Not getting milk :-(

Dear Subha,

For most first-time moms,as Supriya says, the nipples do not come out well for the baby to suck well. So massage your nipples (don't need any oil or anything) and bring it out. This happened to me as well and the nurse did this.

As long as your baby is not crying non-stop it means she's getting enough milk. Why did you start using the pump? Were you told in the hospital to do so? If your baby is sucking enough then i don't think you need to use the pump at all. when I delivered last month i saw mothers using the pump. when i asked them why they said they had specific problems so they were instructed by the doctor to do so. that's why i ask you this.

you can do this simple breast massage... run your hands above and below the breast and gently press it as you do so. you use both your hands and do it clockwise. this my mid-wife taught me to relieve any clumps and sort of soothe the tissues. also you can apply warm (not hot) water bag to soothe the pain. this really helps.

and always remember that suckling and milk-production are complimentary. let the baby suckle every 2 hrs and the hormones get the signal. it took me about a week to feed my baby properly. with second baby it's like a breeze.

don't get tensed. relax and first sit in a comfortable position before you begin to nurse. keep a pillow on your lap for extra height for the baby. the mother must first be in a comfortable position to feed well.

i have posted a recipe under breastfeeding that helps increase lactation. do have a look.

as mangai says if it's really painful better to see a lactation consultant.

wishing you well.. Latha

Hi Subha,
Just wanted to ask you if things are better now. Hope your supply has increased. Like everyone else has said a LC may be a good idea if the milk hasnt come in yet.

Vanathi.

Hi Subha,
How are you doing ?
Hope baby and mom are doing great.
Thanks
Mangai

Thank you so much for the valid suggestions....

The hospital LC didn't tell me about all these things. She jus asked me whether I want to rent a brest pump. Now-a-days am getting small amount of milk - i.e. 2 oz if I pump it 4 time per day for 20 mins. per pump. We have returned the brest milk yesterday evening. While returning again we met the LC's assistant and she asked me to take the Fenugrick capsule. Am yet to get that capsule. But today morning I tried nursing her when she was awake for 20 mins. she was getting drop by drop. And she got tired & didn't take the formula much. Shall i assume that she got enough milk ?
one more thing is that am using Niple cap. My niples are not projected and she is unable to catch my niples. But when I wear the Niple cap she finds it easy to suck. But am unable to fix that in my right side. As I didn't pump for long time again I got sever pain in my brest.
Shall I try that Fenugrick capsule ? Pl advise....

No harm in trying fenugreek capsule..Give a try..

Originally Posted by SupriyaDinesh

No harm in trying fenugreek capsule..Give a try..

Thanks supriya....will try it..

Subha

Congrats on the new arrival. Sahana is a wonderful name(sorry for wishing u late).

Anywayz at the early stage we all have this problem but my advice don't give up. I BF Aditi for 1yr & its a wonderful feeling, I even started crying while weaning.

Eat lot of fenugreek seeds(vendiyum) & garlic. Limit ur Caffine & try not to pump often rather keep her on ur breasts that will really help. Take lot of rest. Drink a glass of milk daily.

From my experience u will feel the good flow only after couple of weeks. So don't worry & don't give up. Njoy every minute with Sahana.

Cheers
Dhivya

Originally Posted by ssubhasr

Thank you so much for the valid suggestions....

. We have returned the brest milk yesterday evening. While returning again we met the LC's assistant and she asked me to take the Fenugrick capsule. Am yet to get that capsule. But today morning I tried nursing her when she was awake for 20 mins. she was getting drop by drop. And she got tired & didn't take the formula much. Shall i assume that she got enough milk ?
one more thing is that am using Niple cap. My niples are not projected and she is unable to catch my niples. But when I wear the Niple cap she finds it easy to suck. But am unable to fix that in my right side. As I didn't pump for long time again I got sever pain in my brest.
Shall I try that Fenugrick capsule ? Pl advise....

One thing you can do is count the wet and dirty diapers and see if she is getting enough
If your worried whether she is getting enough rent a scale from a LC or go to LC office weigh-in before and after feed.The hospital I delivered had 2 sessions per week when you can do weigh-ins.Initially I also used nipple shiled if thats what your referring to.Apply lanoli cream and that makes nipple to come out little bit.

Congrats for moving forward.
One word of caution don't eat fenugreek if your not removing milk frequently.It may result in engorgement.

Thanks
Mangai

Hi Subha,
Glad to hear that things are better now. Reg fenugreek it helps milk supply for many people - so you can try it if you want. If you are planning to stay home with the baby then there is no real reason to use a pump - atleast initially. The baby sucking will stimulate let-down and milk secretion much more than any pump. Put the baby to the breast every 2 hours and let her suck. If she seems satisified then dont give any formula. You dont have to measure your BM by pumping - the baby will get more out than the pump.As long as there are 5-6 wet diapers/day and your baby seems satisfied you are doing a good job! The nipple shield will help initially and slowly after your nipples start protruding well you can stop using it. Make sure you allow her to empty both breasts in turn.

Vanathi.

Originally Posted by dsrini

Subha
Congrats on the new arrival. Sahana is a wonderful name(sorry for wishing u late).
Anywayz at the early stage we all have this problem but my advice don't give up. I BF Aditi for 1yr & its a wonderful feeling, I even started crying while weaning.
Eat lot of fenugreek seeds(vendiyum) & garlic. Limit ur Caffine & try not to pump often rather keep her on ur breasts that will really help. Take lot of rest. Drink a glass of milk daily.
From my experience u will feel the good flow only after couple of weeks. So don't worry & don't give up. Njoy every minute with Sahana.
Cheers
Dhivya

Thank you Dhivya. Yeah! i too accept that its a wounderful feeling to feed the baby....Am taking Garlic Rasam & not raw garlic. And I never use to take coffeee. But i use to take tea that too not in the morning.
....yeah, now i could feel the milk flow...drop by drop.. which is not sufficient for Sahana. So she hesitates to suck.
Thank you for your soothing words.