Need some help for a new mum

[beansbeans!]

My friend has a six day old. She had him via csection.
Shes having trouble feeding getting her milk in, the midwife today told her either her milk hasnt come in properly or will not come in. Tonight friend has been told to feed him expressed (getting 20mls from both boobs by 15mins), and formula mix.
Midwife revisits tomorrow. She has a lactation consultant referral.


Words of advice and wisdom needed please

[LimeSlice]

If she can, spending the day (or 2 or 3) cuddled up together in bed, as much bare skin to skin contact as possible. Get the hormones going, increases the bonding and generally, has a great effect on milk supply.

LC is a great idea.

[beansbeans!]

Thanks LS, shall pass that one on to her

[Frangipani Lou]

Which state is she in? I have an awesome LC in Melbourne who was my bf rock.

[beansbeans!]

She's in Brisbane, and she so desperately wants to breastfeed but from what she's said to me it really does sound like the midwives are pushing the formula on her.. And it's freaking her out, and confusing her.

[emmjayt]

That sounds like me. I was in the same boat. It's hard and it's heartbreaking but it can be done. Especially if you are stubborn my milk took aaaaages to come in after the cs and we mix fed for months. DD is 16 months old and is still bfing. The hardest part for me was accepting I did need to supplement with formula. Boobs always came first fhough.

Your friend has not failed. Every time she feeds bub is getting that goodness.

Track down the recipe for lactation cookies on the main BellyBelly site and make some up for her. They really helped me

I hope your friend is gentle on herself. Loads of skin on skin snuggles and resting will help too

[OceanPrincess]

Wow, big hugs for your friend - how disheartening to hear from a Mw that your milk might not come in! Please tell her that it is uncommon to be actually physically unable to breast feed - many mums just find their milk takes a while. Up to a week can be normal. And it can be so tough waiting for it to come in. Baby is hungry, there is pressure for baby to feed and start putting on weight, it's hard.

Feeding is the best thing for baby. Suckling, at the breast. That's what's going to do it. Nursing, suckling, feeding, all stimulate the milk production hormones. Having lots of skin on skin time, like LS suggested. C-sections make it harder - but not impossible.

She can call the ABA helpline any time, 24/7 - whenever she is feeling down or questioning herself.

[beansbeans!]

Wow, big hugs for your friend - how disheartening to hear from a Mw that your milk might not come in! Please tell her that it is uncommon to be actually physically unable to breast feed - many mums just find their milk takes a while. Up to a week can be normal. And it can be so tough waiting for it to come in. Baby is hungry, there is pressure for baby to feed and start putting on weight, it's hard.

Feeding is the best thing for baby. Suckling, at the breast. That's what's going to do it. Nursing, suckling, feeding, all stimulate the milk production hormones. Having lots of skin on skin time, like LS suggested. C-sections make it harder - but not impossible.

She can call the ABA helpline any time, 24/7 - whenever she is feeling down or questioning herself.

Thanks op, Im glad you've said that because its pretty much the same advice I had been giving her, except I did forget about the skin to skin for some reason. He is a hungry boy too, which is great but, he is getting dehydrated from not getting enough.

[beansbeans!]

Thank you! I will pass that on to her

[Amaunet]

A friend of mine found taking fenugreek and blessed thistle (it was a combo) really helped!

[OceanPrincess]

1800 68 62 68 - helpline

[beansbeans!]

I think she said she had started taking some fenugreek tablets, but I'll double check and I emailed her the lac cookie recipe as well. I really wish I could jump on a plane and support her in person. And I'll give her the aba number too,

Thank you all so much. I'm glad that I was on the right track.

[OceanPrincess]

And just because she is topping up or comp feeding right now, it doesn't mean she will fail at breast feeding or be unable to breast feed. Baby's health and hydration is obviously most inportant. But. Many women are able to mix feed and then either reduce the amount they are topping up or comping til they are fully breast feeding, or even continuing to mix feed long term. I that's what she wants

[LimeSlice]

Also, Human Milk 4 Human Babies - no/little milk doesn't mean no breastmilk for bubs, or that straight to formula is her only option. x

[lady_neon]

My milk came in on day 8 or 9. I didn't do anything to hurry it, just waited!

[Barb Glare]

Hi, I think seeing the LC is important. She needs to find out what is ‘causing” the problem to know how to fix it. But as others have said, it would be unlikely for her not to be unable to breastfeed because she couldn’t make enough milk. What sort of pump does she have? All pumps are not created equal and for this job she needs to hire a medela symphony. And feed frequently, at least every 3 hours and plenty of skin to skin

[beansbeans!]

Thank you barb,
I haven't asked what pump she is using, but I have passed on all info, and I have reminded her that I'm here for support if and when she needs it

[Ladylove]

The only thing I would add is that milk can come in late. Using a symphony pump (provided by the hospital) helped to hurry mine in, though I didn't have a C section. And as the others have said lots of suckling and skin to skin! I had one MW pressure me, despite the fact I was in a 'BF friendly' hospital, to top up with formula and hearing those words crushed my soul. I was so upset that I might be failing my daughter that I cried and cried and I couldn't even stand up for myself. Luckily hubby told the MW off! He knew how important BF was to me. Does she have someone that can talk to the MW with her?