Expert: Sally Wendkos Olds - 5/20/2005

Question
I am a new mother of two and a half weeks.  I would like to breastfeed my baby for the next year, however, it doesn't seem like I will be able to do it.  I am currently pumping my milk, because my baby has trouble latching onto my nipples.  My breast specialist suggested pumping my milk out and bottle-feeding.  I have developed a pattern of pumping every four hours to keep up with my supply of milk.  I was able to extract 4 to 5 ounces of breast milk each time I would pump for two weeks successfully, however, my milk supply seems to have dwindled severely, and I fear I may need to feed my baby with formula to supplement her needs.  In the last three days, my milk supply has dwindled down to nearly just an ounce to an ounce and a half ever four hours.  What can I do to increase my milk supply to supplement my baby?

Answer
Dear Susan,

First, congratulations for giving your baby the best start in life by providing the best food she can get -- your breast milk!

I am very surprised that your breast specialist advised you to pump your milk and bottle-feed, for two reasons. First, many babies become confused if presented early with bottle nipples -- and then do not nurse vigorously at the breast (the milk comes easier from a bottle). And secondly, the best stimulus to milk production is a vigorously nursing baby.

I would suggest that you contact a different lactation consultant as soon as possible, since these first few weeks are crucial. To find someone in your area, you can get in touch with the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). Tel: 919-787-5181; fax: 919-787-4916; email: ilca@erols.com. You can also check with your local La Leche League; usually a phone no. is in your local phone directory. If you cannot find anyone, write to me again and tell me where you live.

There might be several reasons why your baby has trouble latching on, and there are remedies for virtually all of them. If you are engorged, you might try expressing or pumping a very small amount of milk first and then putting the baby to breast. Be sure she can breathe through her nose while she's at the breast.

If your nipples are inverted, you may be able to wear plastic breast shells over them. Wear them for about half an hour before feedings, making sure to empty them often. Do not feed the milk they trap to your baby. Your baby's suckling will bring out the nipples, and you'll be able to do away with the shells in a short period of time.

One technique that also works for a baby who has trouble latching on, which a lactation consultant might help you with, is attaching a thin tube to your finger and running either your own pumped breast milk or formula through there and letting the baby nurse from your finger. Wait until she is not ravenously hungry and then keep trying to get her to latch on.

There are more ideas in my book (see below). Good luck!

Sally

Sally Wendkos Olds
Author, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BREASTFEEDING: Eiger & Olds, 3rd edition 1999, published by Workman Publishing & Bantam Books, and available in most public libraries, bookstores & La Leche League chapters.