[worriedmommy]

I just had a new baby one and half months ago, this is my first time breastfeeding and when I pump there is nothing coming out, I had to give him formula because of the jaundice, and now I feel like he is not getting enough milk. I am ready to give up, but I do not want to. All he wants to do is be on my boobs and I don't think that he is getting anything. What can I do to get my milk back in and keep going and not feel like a bad mother??

[liz28]

Unlike bottling feeding you can't tell how much milk your baby is getting when your nursing. But there are signs to help assure that your child is getting enough milk. Also, when you breastfeed it is about your baby latching on to your breast.

Before nursing your baby your breast will feel firm and after nursing your breast will feel soft because your baby because your baby has emptied some of the milk that was making them firm. As long as your changing wet diapers it will indicate that your baby is getting your milk. After feeding your baby is relaxed and seem satified. You can tell to by listening to your baby nurse. You should be able to hear your baby swallowing.

Also, not to scare you but you should watch your baby carefully for signs of dehydration. If your baby mouth and lips are dry, baby has dark yellow urine, or if your baby acts listless, limp or sick, these might be signs of dehydration and your baby should see a doctor asap.

I currently breastfeed my son and I pump my milk after I feed him. I was advise to do this by my doctor because after a feeding you've more milk to pump and nursing increases your milk supply.

When do you pump your milk? Also, you should address your concerns with your doctor and you should look into your area for free breastfeeding classes. I went to a class and it helped me a lot. Most hospitals and especially WIC offices offer this class for women, and for WIC you don't have to receive there services for them to help. They were a big help for me and I found they will address all your concerns and makes sure your doing it right. They might be your best choice.

One more thing don't use soap or alcohol on your nipples because it will make them dry. Massaging your breasts during feeding helps your flow of milk too.

[DoulaLC]

Pumping doesn't always give you a good indication of what you are producing. Baby will usually be better at moving the milk than the pump will, so not seeing much from pumping does not necessiarly mean you aren't producing.
It works on supply and demand, because you are starting back up, feed him at the breast as you would in the beginning... very frequently.
Along with what liz said, you will also likely feel a gentle tugging on the breast if he is latched on and nursing well.
Try to have him on every 2-3 hours (more often if you see feeding cues... sucking his fingers, smacking his lips, tongue thrusting, etc) for a 24 hour period and you will likely be able to tell a difference. Some women will find having a nurse-in, where you do pretty much nothing else but feed baby, for a couple of days... using the bottle very sparingly if you absolutely have to and only after a feeding at the breast... not before and not in place of, does the trick.
If you don't feel he is latched on well, or aren't sure, have it checked out. A good latch is often the biggest hurdle and since he is taking the breast, you have a great start!
He will want to be at the breast more often than what he takes from formula. Breastmilk is more easily digested, so he will eat more frequently from the breast. You will feel like you are wearing him and that is normal and expected.

[worriedmommy]

The problem is that I do not get milk when I pump

[DoulaLC]

How is his weight gain? Are you getting a good number of wet diapers each day? Occasional bowel movement? Do you feel a gentle tugging and hear him swallowing when he is at the breast? How often is he eating in a 24 hour period? Frequent feedings the first couple of months will be normal with a breastfed baby.

Don't worry about not getting anything from pumping... some women just don't... even when they try a few different types of pumps. This doesn't not necessarily mean baby is not getting what they need... as again, baby is often better at moving the milk than a pump will be.

If you don't feel he is getting what he should be and/or he is not gaining weight, although his doctor would have voiced a concern by now, visit a lactation consultant to take a look at his latch and sucking pattern.

[liz28]

I think you should see your doctor and express all your concerns. Going to a breastfeeding class will be a good idea too because they can show and answer all your question.

Even though I don't receive WIC the workers there are great and they shown me everything I was doing wrong with breastfeeding and corrected me.

[worriedmommy]

I have seen a lactation person and I do receive wic, but he is always hungry and he weights 13 pounds at only 1 1/2 months. My breasts are always soft and I feel the milk let down sometimes but he is always hungry after I milk him so I end up giving him a bottle. I used to pump and get 4 ounces 2 out of each breast but then it just stopped.

[DoulaLC]

What was his birth weight and his lowest weight after birth? How long is he on the breast at a feed? How long does he go between feedings? How many feedings is he having in a 24 hour period? Does he have a longer stretch of sleep at some point?

Breasts staying soft is not necessarily a concern this far into it... the firmness before a feed is noticed most often early on. You may or may not feel let down anymore either.
The best ways to know whether he is getting what he needs is by his output, weight gain, and reaching normal milestones.
It may be that he is going through a growth spurt which would show up as wanting to feed very often.