Expressing advice needed!

[fifi669]

With DS1 I was advised to combination feed as he wasn't gaining weight as quick as he should be. I carried this on for months. Every feed on the boob followed by a bottle top up. The length of time on the breast decreased and he drank more from the bottle til I eventually gave up.

DS2 is 6 weeks old. Same problem. I've bought a double breast pump to try and increase my supply with the view to exclusively expressing if possible as I know he's probably used to the easier flow of a bottle by now, plus DP can join in with feeds.

I'm currently managing only 4-5 oz a day from several sessions. Any advice? I'm not even sure I'm pumping right!

There's a good section specifically for feeding here (under 'feed the world') and I'd definitely recommend posting there too. There is also an amazing website, Kellymom, where you'll find great advice.
I had to build supply and I pumped the breast I hadn't used immediately after feeding. I found I got the most milk in the early morning. I also saw a breastfeeding consultant, which was really helpful. You can find local ones here

How long are you pumping for? I found that if I angled the pump sucker (the bit attached to your boob) in different directions that would alter the flow rate. Also try doing one at a time and then using one hand to massage boob with your knuckles - quite firmly but not painfully. And again you should find you'll hit patches of increased flow. It's a bit like mining for gold - you just have to find a good seam!

Also some people find flow increases if you look at your baby or a photo of baby.

Make sure you so a middle of the night express or feed - that's when hormones are at their peak.

And set a timer so you are either feeding baby or expressing every couple of hours at least.

These should all help increase production.

I have been doing every three hours, do I need to up it to two?

I have to admit I don't pump overnight as he sleeps 12-7, I pump before bed and he feeds from me in the morning.

I saw feed the world and thought it was a charity section :)

My nipple gets squeezed into the sucker until it's huge, is that normal?

I have to massage around the breast while I am on the pump to get to all the different ducts.

YY to massaging - that massively increased my flow

Yeah it's a bit strange seeing what the pump does to your nipple isn't it. I do compressions to get it out a bit more quickly, I think the skin to skin helps. I was also advised to pump 45 minutes or more after a feed and I do seem to get more that way. Also keeping your fluids up can help.

I had to express only in the beginning with DC2 as she was in NICU for the first 3 weeks. I was advised very strongly to express in middle of night due to hormones being highest at this time. It's a total chore but if you can manage it then I would recommend it. Also are you breastfeeding directly at all during the day? The hours time baby is feeding is also was prompts your body to increase supply. If you can do this also then that should increase supply too.

I haven't be feeding directly for the last few days other than first thing in the morning as he gets quite frustrated. HV this morning said although he's putting on the right amount of weight it is at the lower end of the scale so to up the volume on his feeds. That takes it to 6oz at 6 weeks! My boobs need to up their game!