Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Nursing - the first few days - need support

Hello.

We are hear with our newborn son. He is doing great considering he was born with some withdrawl symptoms.

I have been able to nurse since he was 4 hours old. That is all he has needed so far. When I left home, I was pumping 3.5 ounces a day. After each nursing session, I pump an additional 10 ML. Haven't needed the Lact-Aid yet. Will I?

It hurts! Already have a blister on one nipple. My nipples hurt all the time. The are just sore - it hurts to have anything up against them including a bra or shirt. I can't walk around topless though.

I'm tired. Between nursing, then pumping and hand expressing after each session, it is at least an hour. How long do I need to keep pumping after nursing? Can I skip the evening pumping?

I've haven't read on these posts, the negative stuff so any support you can give would be great! It's not so fun but I am happy that I can nurse and nourish my baby.

Jill,

That's wonderful! Congratulations on your son~
I understand about sore nipples, I was uncomfortable for several weeks, although your nipples will toughen up. Try putting lanolin on them between feedings. Also, you might make SURE he is latching on properly. If he isn't it can cause less stimulation for the milk and more soreness for you!

I started the accelerated protocol when my DD was 10 days old. I used the SNS ( boo) and then the lact aid ( yay!) during that month period and then after to continue to bring in as much milk as possible. I stopped using the lact aid at 6 months.

I only pumped a few times and decided it wasn't for me. Are you getting a significant amount of milk each pump? Is your son nursing from both sides each feeding?
Something interesting from my experience,when I pumped I only had 3-4 oz per pump but I knew that DD was getting more of that when she nursed. I was able to provided 90% of her needs and nursed till 14 months.

So you are doing GREAT. Keep it up and again, congratulations!!!
Linda

Congratulations!!!

Keep the Lact-Aid, you just never know if you might need it later.

Is he latching correctly? Sometimes that can be the cause of nipple pain. I found that out the hard way also. Try a different position to see if that will help. My dh ended up buying a BreastFriend nursing pillow for me. Which was just amazing!!!! Wish I would have had that to begin with.

After my ds nursed, I would pump for 10-15 minutes (each side). I used a double pump. I started out using a Medela PIS, which never seem to work well for me. So then I bought a Limerick PJ Comfort breast pump that I just loved!!!

If I were you, I would go see a Lactation Consultant. Which is what I ended up doing. I saw a few different ones, until I found one that could help.

Stay strong, and sleep when your ds sleeps. Enjoy all the cuddle time with your ds, they grow up so fast!

We have been very fortunate to have a laction nurse helping me the entire time our little guy is in the hospital. The hospital where he was born actually gave us a room and we have been spending the nights with him in our room. That has been truly great!

I have tried both belly to belly position and football hold. His latch is STRONG so I do not think it is a latch issue. I have the number for another lactation consultant who I will call when we leave the hospital.

I pump and then hand express after each nursing session and get about 10 ML each time.

I started using the Lact-Aid today because his appetite increased and my nipples couldn't handle every other hour feeding.s. This allowed me to stretch out time between feedings. I give him about 10-15 ML through the Lact-Aid.

How much do you give through the Lact-Aid? What should I increase the ammount to each time?

A friend recommended Hydrogel and Breast Shields to help with the nipple pain so I will try that too.

I think the other thing affecting my experience is that this remains an at risk placement for another couple of weeks and the birth parents have not proven themselves trustworthy or consistent and I am scared.

Sounds like you are doing everything right Jill. That's great that you have so much support with LC and that the hospital itself is helpful.

I can personally relate to stress and milk supply. I would suggest that you do your best to not give in to fear. Loving this little guy with your whole heart is the best thing you can provide for him.

As to the amount of milk in the lact aid, have him nurse off of both sides first. He may not be hungry but have a strong sucking need. It takes a while for both mama and baby to get a cadence with nursing.
My daughter in law had her son a month ago and she is just now stretching out the time between feedings to 2 plus hours.

IF you can, the more time at the breast is great for the stimulation to produce more milk. The shields sound like a good option as well.

Be encouraged. This is worth it.