What to do??? re: Upping Supply

[EllenS]

I guess just keep on doing this way for a while see if it helps.  I would not use your evening pumping sessions as a gauge of how much he is taking in the day, though - babies are so much more efficient than the pump, and evening is usually the lowest point of daily supply.

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

ok thanks, will do and see how it goes

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Well last night was pretty much the same as the day. He woke a little earlier this morning at 3.15, when i fed him only 10 mins first side and 5-6 mins the second. He was full to the brim and i pumped an oz as always. He then woke at 6.40 which was great, its a good time for me. Again the feed only took 10 mins then 5-6 mins other side, then gave him the pumped oz from earlier and pumped another oz.

Now heres the problem, took half an hour to get to sleep and only slept for 20 mins . He was really tired but just can't sleep. Anyway feed him at 9.15 took a bit longer this time but still only about 15 mins then 10 mins other side, gave the oz etc.. pumped.

I guessed he would now be really tired so put him straight down. took me 30 mins, he was calm the whole time a little moan but thats all. But then the phone rang and he woke again took another 20 mins to get to sleep and he just keeps stiring.

Im thinking he can't sleep as he hasn't had enough, but i can feel him feeding the whole time he is on. And that point about getting the oz after a feed, well im always getting it all be it it takes about 10 mins for it to come out.

What do you think, is he getting enough?

Puzzled Kate

[EllenS]

That sounds more like OT than hungry, especially if he is ending the feed himself.  What's your EASY like?

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

its all good apart from the 'S' that is, i've tried everything. He slept about 40 mins in the end earlier, so not to bad

[*Nicola*]

Hiya Kate 

What's his EASY like in EAS pattern?  Can you type it out for us.  When Callie was short napping/snacking we just couldn't push her past a 2.5 hour EASY as she wasn't taking enough food.  I wonder if you are stuck in a similar cycle.

Things have been so/so here.  I've been trying to pump after feeds but it is just so difficult to fit it all in!! Feeding, 2 kids, expressing, Ciara's meds/brekkie (she's insulin dependent), nursery run, back, sleep, feed, straight back to nursery and so on!  I am finding the expressing really difficult to squeeze in this time.  With 1 it was so easy! 

Anyway, Callie is still seeming unsatisfied on the breast.  She feeds well, comes off, looks to get other side most times then comes off after feed.  Usually about an hour later she is getting agitated, hands in mouth, snapping at my fingers if I put them to her cheek etc. I'm taking the fenugreek and pumping when I can.

She's also had a night or 2 of 2 night feeds    so I know she is hungry.  We've not had 2 night feeds consistently for weeks. She's also up at 630am (about 45 mins earlier than usual) hungry    Saying all of that, lots of the babies on the BC are doing very similar things so I think a lot of it is developmental too. 

Off to express 

Love, Nic .. Milk Tank x

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Hi Nic, whats going on with us this is a very long gs for us both i can't even remember when it all started but it seems forever

routine today is sort of like this:
wake and E-3.30-4 good feed then pump 10 mins straight back down
wake and E-6.30-7 again good feed + use 1oz pumped then pump
A-kids play with him 10 mins then bath, dress and put down for 8-8.30 won't settle

8.30 walk to school still awake 5 min walk
S-by 8.40 get back from school 9.10 walk in the door awake wants food
E- 9.15 all the above inc pumped

10.15 looks tired so lay down
S-by 11.15 till 11.55
E-12
A-12.45 - 1.20
S-2.15 - 2.30
E-2.35 (this was 10 mins each side followed each side big burp)

rest to follow later. Sorry its long winded but wanted to show how the day went. He's not moaning but cant get past the  2 1/2 hour. Im pumping after every feed, which surprisingly is going well just have to make sure everything is clean and stralised after each use and i pump till i get a let down. Normaly about 10 mins an get an oz.

I have to ask myself and anyone else who cares to give an opinion

"Is it possible that some people (me) can only make a curtain amount of milk? I know what your going to say but i really do feel like this. Seems no matter what i do im not producing anymore milk

Its the only thing i can think of. I have to say that i am very much the optamist and never let things get me down, but i just can't find another answer.

I will keep with the pumping for at least a week, which i think is plenty of time for it up my supply but tbhwy i can't see it doing anything

Ever wishfull Kate x

[*Nicola*]

Kate (((Hugs)))

Going to read back your post and come back to you but wanted to let you know that you don't need to sterlise after each pumping session.  Put in a ziploc bag and it's fine.   

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

 I sterilse every other, thanks.

I know i sound like im coming to the end of my tether but im not i just like to talk alot and say what im thinking, its nothing to worry about

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

4.20 sleeping like a baby (crossed fingers)

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

4.57 awake

[*Nicola*]

How's things Kate? We had a truly awful night last night.  Tonnes going on that I am sure is developmental, but I think we have issues related to feeding too.  Not going to hijack this post but will go and start another thread.

(((hugs))) to you my friend xx

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Hi friend, you ok you sound down Keep in there i've got big shoulders!!!!

Kate x