Puming and more pumping!

[Gina M]

I have a 6.5 mos old who has always disliked nursing. At first she could not latch, now she latches, but only on one side. She often scream just when even trying to nurse and she prefers to hold the bottle and look around at her 3.5 yr old sister playing. I have tried taking her to a quiet place - but there is often no quiet place with a 3 yr old running around.
And if we are able to be quiet she hardly nurses but falls asleep!
I have a SUPER slow let down and then the milk comes out very forcefully -so double whammy here.
I am pumping 4-5 times a day - which is a huge struggle in itself - trying to entertain 2 kids while I have a pump attached to me for 25 min.
At this point my LO is eating more than I can pump. I have a stash in the freezer, but at this rate it will last about another 2-3 weeks. I may have to supplement with formula - unless I can get her to nurse more or pump more.
Any advice or thoughts?

[*Ali*]

When do you feed her? Lots of mums find it easiest to feed a distractible LO when they first wake from a nap and are still sleepy, often in the still dark nursery.
Are you still feeding her at night? Are those feeds any better than the day feeds?
What pump do you have? It might be that with a better pump you will be able to empty your breast quicker.

[LeeLeeMelis]

What a tough situation you are in! I want to pat you on the back for continuing with breast milk though, most folks would have given up a long time ago.

Would different positions help your little one by chance? I do agree with checking out a different pump. Could you rent one from the hospital or lactation consultant?

[Gina M]

Oh! That's a thought - I will look into renting a pump that is more efficient. THX!

Yep, my LO will often nurse better after a nap. Her first nap is at daycare but after her second nap is when I try. Sometimes she gets angry though as the milk does not come out fast enough. At night my DH puts her to bed as I put my 3 yr old to bed. My DH then gets to spend time with the little one, my 3 yr old gets less jealous because she gets one on one time with me.
I was nursing at night, and it worked, BUT my DD would just fall asleep and wake in an hour looking for more food. She is not a good nurser and I want her to be! I enjoy it so it makes me sad.
She also has reflux and eczema due to several food allergies and we might have to switch to a prescription formula. I am so sad. But I am going to try renting a pump and also try to be more  consistent with nursing her after her second nap so I get that time with her.

[LeeLeeMelis]

Best of luck, you're certainly trying all avenues. Good work!

[*Ali*]

If you can rent one that is great. If not this is the pump I have just bought. My sister has it and found it got all the milk out in 5mins whereas her hand pump by Tommee Tippee would take 30mins to get the same amount out.
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-67050-Swing-Breast-Pump/dp/B000I0TF9E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311162080&sr=8-3
If you wish to continue BFing you could try an elimination diet rather than going to formula. Have a look at the Food Allergies board for info and post any specific questions about the allergies or ED there.
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?board=62.0
And I should have said before, well done for continuing with the Bfing in the face of so many problems.
Ali
 

[LeeLeeMelis]

I have only ever used one pump and I'm not pumping for a regular bottle schedule but I know other ladies who said the only brand they would buy is Medela. I actually have the one listed in the link above and have found it works very well!

[Erin M]

Could you maybe pump before you put her on the breast to get your milk flowing?  Then she would not have to wait so long.  I agree with pps, well done keeping up so long!

[C&B&E]

my ds had bad reflux and would be very fussy and sometimes scream in pain while feeding - do you thikn her reflux is under control?   

huge hugs - you've done amazingly getting this far!  xx

[Gina M]

Nursing her after her nap is working great - so that makes me very happy. It does however make her super gassy...... ARGH!

[*Ali*]

Glad to hear the nursing after the nap is working well. Do you wind her after each feed? If she needs a little extra help maybe try some anti-wind meds like Infacol.

[Gina M]

I will try that as I really want to continue to nurse even if it once a day. Want to make it another 5 mos! Looking into renting a pump. I have eliminated eggs, nuts, corn, milk, beef and minimized wheat in my diet and her eczema is much better. Her reflux is better on the meds, but I think the actual breastfeeding and her just trying to do it makes her gassy and exacerbates the reflux. I know my let down does not help either.  I will try the meds you recommended.
Geez - my first LO weaned herself from BF'g at 11 mos and this one hates it. I thought it would be so easy. You would think nature would make it easier

[Erin M]

Geez - my first LO weaned herself from BF'g at 11 mos and this one hates it. I thought it would be so easy. You would think nature would make it easier

LOL, I'm just getting over a case of mastitis and was thinking the same thing. 

Glad things seem to be going ok.