BabyWhispererForums.com
EAT => Breast Feeding => Topic started by: Mom to M&M on January 09, 2009, 18:48:26 pm
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So I wasn't really able to BF with DD. I tried but my supply was horrible, due in part to undiagnosed REALLY severe Vit. D deficiency and also some slight hormonal imbalances (I seem to be progesterone dominant). I gave it a half-hearted attempt but gave up way too soon and still feel badly about it.
I'd like to really try again with this bean (due June 6). I talked to my doctor today and she is OK with that as long as they supplement me with a minimum of 5000 IU of Vit D a day to keep my levels between 50-100. She did say I might still have a supply issue (and I can't do fenugreek - allergic) but I'll be OK with dark beer and oatmeal on that front I hope.
Since I'm very modest and know I'd find it hard to BF in public (a friend or family's house is OK but not so much in stores, at beach, etc) and also because DH really likes to do evening and weekend feedings, I'll also be planning to pump a fair amount.
So some questions:
1. What would you suggest I do at this point and for the rest of my pregnancy to best prepare and feel more ready that last time? Any classes? Books?
2. What would you suggest immediately after birth? I'm having a hospital birth but it's a relatively natural and BF-friendly hospital.
3. Any suggestions on what pump to get if I plan to use it quite a bit?
4. Anything else?
TIA!
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I had a bad start with DS1 and ended up pumping for him, different reasons to you though as I didn't have supply issues. What I found invaluable this time with DD2 is employing a private LC for a few sessions. One before the birth which gave me loads of confidence that it could actually work and a few for after, when I did run into problems. It was expensive but so worth it. It was great for me to have consistent advice and support in early weeks. I had a ameda double pump and pumping bra so you can go hands free! It served me well for pumping exclusively for six months. I hear medela pump in style is also very good. If you're planning to do a lot of pumping, double is much easier.
Hope it goes well.
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1. If your hospital offers bf classes you might try that. I read "So That's What They're For" right after J was born, & found that to be some help. She offers a pretty dim view of formula, so try to take all that with a grain of salt. The actual bf info was good.
2. Try to let lo latch as soon as possible after birth, within the hour at least. (That said as the ideal. I wasn't able to do it within the hour for various reasons for either ds, but I was still able to have a successful bf experience with both.)
Talk to any LC from the hospital staff while you're still there. The one I had with Isaac showed me somethings I hadn't learned with J & was a great source of info, even though I'd already done it once.
Try not to supplement in the hospital or if you have to, look into a supplimental nursing system (SNS) so that baby will be stimulating you for milk, even though they may need a supplement.
Remember that they feed OFTEN as newborns, like every 2-3 hours or so. You should be feeding 8-12 times in a 24 hour period in the beginning.
3. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced, bought new 3.5 years ago. It's a double electric, which tends to be more time efficient than anything else. I used it with both kids for ~8 months each time. It was still doing a good job when I stopped last time.
4. I second the private LC bit. The one I had after J was able to come to my house, see us in our natural environment, check out my nursing "nest" with all my pillows & such, look at latch, make suggestions, etc. She ended up giving a few pointers & saying, "I think you're doing pretty good. Call if you have any questions." But that was some of the best money I spent to get that feedback. I was nervous & apprehensive & not at all sure of myself, so that feedback was worth it to me.
Believe that you can do it this time around. :-* It really does seem to help. :)
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Hi, just wanted to offer you some support :-* Your Doctor seems like it is very possible for you to do it so im sure you can :D You still have a way to go so if you get enough info on things that can help it will give you a head start.
Best of luck xxxx
Kate x
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Only got a few minutes here, so I'll just list these ideas off.
- latch the baby ASAP after birth
- some babies can feed hourly in the first 24-48 hours post birth. DS2 did this and it helped my milk come in quicker
- get your LO checked for tongue-tie ASAP after birth and if you have any /latchingfeeding difficulties. This problem nearly killed my BFing relationship with both my boys. Easily fixed though.
- if the $$ stretch, hire an LC. I wish I had that option. Would have saved me many hours of heartache.
- try not to pump for about 6 weeks (I think it is). Let your LO nurse more often if you think that they aren't getting enough or have worries about your supply
- think MASSIVE amounts of positive thoughts. I've actually watched my milk flow stop when I started worrying and crying while pumping one day. That's how much impact our emotions have on our bodies.
Hope to get back later with more time to explain.
Good luck!
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I just want to wish you luck and my hopes that it goes well for you!