Way to go qarezma! Take 1 month at a time. That's what I used to do so that I don't completely stress myself out.

SurpriseZZZZZ..welcome welcome!! and great to hear that supply is abundant!

Dear Tess...

No question is a silly question . It's good that you ask so that you get info.

I read somewhere that our baby stores some fat in their system so that when they are born, they can still survive if milk from mommy is not sufficient yet. After delivering, the first milk that comes out is colustrum which is the most nutritious of all and pls pls..give this to your NB. Keep on latching on as this would indicate that your body needs to produce more milk to feed your NB. Once you give FM..it subconciously informes your body that there is no demand..so less milk is produced. Do remember this formula: DEMAND = SUPPLY. If there is demand..there will be supply. Another formula you need is DETERMINATION.

Kindly bear in mind that milk that comes from us is not free flowing ya...coz lots of mommies and daddies think it's free flowing. My advise..read up, go for classes (from professional and experienced lactation consultant ie Gina Yong or Jenlia group) and prepare mentally as I can assure you that it's not an easy road...but it's worth it .

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Added on September 5, 2011, 10:56 amAnother thing i'll like to add is NB's stomach is a size of a pea...so..they need less liquid but frequently. That's why NB tends to feed every hour or 2.

This post has been edited by phythia79: Sep 5 2011, 10:56 AM

My milk only came in after i delivered. Some women takes them a few days for milk to come in.

I just kept on giving baby my breast...even my milk is not much..but it's enough to feed a NB as i said earlier, their stomach is a size of a pea...try putting 2 or 3 oz of milk into that small space.

Always think positive that you have milk..it does help.

yes..some babies are smart that they may refuse your breast as you have given him bottle ..which is called nipple confusion as bottle..they don't need to work hard to get the milk compared to breast.

As for latching on, both baby and mommy have to learn as this particular process is new to both. Some babies know how to latch on..some don't..which then, you need patience to teach them...and at the same time..calm your fears when they are screaming while trying to latch on..or refuse to latch on.

Try to google now (since you'll be delivering soon) at kellymom.com on photos or pictures that shows how to latch on and the correct latch on...to give you some idea. Or if you have friends or family that have bf successfully..get them to be on standby to just show you the rope.

I'll also suggest you to join the breastfeeding advocate network group on FB. The lady, Gina Yong, is a very helpful person. She can help you if you run into any problem...the mommies over there too can also share you with their experiences. Don't worry..coz most moms go through the same fears and problems the first time. You are definitely not alone on that.

Even though I managed to bf successfully for 2 years...i can tell you that it wasn't so easy at first. My supply is not abundant too and i had to work very hard to increase and maintain my supply.

You may encounter many roadblocks..from latching on, to supply, to unsupportive family/friends, Confinement Ladies who doesn't encourage BF, blocked ducts, engorgement..so on so on..many of us here (and in FB) has gone through the same path too...just voice out and we'll be there to give some advice or lend our ears.

Good luck!

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Added on September 5, 2011, 2:15 pmoh..i had no milk at exactly 1 month! I panicked..tried giving FM but son rejected. I just kept on giving my breast while trying to get my milk flowing again using the method (posted on 1st page).

Babies are smart too..when you give them the best milk at first...they won't take any other milk later on.

This post has been edited by phythia79: Sep 5 2011, 02:15 PM

I'll put the link here later when i'm home as i'm currently in office..they block FB..so i can't access to it.

I hope nicKit..sees this so..she may post it first than me.

Qarezma.... During the first 2-3 months....I woke up in the middle of the night to pump. Gina said that around 5am or so...that's the best time to pump as it gives the highest prolactin (I think...I also can't remember liao).

I took the fennel/fenugreek drink till about 5 months....so i think you shd continue for the moment as you are still only abt 1 month plus into bf. if u r fed up of fenugreek (I was)...try barley water. Just boil normally... And don't forget to eat the seeds too. At least the barley water u can drink thru out the day. A friend of mine takes Horlicks and she finds that her milk increases. U can try to see if it works. At least there ad be some alternatives.

Also...probably u are stressed abt your supply on top of handling a nb and a toddler...Which can be frustrating and tiring.

Hang in there....you are still at challenging times. My bf challenging times only lessen at 3-4 months.

This post has been edited by phythia79: Sep 7 2011, 12:37 AM

I once complained to my hubby too...and he also said that if it's stressful...then stop. I didn't give up.

q..it's ok. As long as the consistency and colour remains the same..it's fine.

