https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:19:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-116175 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:25:55 +0000 mrs. wagon 116175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend was stressing just as much as you and her milk came in on day 11. Her doctor told her she had a patient recently whose milk came in on day 21. My friend is now exclusively nursing and pumping, and that other patient ended up exclusively nursing as well. Don't worry! My milk came in around the regular time but Wagon Jr. lost almost a whole pound so we supplemented with formula for 2 days, then my milk finally came in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-115912 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:36:40 +0000 lemondrop 115912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: glad to hear you have a plan! Those appointments always made me feel so much better. Keep up that lactating! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-115898 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:24:06 +0000 banana 115898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to give you some moral support! I know how frustrating it is waiting for milk to come in. I also supplemented with formula until my milk came in (around 5 days or so) and when it finally came, i was so happy! So stay strong! You can do it!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-115863 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:11:24 +0000 skibobrown 115863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to update and say I saw a lactation consultant today. She weighed the baby before I fed her and then after I fed on each side, and we established that I produced 1/2 oz on each side for a total of an ounce. Not much, but not nothing either... We now have a game plan for the next week, and a follow-up appt in a week to see how my milk supply has progressed. I feel like I can handle things for the next week, and then we'll go from there. </p> <p>Also, I wanted to revive this thread in case anyone didn't see it over the weekend who wants to comment about low milk supply. Keep the comments coming!... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114819 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:01:48 +0000 brownie 114819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you tried a supplemental nurser? It attaches to your breast and you fill it with formula. While they nurse they get the formula. It keeps them at the breast longer which will help stimulate your milk production and you won't have the extra bottle time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114784 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:28:44 +0000 chopsuey 114784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It took a while for my milk to come in and I supplemented with formula as well. I know it's exhausting, but don't give up! Your milk should come in soon! Just keep doing what you're doing!<br /> Oh, and CONGRATS!! :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114760 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:43:21 +0000 tequiero21 114760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have to supplement. I was only making colostrum for a good 5 days or so. I want to say it wasn't until the 6th day any milk came in. Ooh I was excited. Yesterday, 8th day, I finally pumped one batch that totaled 2oz haha. Sil said thats still not much..she pumped like 4oz. I'm still proud of my boobs because I was only pumping total 2/3 of an ounce the first 2 days my milk came in. Hopefully, it'll only keep increasing.</p> <p>We use formula at night because I don't pump enough to tide them over. We'll try to phase it out if my milk supply keeps increasing. I definitely don't make enough to store any.</p> <p>My mom has been feeding me seaweed soup and other soups every 3 hours so, so I'm very hydrated and supposedly seaweed soup (miyuk gook - Korean soup) helps with milk production. Also eating some beef broth that my mom was told really helped a lot of Korean women...not sure if it helps women with different body types... </p> <p>Good luck and congrats!!! Your lo is 2 days younger than mine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114727 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:51:50 +0000 heffalump 114727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: Sounds like you're doing great so far! My LO was very lazy after getting a bottle. And then we worked so hard to get her back to the breast. We had to buy breastflow bottles and they told us to wait until she opens her mouth for it to put it in her mouth, and then let her have five gulps and then pull it out and then wait again until she opens her mouth. It took my husband forever to feed her, and they said that he should be the one to do it so she'd only associate me with the boob. It did work and she went back to breastfeeding pretty quickly, but by that time I was done with it anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114710 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:23:45 +0000 skibobrown 114710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: We've been at the pediatrician's office a ton for other reasons, but our doctor has been very supportive and helpful w. the breastfeeding advice as well. She's the one who got me started w/ supplementing, but only after I breastfeed first each time. She also referred me to the lactation specialist and gave me advice on natural supplements to enhance my milk supply. You should know that what I'm experiencing is NOT normal. Most women will have their milk coming in within 3-5 days after baby is born, and you probably will too. Still, it's so nice to have a supportive group like the women on hellobee when things aren't going well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114708 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:22:42 +0000 lemondrop 114708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: Also don't forget liberal use of the lanolin ointment so you avoid as much soreness as possible. </p> <p>I had horribly chapped lips this week, tried a little of that yesterday and today they are all better- that stuff works miracles! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114705 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:20:50 +0000 skibobrown 114705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: That sounds terrible! ...and clearly formula ended up being the right decision for you. We're still not at that point yet, but we may get there. Luckily the breastfeeding itself has gotten to be pretty comfortable. We have a good latch down, and luckily Alanna has yet to realize that the bottle is a much easier way to get her food, so she's not refusing the breast. I'm trying to stay positive... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114704 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:17:22 +0000 regberadaisy 114704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown:<br /> I'm so sorry! :( I have a fear of this so interested to see how things work out for you.