i really need help

[Saberlilly]

My milk supply is very very low, i'm talking about only being able to pump 5ml in a 20-30 min setting. I have to pump because my baby was born at 34/6 and is in the NICU , so she is not able to nurse from the breast, The lactation dr will not give me anything to help the milk supply because i am depressed. (For a good reason i am depressed) i cant Find the Fenugreek or mother milk tea anywhere and the oatmeal is not working. I am drinking alot of water as it is free at the hospital.  Also I am trying my best not to get stressed out but it is hard and the lack of milk is making it harder. I almost want to cry when i see mothers who have been pumping less than i bring in loads of milk for their babies.  i really feel like i have failed my baby, is there anyone that can help me?

[amazon_jane21]

The female body is truly an amazing thing - when a baby is born early, your body will continue to produce colostrum and transitional milk until your baby no longer needs it. You may only be able to pump 5 mls at a time, but it is still liquid gold for your baby. It is not about quantity, but rather quality at this point. However, I realize that being proactive and doing something can make you feel better and might take some of the stress off of you, so here is some info on increasing supply.

The best thing to do is to pump for 10-15 minutes every hour during the day, and 15-20 min every 3 hours at night. The more regularly scheduled you can be, the better your body will respond to the pump. Be sure to get as much skin contact with your LO as possible (kangaroo care) and maybe try to use a SNS (supplemental nursing system) if your baby has the strength needed for suction. Also, if you are not using a hospital grade pump, rent one or get access to one asap. It really does make a difference, even over the $300 models.

Now on to galactagogues. First, fenugreek is not recommended for preemie pumping because it can mess with blood sugar levels (and fenugreek is in Mother's Milk tea, too). You can try blessed thistle or goat's rue, or a combination thereof, and see if that helps. See kellymom.com for dosage info. Oatmeal helps some moms, but not others - you can try eating 2 cups a day, 1 in the am and 1 in the pm, to see if that helps.

Next, Your doc is right about depression being worsened by Reglan, the commonly used prolactin-inducing drug used to help bring in milk, but unfortunately depression and stress in general can decrease a supply. I am not going to say "just relax" or anything like that, because I know how worried you are about your LO, but if they will let you pump in a place where you can see her it might help a little. If you can't see her, get a blaket or toy that smells like her and a picture to look at while you are pumping. I know this seems pointless, but it really helps some women.

You mentioned that you are drinking plenty of water - that is great and can definitely keep you from having a problem, but it isn't going to make more for you. You also have to make sure you are getting plenty of calories, since BFing takes an extra 500 calories a day. Try to make it protein, carbs, and nutrient rich rather than empty calories, although I know you may not have access to the most nutritious stuff at the hospital cafeteria. It may be best to bring food with you or have someone bring you food if need be. This one is going to be hard, but it is a must - you have to get some sleep. Right, sleep while worrying about your baby. Seriously, your body needs rest to be able to channel resources to milk production, so it is in your baby's best interest for you to get some rest. It can do wonders for your mood, too. Remember that being a good mother is not tied up in your ability to produce breastmilk - it is about taking care of your little girl and loving her unconditionally. The fact that you are searching for answers to this question and not just giving up tells everyone that you already are a good mom.

 If you need/want more help, you can always contact your local La Leche League (www.llli.org). Feel free to contact me if you need anything. I sincerely hope this information helps. Good luck!

[natalies_mama]

the tea i drink, i get from pick n save...  it's yogi & it's for nursing moms.  

[gdiamante]

Please read the increasing supply sticky. Every trick known to woman is there.