Low supply and continually pumping

[scarletthollie5]

Baby is nearly four months has some health problems heart bicuspid aortic valve and Gastro-oesophageal reflux . Had problems with breast feeding and advices to pump which l need to do every two hours , however l can only obtain 2-3ozs at each pumping session. My breast ache afterwards . Is there anything l can do to increase my supply have tried eating oats and fenugreek to no avail. He does have one bottle. Of formula in the night SMA anti reflux

Is there a reason you are having to pump ie poor weight gain?

Breast compressions during expressing can help (and during feeding).

He lost a lot of weight initially and then slow gains , was advised to pump by health visitor . He throws his body. Around if l try latching him on the breast .

Could you explain breast compression please

Does he latch on at all?

Breast compressions are basically just gently squeezing the breast, usually when feeding but you can do it with expressing too.

He did initially but has not for a few weeks mainly due to his body goI got stiff and his screaming to be fed ( due to the GORD)

Thank you for the information on breast compression

Is the reflux now under control? DS had reflux caused by allergies. Was on loads of medication for it (also has heart issue) but reflux didn't resolve until the allergies were under control.

Have you seen a Lactation consultant?

Have today picked up prescription for omeprazole. Not tested for allergies been on lactose free diet to no avail. Allergies feature heavily in family. Not seen a lacation consultant - do you know how l get to see one is it via health visitor or one of the charities . Thank you for your comments .

You might have one locally at a breastfeeding group other wise you can find privately if you can afford it https://www.lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/

It's the proteins rather than the sugars (lactose) that trigger allergies so a la tide free diet won't help unfortunately. DS is allergic to cows milk proteins, soya and eggs - I had to exclude every trace from my diet while breastfeeding but it solved the reflux issue.

Thank you - you have been extremely helpful

No problem at all. Just another thought, if the reflux and breastfeeding become more difficult since introducing the formula, it might be worth considering a hypoallergenic formula instead, especially if you are going to do an exclusion diet too. GP will be able to prescribe it.