I totally agree with this quote. Which reminds me of my colleague who replied when i ask her if she's going to bf. Her asnwer was..see if baby wants or not? i went like..huh? I told her..of coz baby wants your milk! Then she said dunno if she can if she have enough milk etc etc..well..i guess she's not so determined and chose the easy way out.

Congrats Tess_87!

Just keep on trying. If I'm not mistaken, qarezma had the same issue..her NB was also sleeping most of the time after delivered.

Do u hv breastpump? If not, try to express by Hand.

During this time...it's quite frustrating and worrying but u got to persevere...and need loads of patience.

Well said nicKit!

yes..yes..you have come a long way through the hurdles of no milk...in-laws..

Snowee...ask your friend to get someone else to feed her baby. It may help. Babies..they can smell their mommies even if they are in the same house, different room. Try this method..ask your friend to go out of the house...get her hubby or maid or whoever to feed the baby with bottle. If she drinks...good..if she doesn't..keep on trying the same method..for a couple of days. If still doesn't work, try using spoon.

My cousin's daughter didnt' want bottle at all...she would only take from the spoon or else, she'll wait till her mommy gets home. Luckily..then my cousin quit her job..so not so headache.

try boiling it..it may make a difference. You can also try fennel seeds, barley, oats. Do you drink lots of water too??

I only take the milkmaid when i'm in the office...just for a month or two..coz it was expensive.

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Added on September 15, 2011, 2:13 pmqarezma...to your first question:

1) it depends if you find your milk has established. for me ..i kept on till about 4-5 months...as i need to make sure that i got enough supply thru pumping.

2) super boov size? my kinda deflated after i bf less. Now i can use back my pre-preg bra...and without bra on..it's kinda ..urrm..horrible (there goes my backless tops )

3) I always made sure i burped xander when he was younger..after 2 months plus..i don't really burped him.

This post has been edited by phythia79: Sep 15 2011, 02:13 PM

Hi EnPoiNte..welcome back!! a big big pat on your back!

I agree with EnPoiNte...lots of fluids..and eat properly...it makes a lot of difference. Also..especially the first 6 months whereby your baby is getting all the nutrients from milk only...it's vital to eat properly. I remember..i hardly ate any junk food.

Last time..when I fully bf..i could eat 1 plate of chicken rice + additional small bowl..kekeke..and if i order noodles...i have to order 1.5 portion..hahhahaha. Thank god...my appetite went back to normal when Xander went on solids...Phew! if not..sure i balloned up.

wah!! 3Oz..is considered very good liao for about 1 week right? it's very very good!!!

all the ladies advised is correct. Your milk is still watery as you just delivered...your body has yet to adjust. don't worry..soon enough the BM composition will change accordingly. Most important also is your food intake..has to be good..ya.

In terms of baby waking up all the time for milk ..sometimes..your baby wants your cuddles and comfort..that's why it's best to room in.

Just to let you know...when i was on confinement..my mom was my CL and assisted by my aunty. She only helped me to clean the house, wash clothes and cook...while my aunty helped me to bathe Xander. I took care of xander by myself the whole day (unless i am too tired..then only i'll pass to my mom)..when he sleep...i sleep. At night..my hubby helped me to feed as i needed my sleep..but that time i would get up to pump..so no difference too.

For me i take this as a lesson as this is actually the start of sleepless nights .

remember..CL works for you...you decide what you should do and direct her..not the other way round.

Tell your CL to keep quiet or else you'll fire her. That's the only way to shut them up. Have to be mean so that you'll be sane. The only thing for now is to keep on putting the breast milk on your nipple. If can...try to get cream for it...but i heard it doesn't help much.

Yaay!! Happy Birthday to your LO...and you did a good job!!!! Congrats!!

It's advisable not to pump during the first month as you are trying to establish the milk supply. However, some situation it's difficult to just direct feed. There are some mommies who managed to just feed ebm but they have to work extra extra hard to establish and maintain the supply. It's natural that your baby wants comfort. And it's not just suckling but also to be near your-smell you and hear your heartbeat.

I gather that u are leaving your son with your mil till 8 mths? I think u need to have a heart to heart talk with your hubby..before u talk to your mil. To let them know that this is what u want and you'll need their support in order to successfully bf.

This post has been edited by phythia79: Sep 25 2011, 11:24 PM