Milk

[linglish]

My milk never "came in" with my first born. I Tried breast feeding but never really got anything to come out. I would pump for 2 hours straight and only get a 1/2 ounce between the two nipples. I'm wondering, did anyone else have this happen, but go on to have a normal breastfeeding experience with their second? I would really like to, but if there  is something wrong with me where I just can't, then I'd like to prepare for that too.

[EEB1219]

Pumping is not an indication of supply. The baby is way better at extracting milk than a pump. You can do it.

[b4b]

Milk can take 3 days to 1 week to come in.  Before it does you make colostrum (liquid gold), there is not much but it is awesome for baby. If you are worried about milk supply, there are some ways to boost it, fenugreek greek, mother's milk tea, basil essential oil, fennel essential oil, and maxi milk are just a few. The book, 'so that's what they're for' is great as well. Good luck!

[MelDitch]

I've had 2 hideous bf experiences with my girls, hoping third time is the charm

[C_bay10]

See if you can meet with a lactation consultant. I have two boys and only ever got about 1/2-1 oz at a time both times and that was with the help of goats rue and fenugreek. I would recommend at least check and make sure you don't have igt-insufficient gladular tissue. It turns out that is why I am unable to breastfeed, it may not be but it would be good to know in case you are unable again. But forewarning most people have never heard of it. My LC was pretty unhelpful on explaining it so this was a case where google helped...good luck.

[watermelon15]

Definitley pump in the beginning, it helps bring your milk in. As well as increase your supply, plus it doesn't hurt having that extra milk stored for later. Try eating oatmeal cookies, smoothies whatever. Also certain ale's help increase your supply like one beer a week. Drink a ton of water! The more nipple stimulation/pumping the better. And if for some reason your milk doesn't come in this tim5w. Dont be too hard on yourself, at least you tried!

[susamor]

How long did you try? The first week for me i was hardly producing enough for my almost 10 lb baby. I had to supplement for the first weeks that became months. I noticed my milk came in probably 4-6 days after my csection. My breasts all of a sudden got bigger. But still pumping 15 minutes both i only got 1/2 an ounce if i was lucky. I kept pumping every 2.5-3 hours and slowly i began to produce more. Took weeks of not getting discouraged. Around 3-4 months i was exclusively breastfeeding and i was able to do so for a year. (Until i got pregnant and dealt with a new breastfeeding challenge:) The first weeks I had sore nipples/scabs problems that made breastfeeding complicated. Mothers milk plus capsules helped me and eating healthy and having lots of water. I tried not stressing about it either. Unless your body is just not able to, I think most breastfeeding problems are due to not really knowing how breastfeeding works, especially as a first time mom, that was the case for me. I'd recommend you breastfeed each feeding and then supplement and pump to make your milk production increase with time. You tell your body how much milk to produce by the amount of times you breastfeed/pump. In the first days there is only colostrum. Until your milk comes. A lactation nurse visit can make all the difference. I went in a few times. Good luck.

[Janet584]

Same thing happened to me with my first. But came in fine with my second,  I didn't nurse her because I didn't know and was so young. I want to try with this one but prepared if i am unable to

[ksarahd]

I would recommend you look into your local La Leche League. It is a group for breastfeeding women. The leaders are educated and experienced women. My mom was a leader before and after she had my little sister, her sixth child. I was about 10 and would tag along to the meetings with her. I remember them fondly, a very welcoming and non judgmental place to learn. They have a website that will give you information on a group that is near you. They often even have contact info for the leaders if you just have a quick question. I m pregnant with my first baby and am going to join my local chapter after my little one is born. Also kudos to you for trying to breastfeed! It seems like there are less of us who are willing or able to try it!

[hearts_combined]

My mom had that issue with me (her first born). She never tried breastfeeding after me, but I don't think hers came in. I'm hoping I can breastfeed. I wish I could offer more help, but I'm sure there are women on here that can!