Manual Breastfeeding Question? - Breastfeeding Message Board

monnitascl · 06-21-2006, 09:46 PM

I have a question, I'm trying to manually pump breastmilk, and I don't seem to be getting that much milk out. Does that mean that my baby won't be getting enough milk? I had to spend some time in the hospital in bed rest after my baby was born so she got used to the ready to feed milk. She likes what I barely pumped out but will not take my breast. But has anyone had this problem? Or maybe I have to wait a certain amount of time before pumps? Or maybe is there anything I can eat that can produce more milk?? Please help!!!!

skeetersquirt · 06-22-2006, 05:54 AM

Babies have a tremendous amount of sucktion power. Are you saying that the baby WON'T latch on and take the breast, or the baby does but you worry about the amount she is getting when she does?

If she won't latch on, consider seeing a lactation consultant. I did and found out that my DS mouth was too small.

As far as milk, the manual pumps are nothing compared to an electric pump..AND you can't pump every hour. I pump ever three hours and if I pump before the 3 hour mark then I hardley get anything. Every three hours REALLY got my milk supply up. I am sure a lactation consultant would tell you every three hours..I am assuming.

I would drink a lot of water and eat a good, healthy diet. As far as supplements, I am not sure what there is out there to increase milk supply. Good old fashioned pumping should do it. If your baby won't take the breast, but you still want to give breastmilk, I would rent a pump and try it out for a week. This is what I did and I STILL have the same pump becuase it worked so well!
Hope this helps some!

laurabelle1317 · 06-22-2006, 06:27 AM

I used the following supplements: fenugreek (3 pills 3-4 times per day) and blessed thistle (3 pills 3 times per day). You can also try brewers yeast. I have not used it but have heard it works well.

steph66 · 06-22-2006, 10:01 AM

I also use the mother's milk tea. You can find it at natural food and health stores. I think even GNC carries it. I personally like the way it tastes, some dont, but then again i put a small amount of sugar

. It works very good at getting your suppply back up. I will have two cups and see a huge improvement the next day!

FLAngel · 06-22-2006, 10:01 AM

Like the other posters said, there is nothing comparable to your baby's suction. I went to see a lactaction consultant and it was very helpful. they will check on your latch and holding positions as well as the baby's ability to suck effectively. Your hospital or ob can probably recommend one and they are really not that expensive and well worth it.

My guess is, without getting baby to effectively latch, bf'ing in general will probably be pretty hard as you probably won't get all that you need by pumping. I pumped with the Avent Isis hand pump for about 5 months when I was at work during the day. It worked great and I am glad I didn't invest in an expensive pump. However, I did't start with the pump until nursing was well established and my supply was strong.

My lactation consultant recommended fennelcreek to boost supply. She also said that a dark beer would help with let down. Definately keep your fluids up. I would notice when I wasn't drinking enough fluids.

Good luck!