By Wendy Wisner, IBCLC<\/p>\n
Fan Question: I had my third child three weeks ago today. I wanted to breastfeed desperately but he was having difficulty latching. I had the same issue with my other two children. I think it has something to do with my nipple shape. I had resorted to pumping and giving him mostly pumped milk but with some formula as well. I had a huge milk supply and should have pumped more often than I did but with three kids it was difficult. A few days ago my son latched perfectly! Ever since he got a good latch he wants to breastfeed constantly. However, I realized at that point that my milk supply had dwindled to practically nothing. I get a tablespoon in maybe a half hour. I have been nursing on demand for hours. I really want to exclusively bf. Is it possible to get my full supply back? I have been topping him off with a little formula because I don\u2019t know if he\u2019s getting enough. Also I\u2019m pumping to stimulate supply.<\/p>\n
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WENDY WISNER, IBCLC:\u00a0 It is wonderful that you persevered and were able to build up a good milk supply despite a non-latching baby.\u00a0 And it is extra wonderful that your baby has now latched on! Milk supply doesn\u2019t just \u201cgo away\u201d within a matter of days.\u00a0 You say that your baby is nursing \u201cconstantly\u201d \u2013 my guess is that your baby is drinking all the milk that you normally pumped, which is why you aren\u2019t seeing much when you pump.\u00a0 That would be a good thing, right? But how to know if this is the case?\u00a0 First, is your baby generally wetting the same number of diapers, and pooping with the same frequency?\u00a0 The most concrete way of knowing if your baby is getting enough, though, is to get a weight check.\u00a0 So if diaper output is good, wait a few days and then request a weight check at the pediatrician\u2019s office.\u00a0 I would also suggest getting another weight check a week or two later just to be sure, especially since your baby never nursed at the breast before, and may still be figuring it out.\u00a0 If both weight checks go well, then your body is producing all the milk your baby needs, and your baby is getting it!\u00a0 If you were previously giving significant amounts of formula before, I suggest you wean off the formula slowly (a few ounces every few days), and get frequent weight checks to verify things are on track.<\/p>\n
If anything is amiss or if you have any questions, a meeting with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) would be a good idea to rule out any latching or sucking issues.\u00a0 Good luck, and nurse on!<\/p>\n
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Wendy Wisner is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), writer, and mother of two amazing boys.\u00a0 In addition to her work with breastfeeding moms, she has published two books of poems, and a handful of articles about mothering and breastfeeding.\u00a0 She blogs at www.nursememama.com<\/a>.
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