will pumping help or hurt my supply??

Question

Hi ladies! New mama of a beautiful 2 week old baby boy. First baby and obviously first time bfing. He hasn't gained much weight and the dr said if he doesn't gain more by his next appt next week that we may need to supplement formula. I am trying with every fiber of my being to stick to bfing exclusively but will of course do what I need to for him. My question is, if I pump will that help get him the fattier milk (hind milk) or should I just stick to putting him on my breast? I keep reading mixed opinions and don't know what to do. Please help!!!

Answer

My baby boy lost a lot of weight and got dehydrated in the first couple of days after birth because my supply hadn't come in. We had no choice but to supplement with formula unless we wanted him in the hospital. Our ped who is also a lactation consultant had us follow each nursing session with a bottle. This way, I was still building supply and working on his latch while still being sure he got what he needed. Now he's getting what he needs just from nursing. It was a good transition for us.

Answer

Pumping this early can cause an over supply. Supplementing with formula can cause your supply to dip if you aren't pumping when babe is eating. Make sure you are feeding on demand, which may seem like it is non-stop at times. Schedule a meeting with a IBCLC for the best guideance , most insurances will pay for this.

Answer

It took my son 4 weeks to gain weight. He was born 9lb 4oz and fluctuated until this week. 
I never supplemented. He's is 12 pounds at 4 weeks.

Try not to listen- just feed on demand non-stop. No need to pump and no need for formula probably.

I got really scared and anxious that I wasn't making enough but it is. You are capable! 
I pump 3x a day and feed on demand, almost non-stop. But I haven't had to supplement!

Good luck girl!

Answer

One of my twins wasn't gaining weight fast enough so my pediatrician told me to supplement for a week and see how it goes. I did not have to supplement with formula and you shouldn't have to either as your milk has just as much if not more calories than formula. I supplemented for a week and then he was back on track. Be careful pumping too much bc it can be painful. I was pumping after every feeding and sometimes woke up engorged begging my babies to eat more and that just causes a nasty cycle.

will pumping help or hurt my supply??

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