Breastfeeding! help!

[Leanna26]

My little girl was born July 3rd. I have been breastfeeding but needing to supplement with formula. I would rather move totally to breastfeeding, but it has been difficult for her to latch on with a high pallate and me having flat nipples. So I have been using a nipple guard. Thing is she is still very hungry so we give her 2oz of formula after each feeding.

Yesterday I finally got a hand pump. I figured it may be easier to just pump it into a bottle, but I noticed I am not even getting an ounce with at least 20 minutes of pumping. Is this normal? Will my milk supply increase? Should I worry?
I give her what I get from pumping, but of course that is still not enough.
Her weight gain has been good though. She was born at 5lbs 13 oz, dropped to 5lbs 6 oz, and back up to 6 lbs 3 oz as of 2 days ago. So I know forumla is helping but I do not want to continue to give it to her.

Any advice?

[JoyRenee]

Pumping is very different from the baby's natural s*ckling (yeah, MedHelp bleeps out the s-word). If you continue to pump in between feedings, your milk supply should increase. If you find that you're not producing enough milk on your own, see a lactation consultant because they can give you amazing tips. It may eventually come down to you taking a medication that causes you to lactate more.

I want you to know that if you do end up having to formula-feed, it's going to be okay. I know that I was really discouraged and heartbroken when my daughters and I just couldn't get the BF thing going. I bawled. I felt like I was failing them!!!

That emotion quickly faded and I like I could finally relax during feedings (with the bottle). I felt like I wasn't fighting them anymore to BF. It just felt good to finally stare at one another and know how much they were getting to eat.

There's a lot of pressures today to breastfeed and it's constantly thrust in your face as the BEST way. But it's not the only way and formula is a close second. My daughters are healthier than a lot of their breastfed playmates/cousins.

I had to wear a nipple shield and I gave up after a couple weeks with DD#1. But with DD#2 I held out for THREE MONTHS. That's way too long to use a shield. All that to say you may want to seek a lactation consultant.

[connorethansmom]

I would see a lactation consultant as Joy mentioned.  They see so many different things and the one that I saw with my son was amazing!  It was a little weird at first, but you get over it really fast.  

Also, I would suggest that you get an electric pump.  20 minutes of hand pumping is a lot and you have to have the speed fast at the beginning to get the let down.  I would continue to offer her the breast whenever you think she is hungry.  The way to increase your milk supply is to empty your breast at each feeding.  Are you stopping because she gets upset or ???  If she is content, let her nurse for longer too.  At the beginning it took my son about 45 minutes to empty one side.  It was crazy I felt like I nursed him all day and all night, but worth it.  I nursed him until 18 months and it was an amazing experience.  I hope this helps and hang in there, she is learning this too.  It may take her longer to learn than you.  

[becca_3456]

I agree with the above poster, you should get and electric breast pump. Lansinoh makes one for a reasonable price 150.00. I have been using the Lansinoh pump for 4 months now everyday, I LOVE it. I had a medela pump before the lansinoh and I did not like it NEARLY as much as the Lansinoh. I started pumping 5 days after DD was born because she would only feed off of one side at one feeding. I built a GREAT supply very quickly. I could pump 8oz from the breast she did not feed on. She is 11 months now and I still get PLENTY of milk for her just by pumping ( she decided at 7 months she was done breastfeeding so I had to pump) I get 25-30oz a day just depending on IF she nurses once in the early morning( very rare but occasionally she will). If your little one cant nurse but you still want to give her breastmilk exclusive pumping is very doable. Good luck:)

[Leanna26]

Wow, I cannot imagine getting that much milk! She stops because she either gets upset and pulls off or falls asleep. I try to nurse her every feeding, and when I am not I try the hand pump but it seems to not get a lot and now my breasts hurt like crazy. Like needles being put in them.
I want an electric pump but they are so expensive, and I rather breastfeed so I am stuck. I am trying to find a used one to at least bring to a lactation place to get the tubing replaced.
But I hope my milk supply doesnt completely disappear in the meantime.

[becca_3456]

I am not sure if your on WIC, but if you are some women have been able to get one through them for free. Which brand is your hand pump? I have head that the  Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump works well. Anyway good luck I hope you find a solution soon:)