Suggestions Please!!!

Breastfeeding my first 2 wasnt very successful and they both ended up being FF within a few months. This time im determined to try and overcome my previous issues and BF #3.

My DD was lactose intolerant and even breastmilk made her very sick so she was put onto lactose free formula at about 4weeks old which solved all her problems. I was disappointed not to be able to BF but I couldnt stand watching my little bub in pain :(

When my DS was born I was relieved that he didnt have any intolerances but it seemed that I just couldnt keep up with him. He was feeding every hour, 24-7 and I was absolutely exhausted - even expressing only got me 20mls or so. A nurse later told me that women who have PCOS, which I do, dont produce as much milk which seemed to be my problem. She also said that having gone through fertility treatment is a contributing factor - which I wasnt too quick to believe!? So once again my bub was eventually FF.

Another BIG issue I had both times was that I couldnt stay awake while BFing. I dont know what it was, and my OB or paed couldnt explain it either but as soon as my babies started feeding Id fall asleep. Whether I was sitting, standing, lying, talking, watching TV.... I would instantly fall asleep!!! I had low iron levels but was taking supplements so the docs didnt think that was a factor. Has anyone every experienced this and if so any advice on how to overcome it????? I actually dropped my daughter a few times because of it :shakehead: and they werent feeding properly because they'd come off when I was asleep and I wouldnt realise.

So I guess my questions are... How do I increase milk production? How early do I need to start working on it? Im only just over 15 weeks now. AND how on earth do I stay awake so I can feed my baby properly???

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for reading!

Hi Tina
I recommend you call the ABA Helpline 1800 MUM2MUM for some suggestions, but generally if you want to increase your supply, it is a good idea to feed more often (think of it as a temporary time investment - stay in bed for 3 days and feed feed feed!!! - get your DH and family to help you out with everything else for this time.)
Re how early to start - I'm not sure if anything can be done until your milk actually comes in, but once again, someone at the ABA should be able to help you out with this.
I sometimes fall asleep when feeding too - I think it is to do with sheer exhaustion and the hormones that are produced when you're feeding that relax both mum and bub. Have you tried feeding while lying down, making sure that bub is safe?
HTH.
Let me know if you want any more info - I actually have some stuff about this topic from the ABA at home (I really should read it thoroughly...)

Thanks Zof!!! I was thinking of asking you lol. I remember you saying you were doing some training with ABA. I though id read somewhere that there was something you could do or take to increase supply but I may be wrong. I tried lying down with Miss M but she'd come off and wouldnt feed properly. I guess I'll just have to dedicate ALOT more time to it this time :D I really want to give it a good go - if it doesnt work out so be it, but it wont be for lack of trying!! We need to catch up for that coffee. Will give you a call soon. Thanks again xx

Hi, there,
One of the best investments you can make is to join the Australian Breastfeeding Association and do one of their breastfeeding education classes. It's the best insurance policy you can buy against the wall of misinformation that surrounds breastfeeding. It makes a huge difference to understand how the system works - and understand how newborns work. Babies are hardwired to be with their mother. She is their world. Babies know that if they are on her breast she is not going anywhere - she is right there for her baby. It's not always hunger, though babies do feed at least 8-12 times or more in 24hours. Breastfeeding is so much more than feeding - it's a whole package of comfort and food wrapped into one. But, when baby wants mum, mum often feels that it is hungry and "they can't keep up" There are some simple tricks of the trade to manage the system. When you breastfeed you produce a hormone (CCK for short) which makes you sleepy - you are meant to sleep! So it sounds like the system was working well.

Thanks Barb. I think I'll take your advice and join the ABA this time. And i'll read a little more about CKK - the doctors thought my "sleepiness" was a little excessive but I guess everyone is different and maybe I just needed a little more time to adjust. I WILL DO IT THIS TIME!!!! Thanks again!

Teepee, like Barb said, join up with your local ABA group and start attending the group meetups! you'll be amazed by the support it can offer you. Pregnant women are more than welcome to join in at the meetings, you don't have to have had your baby yet!! I went to my first one when DD was 4wks of age and it helped me through my challenging BF times. Kept me going....

Yep BF will make you sleepy, it's natures way of making sure Mum gets some 'rest' in there too.... I fed alot lying down when DD was little. YES you WILL do it this time!! Good on you :hug:

There are things that will help with your milk supply if you need it when bub arrives..... besides frequent feeding (demand feeding), there is always motilium (prescribed by your GP) drug and also things like Fenugreek tablets which helped my supply immensely.

Hi Tina
Thanks for your comments. Good on you for being determined to succeed this time! (Not that you didn't the last two times, but ykwim.)
FYI - your local ABA group is Bankstown. I will find the contact info and give it to you when I have it.