Supply has gone!

[mumof2beautifulboys]

Hi all! Just home from the hospital after 10 days, giving birth to DS2. I had an excellent supply in hospital, which surprised me as it wasn't my intention to bf, but I decided to as he was in the nicu. Since coming home life has been busy, and with DS1 I've struggled to pump (i didn't have one and then I bought a cheap electric one online and it is pants).

Is it possible to get my supply good again? Any recs for excellent breast pumps? The cheap one i bought had excellent reviews but it's pants (or might be my supply...)

Thanks in advance!

Hi OP, congratulations first of all! Can I ask why you need to pump? 10 days is still really early days and the absolute best way to get your supply up is to simply keep baby on the breast, offer the breast constantly, that is how they tell your body how much milk is needed and they “put their order in” for the following day basically. They cluster feed a lot for the first few weeks and this does NOT mean you have an issue with supply, it’s totally normal and is how they teach your body what they need.

I also would say don’t be fooled by the pump. A pump is not as efficient as a baby at your nipple. I breastfed my first baby past 12 months and currently breastfeeding my 13 week old baby, I have never managed to get much with a pump really but both babies gained weight beautifully, lots of wet & dirty nappies, and were getting more than enough from me.

I saw a bf specialist with my first who always said they would only recommend using a pump if baby skipped a feed or you felt sore & too full just to take the edge off. Also make sure you are eating & drinking enough, and lots of skin to skin with baby on your chest- it encourages more frequent feeding and improves let down.

Congratulations!

Why are you pumping so early? Your DS needs to bring your milk in, and he will change it as he needs it.

I did pump, but not until about three months in, once BF was well established.

Also, as the PP says, look after your diet. Lots of fat and protein, and keep hydrated.

Can you hire a hospital grade pump from your local children’s centre? Your HV may be able to advise on where they’re available.

Thanks all. I pumped because he was in an incubator, so they fed him with a syringe originally. When I actually had a go at putting him on the breast no-one really helped me so I was clueless (I would have done my research had it been my intention to bf), and then the nurse in the nicu told me I'd struggled as my nipples are flat, and that was kind of that. Using the hospital pump I did really well, but at home not at all. I've tried putting him on the boob at home, and I know I should keep at it, but it's so disheartening.

The midwives said about getting one from the hospital but when I called up the infant feeding team basically said it wasn't for my circumstances. I have the HV on Monday so I will ask, thank you

What is your long term plan? Would you like to breastfeed or would you prefer to exclusively pump?

If you’d like to breastfeed I’d also ask the HV for a referral to the infant feeding team so you can get some help and advice. “You have flat nipples, give up” isn’t helpful!

I don't know. I'm torn between wanting to give him my milk for as long as possible to help him, but then know DS1 has thrived and he was FF. I'm happy to breastfeed but I know that I won't do it in front of anyone (except husband) and I won't do it when out and about. But I think if I stop giving him my milk I will be gutted and feel like I've failed him.

Why? You won’t give your child the thing literally designed for them and that is most beneficial to them and that has been proven to limit serious illness and promote health in front of anyone else? Again, why?

I won’t offer you any advice on what to do because that’s such a personal decision, and I don’t know you!

I will say that whatever you choose, you absolutely haven’t failed him. You’ve given him the best start, lowered his risk of NEC, and grown him strong enough to be discharged from NICU ❤️

Thank you. That's a lovely reply.

She’s given her baby her milk for 10 days and if she wants to stop then that doesn’t mean she has failed. Breast feeding made my PPD worse.

I didn’t say anything about failing. I asked why she was so adamant she wouldn’t feed her child anywhere except at home.

Re pumps. If you want a hospital grade you can hire from Ardo or Medela or buy Spectra. BellaBaby gets good reviews for cheaper price. Important to make sure the flange is the right size. The key is frequency though- important to remove milk 8-10 times in 24 hours including night time. If you want to put your son to the breast it's likely to stimulate supply better but only if he feeds effectively. I'd recommend getting some face to face bf support to help you make a plan that works for you. Congrats on your new baby!

Honestly, just formula feed at this point.

Breastfeeding is difficult. Pumping is 10 times harder.

You had a difficult start already. You've given him some breastmilk already. Go on formula and enjoy your baby.

Or go spend hundreds on a Spectra, flanges (flanges size is very important, the ones that come with the pump will not be good enough), storage bags and sterilizer and get pumping now. Don't wait another day.