I am sure that someone else has already asked/written advice on this topic, but I thought I would get some answers to my specific problems.
I have been trying to pump for about two weeks now. I am not pumping 30 mins after feeding her, so that may be the problem. When I do pump I do not get 2 ounces. Here are some of my questions:
1) If your breasts are sore does that mean that they are full of milk?
2) Do you have to drink water to pump?
3) How do you measure how much your infant gets if you breastfeed?
If anyone knows of a lactation consultant in my area (Lake Wylie, SC) please let me know.
Background: I have been breast feeding during the day and using formula at night.
1. No, not necessarily. There are many causes for sore breasts. Fullness/engorgement is just one of them. Can you describe what you're experiencing a bit more fully?
2. No. Most nursing moms need only drink to thirst in order to produce sufficient milk. Remember, the quantity of milk you need to produce is not large- most babies drink just 2-4 oz at a time. No need to replace that relatively small amount of liquid with a huge 8 oz glass of water!
3. In general, you measure the baby's input by her diaper output and her growth. A baby who is wetting and pooping enough, and who is gaining weight at a normal rate, is a baby who is getting enough to eat. In rare cases where the baby is not wetting/pooping/growing enough, it may be helpful to measure intake more precisely, which can be done by using a professional baby scale and weighing baby before and after feedings, and then subtracting the before from the after.
Can you tell us some more about what's going on with you and your baby? How old is your baby? Are you having any issues with nursing like pain, engorgement, baby being unwilling to latch? Are you comfortable using formula at night, or would you like to get rid of it?
Hi vattimo, I agree with mommals answers-just to clarify, no you do not need to drink lots of EXTRA water to nurse or pump. However, a poorly hydrated mom may have issues with milk production.
As mommal says, more details about why you are pumping and what your issues and/or breastfeeding goals are will help us address your concerns.
New Mom trying to pump and needs some advice
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