Expressing milk issues day 5

[Pandabear123]

Hi all not sure if right forum & sorry it is long...
I am currently expressing milk for my baby as I have been unable to sucessfully feed at the breast (I have tethered nipples). I had to have an emergency C Section at the birth. I am on day 5 now and although I am expressing every 2 hours at least for up to 30 minutes, my supply seems to be dropping. Yesterday during the day I managed to get average of 30-40ml with 1 50ml with ease, but during the night it dropped to 10/20ml a go and today it is it taking full 30 minutes of hand and electric pump to squeeze out 20-30ml.
Is there something I am doing wrong??
I am desperate to keep her exclusively breast milk but have had to give her 3-4 formula feeds in past 4 days as I can't keep up with what she eats.

Have you tried breast compressions or warm compresses before pumping?
Kellymom.com is a good bet for info on breastfeeding/pumping.

I haven't been in your exact situation, but did have a lot of problems breastfeeding and mixed fed from 1wk to now (6mo). I was gutted to give formula (baby readmitted to hospital and had to) and thought I had to quit BF. Really pleased now I didn't stop, even though it was so hard doing both.

Could you contact a lactation consultant or feeding support midwife through the hospital?

Also, you might have more responses in Infant Feeding - www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breast_and_bottle_feeding

💕💕
I feel your pain. I had an emergency section and think this really impacted my ability to pump too. My son wouldn't latch he was premature so I think that impacted the supply.
Do you have a good pump? Are you in a lovely warm and comfy position when you pump? Have you been eating enough? I had no appetite after my general anaesthetic and all of the trauma and schlepping to hospital... but it does affect supply.
If you have the chance try to pump when your baby is with you. The milk used to run out of my boobs when I was with my baby.
It's so hard, I don't have any tips really just wanted to give love.
I gave up after a month of being the worst combination feeder.. I was lucky to get 10mls after 1 hour of pumping and crying. In the end the re was nothing coming out.
I tried lots of formula and then we decided to stick with nanny care goat formula as it was the only one that didn't make my son get sick.
All the best. It is really hard recovering from a section whilst trying to pump and finding the time to do all the other things you need to do each day.
Keep strong mamma xxx

Supply can vary day to day. Your supply is just getting established. As Flash said, breast compressions are a good idea. As is relaxing as much as possible. Do the breast shields on your pump fit right? There is info on kellymom about that. You could try a galactalogue like oatmeal or nursing tea. Fenugreek worked for me, but you have to take 9-12 capsules per day! Are you pumping frequently enough? You need to pump 8-12 times per day in the beginning, as often as baby would feed. 3 months in to exclusive pumping, I'm on 5-6 pumps per day!

Poor you! Know that you're not alone. The stress of emergency sections increases cortisol, which offsets prolactin, so it is very normal for supply to take longer to get established in this situation. Day 5 is still early days, so don't panic. It is really hard not to be stressed, but rest and being relaxed lowers cortisol, which should help the prolactin level. Take fenugreek as well! It sounds like an old wives' tale but it does work. The Medela swing pump is amazing. Be kind to yourself and tell yourself that you are giving the formula in order to give you the best chance of boosting your own breast milk: v hungry baby=stressed mother and higher cortisol... I had to give a few formula feeds after both my sections in the early days but the situation improved after that. I am thinking of you and sending very positive and calming vibes. It is a very hard and intense period even for those for whom everything seems to go swimmingly, so please be kind to yourself. Cheering you on! X

Thank you all so much for posting on here, very comforting to hear from.others! I am trying to relax more and stop if I find I am getting stressed. I also bought some larger pump funnels which arrived first thing this morning and already I seem to be getting a bit more out! I don't think I was probably eating or drinking enough as haven't been hungry so maybe that will help. I had lots of help and support in the hospital and before hand with BF specialists which is why I feel.so crap - feel like I was given the best help and I still messed it up. Still, trying to remain positive. Baby has put.on weight and that has been 90% through breast milk so trying to keep that in mind. Thank you again for messages x

How did you get on today? Did you manage to eat a little more?
How is your baby? X

Hi mow yes today has been a bit better. Think the larger pump funnel might have helped, plus everything on here has helped me a bit. Sorry to hear about your experience - I got really low trying with my first baby so know how tough it can be emotionally. Feeling but better this time around but still difficult. Thanks again x

Oh that's great to hear 😘
Hope that things pick up from here. Take care and reach out if you think there is any support I can give. I know lots about c sections 😘🙅🏻🍷

Thank you. This was my second c section and I was devestated when I found out. Went in to labour naturally and was so happy, but baby flipped breech last minute (that day I think!) So was all rather a shock and upsetting!