Please HELP milk production issues

NewMomInSeptNewMomInSept
edited October 2011 in Breastfeeding
Today marks 1 month pp. I am now off all medications I had been prescribed for my pseudotumor cerebri. I thought maybe those were hindering milk production. I pump between 4-7 times a day, drink lots of fluids and eat well (healthy and quantity). But I'm still only filling the pump bottles halfway (about 80-90ml) at each pump with both bottles combined.

Is there something else I can do?? I'm getting really frustrated and feeling extremely inadequate and embarrassed...

Comments

  • babynumber02babynumber02
    I believe there is a pill or a drink or something. I know other woman have had this issue. Bump for ya!
  • lyndsay1983lyndsay1983
    Fenugreek is really good.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
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  • Math_MommyMath_Mommy
    Are you nursing as well? Many women need their babies to nurse to maintain adequate milk production. Babies empty the milk out better than pumps. If nursing isn't an option for you, pump every 3 hours until your supply meets your baby's demand. Also, hold your baby skin-to-skin for 20 minutes before pumping and look at your baby while you pump (both techniques increase oxytocin (sp?) which will help your let-down reflex).
  • NewMomInSeptNewMomInSept
    @babynumber02 @lyndsay1983 @ashleyfew @math_mommy
    Thank u! I will try the pills amn check the tubing again (I think its ok). Nursing is really hard bcuz I have inverted nipples and Sophia won't latch well. We hard a heck of a time at the hospital with both lactation nurses all 5 x they came to help me. If worse comes to worse I will try that again... But that made me feel even more inadequate and like a terrible mother... but I will try it if I have to.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
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  • socalMOMMA2boyssocalMOMMA2boys
    Oh don't feel like a bad mom at all. You have already made the best choice for sophia to bf! You are a great mother. Try to get on her the boob but if you can't at least she has got a good start so far. I have heard about nipple shields and other things for inverted nipples but not tried them first hand. Don't give up continue seeking help for lactation consultants. Just remember your are not inadequate by any means you are being a wonderful mother for trying to bf good luck!
  • Proudmommy8789Proudmommy8789
    Get a shell you wear it between feedings and it brings out your nipples from the pressure of you bra against the shell. I have flat nipples and had to wear them for about 2 months
  • Yayal0vesy0uYayal0vesy0u
    Nipple shields are a god send! Highly recommend them! Goodluck!
  • Kimberly4411Kimberly4411
    @proudmommy8789 where would I find a shell? My nipples are flat and i'm having troubles getting the nipple shield in the right place
  • Proudmommy8789Proudmommy8789
    Target has them ill post a link so you know what they look like. i dont recommend nipple sheids cause your baby can get used to them and then wont latch to the bare breast. this is what saved me!! i was in so much pain i would cry at the thought of feeeding her. just make sure you wear them 24/7

    http://www.target.com/p/Medela-Soft-Shells-for-Inverted-Nipples/-/A-561213
  • Math_MommyMath_Mommy
    Babies can get used to nipple shields (in the same way they get used to a bottle nipple). But, you can use the shield for as long as you nurse your baby. The "old school" philosophy was that continuous use of the shield could decrease supply. Research has proven that not to be true. I used it for well over 6 months (til I forgot it one day when we were out, my son latxhed immediately, so we threw out the shield). Plus using the shield can ease the transition from bottle to breast.

    My firstborn was preemie (29 weeks, 3lbs 6oz). He had MAJOR latching difficulties). Before him, my nipples were flat, actually mildly inverted. Using shields and pumping will help pull the nipple out. After 7 months of nursing my son, my nipples permanently stuck out (sorry if tmi).

    Shells help to, but I found them really uncomfortable.
  • Math_MommyMath_Mommy
    @kimberly4411 using a tiny amount of lanolin can keep the shield in the right place. If your nipple is rubbing against the inside of the shield when baby nurses, you might need the next size up.
  • Kimberly4411Kimberly4411
    @math_mommy but wouldn't the next size up make it larger for more of the nipple in? someone told me that where the milk comes out has to be right in the middle and I can't ever get it spot on so she'll suck at it and it hurts like hell and when I take the nipple shield off I have white raised areas, I know she's getting a little something to eat, if more nipple went in to the raised part would it help? Sorry if i'm confusing.
    @proudmommy8789 thank you!
  • Math_MommyMath_Mommy
    edited October 2011
    @kimberly4411 yes, more of the areola would fit in the nipple-shaped portion of the shield. Baby needs to press on the areola for milk to come out. Your nipple doesn't have to be exactly in the middle, as long as its not rubbing the inside of the shield to the point of discomfort. Do you know what size your shield is? I was given 2 at the hospital, a 20mm(small) and a 24mm(medium). The 20 was easier for my tiny preemies mouth, but it pinched my nipple. So as soon as I could, I switched him to the 24.
  • Kimberly4411Kimberly4411
    @math_mommy , I have no idea, my shield has a 3 on it, i'll see about getting a bigger shield thank you!
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