Expert: ruth kraft - 4/9/2010

Question
My daughter has a 10-day old daughter. She is really struggling with breastfeeding, and gives a bottle, then nurses after.
She also got a breast pump, but after two days, only a very small amount comes out. She says her breasts are huge, but she felt that, when nursing only in the beginning, the baby was not getting enough, which is why she went part-time bottle feeding.
She won't see her OB for two more days, the pediatrician for a week.  What could be the problem?
P.S. Baby was born C-section.

Answer
She really should see someone in person. The problem is that she isnt breastfeeding the baby. She is formula feeding and then the baby is using her as a pacifier. Once shes been bottle fed, she has no need to eat. so why suck so strongly to get milk when you are already full?  

She needs to nurse her baby FIRST,  stop giving bottles all together. Get a finger feeder or a supplimental nursing system ( SNS ) and start feeding supplimental formula through that. She will have an uphill battle . But the good news is that the baby is still attempting to nurse. Now she has to be taught food comes from the BREAST, not the bottle.

You daughter can pump every 1-2 hours for 10-15 minutes for the next couple days. Take metamucil ( helps build milk supply ) and nurse baby as often as possible. She can also take mothers milk tea if she wants, and pump and nurse like a maniac.  If she does this, within a few days she will see a dramatic difference.

She should also make sure she has a good double electric pump made by ameda, medela, or Hygeia. If she has even flo, or Avent or other not so great pumps, she should invest in a better one. AS her pump may not be effective also. I can help her find one affordable if needed.

Check babies latch by going to www.drjacknewman.com to know how your baby is getting enough milk. there are videos that are FABULOUS.

C-sections can also delay milk but not by 10 days. She really should see someone in person to make sure the baby is latching well etc, and can work with her one on one. She can get free help from www.llli.org by finding a counselor local to her .

I do phone counseling as well , for a fee if she wants to do one on one with me, but she has to be willing. Right now, she is losing the battle. But if she makes the commitment to win the battle, she can do so !  Her OB and Pedi, will likely have NO idea how to fix this issue she is having. She needs someone trained in breastfeeding.

I hope that helped !
To join my monthly newsletter of Tips, please email me at ruth@honoringwomen.com