I am really concerned about breatfeeding this time around. With my other 3 pregnancies, by time I was 7 months pregnant, my boobs were hurting like crazy, and leaking, and it was all just a big mess. I had more than enough milk with my first 2, and with my 3rd I started getting really dry when she was about 4 months old, and had to switch to formula, because she wasn't getting enough milk from me, which was hugely devastating. This time my boobs don't hurt nearly as much, which at first i thought was wonderful, or that I had just sort of gotton used to it. But I haven't leaked at all, bot even a drop, I can't even squeeze a drop out, and I am due any day now!!!! Has my supply run dry? I am really concerned, has anyone else had this happen to them?
I never leaked. ever. I did have supply problems with my first child, but that was a factor of her inability to nurse or even suck hard enough to stimulate a good supply, combined with the damage formula supplements caused. My second child had no problems nursing, never got a bottle, and I never had any problems with supply. I don't think you have cause for concern just yet. What I would do, in your shoes, is look at what might have contributed to your problems the last time around. Were you supplementing? Was your baby on a schedule? Did you give baby any artificial nipples (even pacifiers can create supply problems for some moms)? Did you ever seek the help of a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)? Was your baby actually losing weight before you started giving her formula, or were your fears based on something else? The answers to these questions can point you in the right direction.
Thanks mamaboogie, for your reply. With my last daughter, I didn't do anything differently than with my first two. They never had pacifiers or bottles. I did not have them on a schedule, they just ate whenever they got hungry. She hadn't lost any weight, but she just didn't seem to be getting anything out of me, no matter how hard she tried. I couldn't squeeze out much more than a drop, and when using a pump, it would take me an hour to get an ounce or so. That is when I switched her to formula. But even with my last 3 I was leaking alot by time i was 7 months pregnant, and this time nothing. I am very dedicated to breastfeeding, and very nervous about this one, but I guess that there is nothing i can do but wait until the baby is born and then remain commited.
it's totally normal to not be able to pump very much at first. Even when exclusively pumping for Jenny, my oldest child, I very rarely got more than three ounces in a session, double pumping both breasts at the same time. When I first started pumping, I was getting less than half an ounce! It's also normal for baby to go through growth spurts that look exactly like low supply. I'd suggest not worrying about it yet, and if it seems problems are arising, then go seek out professional help from a really good lactation consultant (some are much better than others - I saw three before finding one who was willing to work with me on our problems rather than just telling me to give it all up and switch to formula). I went to see the LC after Meriel was born, just to make sure her tongue-tie wasn't causing any problems that I didn't recognize, and because Jenny's tongue-tie was the root of most of our problems that first time around. It was nice to see her even if all she told me was that everything was going just fine! another thing that might have been an issue was if you were taking any sort of medication, birth control perhaps? Even meds that are safe for baby may have an impact on milk supply. I wouldn't resort to formula unless baby was actually losing weight, and if supplementing with pumped breastmilk was totally impossible. Formula supplements caused my supply to dwindle down to nothing in practically no time flat, and then I had to relactate, which was very hard work indeed.
jen, was the baby having weight or hunger problems? How much you can pump, or how much you leak has NO relation to how much milk the baby is able to transfer or how much you are making. What symptoms proved that she "wasn't getting enough from you?" Weight loss, dehydration, and lack of wet diapers are really what you see in a lowered supply. Had you started the Birth Control Pill, or gotten a Depo Provera Shot, or started the Birth Control Patch, or even The Morning After Pill? All these have a ability to temporarily effect your supply. But, mill doesn't "dry up" on it's own. Especially after succesfully nursing other babies, or after succesfully nursing the baby you are nursing at the moment you assumed it happened. The only way to tell how much milk you are making is a baby who is wetting and stooling appropirately, and is growing well. If there was a sudden problem, I would suspect a thyroid issue. Make sure your thyroid is checked after the pregnancy. Even a LITTLE hyper or hypo thryroid can effect milk supply. And it can happen at any time. But, even when this happens, milk simply doesn't just dry up. Nearly every time, "drying up" is prefaced by overuse of bottles, formula, even stored milk being used too often, or a frequently absent mom. Have your thyroid checked, and see a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (a private practice LC, NOT the one in the hospital, who won't have time if you have a real problem) and don't worry about the leaking, as long as the baby is wetting, stooling and growing.
I felt that she wasn't getting enough from me because she would only wet her diaper 2-3 times a day, and she woould spend three hours at the breast, and when I moved her she would freak out and scream her little head off until I gave it back to her. I felt like I was her pacifier, because she didn't seem to be getting anything at all, but wanted it all day long. I guess. looking back, I expected her to be just like the other 2, and when she wasn't I decided to go the easier route, even though it wasn't necessarily what I felt was right. I won't do that again, because it made me feel like a bad parent, Also, no, i wasn't on any birth control or medication so it wasn't that. I will be on birth control after this one is born, but i will discuss with my doc, which is best for me while bfing. Thanks for responding. I am due any day now, and just stressing out about how to handle life with a fourth. I am very excited, but very nervous.
Please see a Lactation Consultant as soon as possible. Also do NOT let them give you a Depo Provera shot within 3 months of the birth. In order for Lactogenisis I to occur (the beginning of milk synthesis) your Progestin levels have to radically PLUMMET. This happens naturally, when the placenta leaves your body. However, if Depo Provera (the Shot) is given in the early weeks, it ADDS progestin, in massive dose, to your system, and can stop Lactation in it's tracks. Some mothers can use it, AFTER milk supply has adjusted, at least 3 months after birth, but it should NEVER be given right after birth. It's askng for trouble. Sudden reduction of milk supply is often due to Thyroid problems, which can occur at any time. Your thyroid needs to be checked, about 4 weeks after the birth. And if you have ever had any problems with milk supply. don't use ANY hormonal BC, that includes Depo Provera at any time. Good luck. Please talk to a La Leche League leader and a Lactation Consultant before you have your baby.
even the mini-pill affected my milk supply, and it's supposed to have the least chance of that happening. I'd steer clear away from hormonal birth control, at least until your new baby is eating solid foods. Forget talking to a doc about it, they know next to nothing about human lactation. Talk to a lactation consultant instead, one who is board certified, IBCLC. And I agree with Maggie, talk to them before the baby is born, and have the phone numbers of at least three people you can call whenever you might need some help or advice after the baby comes.