</p> <p>At my pediatricians if you're breastfeeding they have us come in within 2 or so days of birth to see how we're doing. Did your office do that? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114702 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:14:42 +0000 heffalump 114702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: I don't remember exactly when, it was about a week. It took me a while to realize that I should suppliment so at first I was breastfeeding ALL THE TIME. If LO wasn't on my boob, she was crying, so I'd put her back, and it just got to be too much. She was rubbing me raw because it was constant and it was just too painful. I cried when I had to feed her, and it just got to the point where I felt like it wasn't healthy for either of us. I didn't want feeding to be an unhappy time for her. Even when my milk came it, it was just too late for my nipples to recover. I had lots and lots of mommy guilt and I was soooo upset and cried for days over it, but now I'm happy with my decision. LO is happy and healthy and that's all that matters.</p> <p>Hope you figure out what works best for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114695 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:48:28 +0000 redboots 114695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know its a really tiring time. My midwives were there to help guide me through. My milk came in at around 5/6th day. One thing that my midwives pointed out was that severe exhaustion or stress will not help. They made sure my ONLY job was to feed and cuddle the baby until my milk really came in and of course to get some rest whenever I could. We got take out and delivery and my mil and brother helped with laundry and picking up stuff from the grocery store. My husband did almost all diaper changes. </p> <p>Hugs and hope you get some rest! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114693 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:43:26 +0000 skibobrown 114693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: Yes, our hospital has a breastfeeding group on Wednesdays that is attended by a lactation consultant. I wanted to go last week, but we had a pediatrician appt at the same time. I will definitely plan to go this week. Glad to know it got so much easier for you. I will hope for the same! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114692 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:41:35 +0000 skibobrown 114692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: Do you remember how many days it took? If my memory serves me correctly, I think you now formula feed. (Disregard my questions if I'm wrong about that...) Did you continue to have supply issues after your milk came in, or did you switch to formula for other reasons? I still really want to be able to exclusively breastfeed, but I am trying to be open to other possibilities right now since breastfeeding might not ultimately work for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114666 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:32:21 +0000 lemondrop 114666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All of our feeding sessions for the first month or so took well over an hour- yes, it is exhausting! After the first month we found ways to modify our routine. It took about 8 weeks for me to start enjoying the whole thing. The Mother's Milk tea really helped me make more milk. </p> <p>Now at 12 weeks feeding typically lasts 10-15 minutes if I'm just breastfeeding, or 20-30 minutes if I am pumping too. It does get a lot easier as they grow. </p> <p>I'm glad you are seeing a lactation consultant, that is truly what kept me going! We had multiple appointments with her, and my husband noticed that I was much happier after each appointment. Also ask if they have a breastfeeding support group- our hospital does, it can be very helpful to hear you aren't alone or to get ideas from others.</p> <p>PS- congrats! What a pretty name :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114656 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:07:42 +0000 heffalump 114656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My milk took a long time to come in too. We also did the breastfeed, then give her to DH to bottlefeed while I pump thing. It was exhausting for everyone! Eventually it did come in though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114648 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:33:20 +0000 skibobrown 114648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: Good to hear! So all hope is not lost yet. I'm taking fenugreek and mothers milk tea. I started slow on the fenugreek, but I'm going to be upping my dosage today... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114646 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:31:05 +0000 Mrs. Pen 114646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: ugh I'm so sorry for you.. I agree, tried fenugreek, or mothers milk tea. Drink lots of water. That is so frustrating. I hope it comes soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114643 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:27:45 +0000 winniebee 114643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any experience with this (yet), but have you tried massaging your breasts and/or hand expression? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114641 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:26:11 +0000 autumnlove 114641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thinking of you! My milk came in on my 9th day postpartum! I drank lots of water, took fenugreek and blessed thistle and ate a lot of oatmeal!<br /> Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-not-coming-in#post-114637 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:15:03 +0000 skibobrown 114637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi Everyone! I've been absent from the boards for the last week or so, and there's a good reason for that. Our baby Alanna Sonia was born on April 1st. We love her so much! After a few rough days, we're starting to figure out this whole parenting thing. One thing that has been really tough so far though is that my milk just isn't coming in. We're getting her to breastfeed plenty (although she only gets a few drops of milk during each session), and then after each BF session Alanna gets supplemental formula to help her gain weight. The supplementing was started a few days after her birth when her weight was dropping really quickly. I'm also pumping to try to encourage my milk to come in. Unfortunately, each feeding session now takes 1 hour +, after breastfeeding, formula, and pumping all take place. The process is getting exhausting, and I feel like this is not how it should be. </p> <p>So I guess my question is... does anyone else have any experience with their milk not coming in for so long? It will be a week today. I know this is not normal, since most women get their milk within 3-5 days. I'm starting to lose hope, and I'm thinking that I might be one of those women who will never produce breastmilk. We have an appointment w/ a lactation consultant tomorrow, so maybe she will confirm my fears. Any support or advice would be much appreciated! </p>