Please help, breastfeeding question

[KM604]

Today I had to take my daughter, now 1 week 1 day old, to the doctor because she wouldn't eat last night.  I have been breastfeeding her from day one, with no problems whatsoever (no pain, no latching issues, NOTHING).  We though she may have been congested which is why she wouldn't eat, because of some wheezing she had.  I had normal, long feedings up until 11:20pm last night and then after that she problably only ate for minutes between then and our doctors appointment at 11:40am today.  I tried pumping but I think I have a bad pump becuase it took an hour to pump 1 oz!  The doctor did say she put the right amount of weight on, so milk hasn't been an issue for me (plus I hear her swallow every feeding).  Anyways, I ended up having to give her formula because I didn't want her to starve and she took it.  So my question is, I am going to buy a new, better, most likely more expensive pump tomorrow - do you think my milk supply will have decreased by then???  Now I did attempt to feed her almost every hour and she would lacth on and eat for a minute or so but nothing more.  I just don't want to not feed anymore, it will really upset me.

[sk123]

You may also want to post this in the Breastfeeding community if you don't get an answer here.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/233

[GRose]

Sorry you are having problems. Are you relaxed when you are pumping or are you stressed out?
That can make a HUGE difference. So try and relax, have hubby take the baby, close your eyes and just daydream about your little girl.
Are you eating and drinking enough? While nursing you should be taking in 500 extra calories and you should be drinking LOTS of water.
As long as you are making sure you try and feed her every couple hours your supply shouldn't go down.

Good luck, I hope you can continue to nurse!

[kjbutcher]

When my son was about that same age, I tried to pump and had the same thing with hours of pumping and only got a tiny drop.  I realized that the breast has to get used to the pumping action and  after several tries, you will get more to come out.  I would try that before buying a more expensive pump. Keep trying to feed her!  Also, do not use the amount that you get from pumping as an indicator of how much milk you have.  You will never get as much milk out with pumping as she will with sucking.  

[LauraB78]

I would try and rent the pump.. I couldnt breast feed,, I pumped every day for 2 weeks. every few hours, and had Jaxson latch on.. He was screaming all the time and losing weight, and I finally suplemented w/ formula (after 2 horrific days), the lactation consultant came over and the nurse (to my house) I was a wreck, but I didn't produce milk.. NONE.. Sooo, if your baby is gaining weight, you are likely producing.. I would rent the pump (you buy all the hook ups seperate) and make sure you like it before you spend the money.. I was glad I rented one because of my personal situation. Dont give up!!! Pumping is tough and takes some adjusting!

I only gave up after 2 torturous weeks and the le leche lactation consultant telling me  that I was a rare and unfortunate case that didn't produce. It was emotionally devastating..I understand the emotional aspect all too well...

However, I was relieved that Jaxson was actually eating! I finally accepted that as long as he was eating and healthy, that was the most important thing!

Good luck to you! I think you just need to give it a little more time~~ HUGS

[KM604]

Thank you for your comments.  The doctor ended up calling back and said that since she gained weight I am producing milk, but maybe just not enough at the moment. The lactation consultant called me back and said she could check out my pump but like she said to me in the hospital it isn't a very good pump.  She told me about the renting options and my husband said for the price we mind as well get our own more expensive one.  So we went to Target and got a $150 Medela Swing.  I was so paranoid I cound't wait.  I was also very emotional because breastfeeding is something I really wanted to doI  used it tonight and within 10-15 minutes got 2 ounces of milk out between the 2 breasts.  So I am satisfied with that.  BUT, before I pumped I tried to breastfeed again and she took to it! 6 minutes on side and 8 on the other.  I hope that she keeps going through the night, but I at least have 2 feedings of breast milk for her in the bottle (the lactation consultatn told me that 1 ounce is ok for her right now).