AboutMichele Carnesecca Expertise Author of the book "MOMMY"S LITTLE BREASTFEEDING BOOK: 101 TIPS YOUR BABY WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT NURSING" (Go to littlebreastfeedingbook.com for purchasing information). I can answer questions on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to increase your milk supply,
engorgement, mastitis, scheduling feedings, going back to work, sore nipples, correct
latch and positioning, pumps, bras, bottles, pacifiers, breastfeeding products, how to
know if your baby is getting enough, and most questions about breastfeeding. I have
worked as a Registered Nurse in Pediatrics, Newborn ICU, and Mother/Baby. I have been a
Lactation Consultant for 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I teach Prenatal Breastfeeding
classes and I currently work as a Lactation Consultant at a "Magnet" hospital. I have
breastfed 4 children of my own.
Experience I have worked as a registered nurse in Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, and Newborn ICU. I have been a Lactation Consultant for the past 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I currently work as a lactation consultant in a "Magnet" hospital. I also teach Prenatal Breastfeeding classes. I have breastfed four children of my own. I am the author of "Mommy's Little Breastfeeding Book: 101 tips your baby wants you to know about nursing". This book is a "must have" for every breastfeeding mother. It contains invaluable information about nursing in a quick, easy-to-read format.
Organizations IBCLC
Publications
Education/Credentials High School graduate, RN degree from Weber State/Utah State University, IBCLC member
Expert: Michele Carnesecca Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: not nursing well/low supply?
Question It has been a struggle to breastfeed my now 5 week old ever since she was born. Very rarely does she nurse w/o pulling off,like maybe nurses well (ie. 15-20 mins nonstop)once/day, usually in the a.m. I have talked to lactation consultants several times about positioning, supplementing, pumps, nutrition, rest ect. I feel like i have tried everything i can. it's just so frustrating to nurse. i usually have to start and stop like 20 times/feeding. i have been pumping and supplenrnting 1 bottle w/breastmilk in the evening, when nursing is most difficult. it seems we have 2-3 better days(not good days), then one really bad day with refusing to nurse some times,then things get better and i think it's gonna be okay. Then the cycle begins again. it seems like she just really does not like to nurse. if it wasn't so difficult and frustrating every time i feed i would just nurse more. i also have a 2 y/o who keeps me busy. i don't want to quit ,but i'm out of ideas and very frustrated. Also, she takes 4 ozs. from bottle and seems more satisfied than after any breastfeeding session. Any suggestions would help.
Answer Hi Chay,
It can be so frustrating when nursing is not going well. I am so sorry. You are so dedicated. It sounds like you are doing everything that you can.
I have a couple of questions or thoughts that I need to ask you:
1. How is your milk supply? Without a good milk supply, babies will not be too interested at the breast. Work on increasing your supply if that is the problem. If you feel this is the problem, you can go to my "answered questions" on increasing a milk supply.
2. Do you have a too good of a let down or do you have problems getting a let down? If your let down is very strong, your baby will pull off. If this is the problem, you can pump first, get your let down, spray into a towel and then latch your baby on. If you are having a hard time getting a let down, try to relax.
3. What position are you holding her in? Many babies will back off if they feel forced at the breast. Try nursing her after a bath in a dim room free of distractions. Many babies like to lie down and nurse because it is a little more relaxing.
4. Have you tried "wearing" your baby? Keep your baby with you at all times with a nursing sling or baby carrier. If your baby seems to not like nursing, try to make her feel like being next to you is the best thing. Make it a very positive experience.
5. Are your nipples easy to latch on with? Some babies will pull off if they do not have a good nipple to latch onto. If you feel that this is the problem, you can try to pump first to pull your nipple out. If not, you can try a nipple shield under the direction of a lactation specialist.
6. Without watching what your baby is doing, it is hard to see what the problem is. I am glad that you have been working with a lactation consultant. Sometimes a different consultant can figure out what the problem is if the first one cannot.
I hope you find success. Good luck with all of it........and hang in there!
Michele
P.S. I have 4 children under the age of 8. I had each one of them 2 years apart. It is always the 2 year old toddler that is the most difficult for me. So, with nursing problems and a 2 year old, you are doing a great job!
