing...

1. Keep really well hydrated, and you need to be relaxed, I couldn't express a drop when I wasn't relaxed.

1. I would express every hour this evening and then every 2 hours through the night - a couple of decent sessions between 12 and 4am will be quite important as your milk production hormones will be highest then. Milk is made as you remove it from the breast, so you will increase your supply more quickly by removing it more often. You can sterilise a bottle and then keep adding each new 'batch' of expressed milk to it, so smallish amounts will add up.

At 6days old his stomach is still teeny so you'd only be looking at 1-2oz per feed anyway.

Had the latch looked at by so many people and all have said it's fine but clearly is a problem I need to sort. In the meantime I will try expressing every hour especially through the night - looks like another sleepless night for me
I will try and pick up some Fenugreek tablets tomorrow. I have been eating lots of oats as I heard they can help. I could probably drink a bit more too. Fingers crossed it works. I think I am so anxious ( first time mum) as I don't have a back up plan but you are right he still only has a tiny tummy. Thanks so much for your suggestions.

Yes oats help also. Fenugreek comes in capsules not tablets sorry. If you have amazon prime you could order for Tuesday. Otherwise try Holland and Barrett or independent health food shop. They will probably say don't take whilst nursing on the bottle don't worry about that.

Oh and get some lansinoh nipple cream. It is expensive but very soothing. It is available on prescription if you have a sympathetic GP.

Thanks Soon, sounds like you have been through this before.

Yes , I had a really bad time with my ds1 but I managed to keep going and breast feed until he was six months. I am currently feeding ds2 aged five weeks and things are better this time.
You are doing really well , breastfeeding can be really tough. Do you have a peer supporter ? I found them helpful.

Well we made it through the night! I am going to have a go with nipple shields today to see if they help. I joined the local NCT and there is a councillor so could give her a call. Thanks so much for your help, it really got me through a tough night. Hopefully it will be an easier journey from here xx

Well done! How is the expressing going, are you finding the amount is increasing?

Definitely much more milk today I have got the fenugreek and fennel tea which hopefully will help. I tried nipple shields today and they have taken the pain away but I think there is a problem with his latch so have arranged to see a bf councillor on Wednesday morning. Really pleased I haven't had to resort to formula as I do want to try to bf him.

That's great bramble