Breast Changes Not Happening in Pregnancy

Updated on February 19, 2009
V.R. asks from Woodland, CA
28 answers

I am currently 28 weeks with my 2nd pregnancy & I'm continuing on the same pattern as my first - absolutely no changes whatsoever to my breasts, either in size or appearance. Pretty much EVERYTHING I read about body changes during pregnancy mentions how different things should be in that region. I'm just curious if anyone else has had a similar experience? I honestly don't think there's a thing I can do about it.

As for nursing, I was never able to get to a point of nursing exclusively with my first, no matter the amount of lactation consulting & effort I did those first 8 weeks. My child just kept losing weight, no matter how long he was at the breast (which was a LOT). So I'm gearing myself up to accept that it may not work so great this time around as well. Was never able to pump more than an ounce out of either breast. I did "nurse" him before every bottle until he was 15 mths, so I know we both still got some benefit out of nursing, but I've read that it's impossible to not make "enough milk" for your child. I tried teas, herbs, anything & everything to increase milk production & nothing worked.

I just feel so "anti-woman" when it comes to this issue - like my body wasn't "meant" to have a baby or something. I had to have a c-section the first time around & now I have to do it again, so does that inhibit milk production in some way?? Just curious...

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful responses - it is very reassuring to hear of others' experiences & the encouragement about using formula. I knew "in my head" that I wasn't the only one struggling with this, but until you can find common ground with someone else, you just feel alone in the struggle. And yes, I did learn to let go of the "guilt" & be thankful that formula WAS available so my baby could thrive. But for the cost factor alone I'd love to be successful at exclusively nursing this next child. :>

I have spoken briefly with an LC at the hospital & we've set up an appt once the surgery date gets closer for a more detailed visit. But she was very encouraging & I have already learned even more than my first time around with the first hours & days with the new baby. Hubbs & I are taking a breastfeeding class through the hospital, reading a wonderful book "The Nursing Mother's Companion" by Kathleen Huggins, all to refamiliarize ourselves with the process, what to expect, what to do kind of thing.

If we continue to struggle once we're home with the baby, then I plan to bring an LC to our home (rather than visiting them somewhere else) as I think that will help more than anything. The times I visited with an LC with my first child was in a clinic setting or at the LC's home & I was never able to get the same response from the baby once I got home.

I will post an updated response a month or so after the baby's born (May 1st c-section) & let you know the results!

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A.A.

answers from Salinas on

I went through the same thing with both of my pregnancies. I wanted to breast feed my first son so badly. But despite trying everything I too ended up having to supplement heavily with formula at every feeding. For the first time in my life I truly felt that I had "failed" at something. It took me awhile to accept that I was still a good mother. I was anxious, as you are now, with my second pregnancy. I still had to supplement with formula but nowhere near as much as with my first. I ended up only needing to give one additional bottle of formula a day to keep up with him. I never was able to pump a significant amount of breast milk even with my second- it took me several pumpings to get 4-6 ounces. I don't think I noticed much changes with my breasts either so don't give up hope yet! Additionally, I also had c-sections with both of my pregnancies. I hope that things go more smoothly for you this time around!

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L.D.

answers from Modesto on

C-sections do not reduce milk production. Production is a function of your bodys genetics. It's hard not to beat yourself up over the breastfeeding issue, but please don't. Get feisty instead and be proud you are a good momma - period. I had the same problem with both my children. At 4 weeks old we thought my son was developing colic because he started crying all the time and having trouble staying on the breast. My husband heard at work that soy formula was good for colic. He forced me to try it - I only agreed to 2 oz because I didn't want to "ruin" breastfeeding. My son drank it down FAST - no practice with the bottle needed. And then proceeded to drink 3 more oz. He was hungry! Needless to say I had a complete, hormonal mommy meltdown knowing the whole time my son had been hungry. Felt so guilty. I simply didn't produce enough. I pumped and pumped to increase production like the lactation consultant said, but to no avail. I had to supplement so much I finally just switched him to milk based formula. He was a much happier baby after that! And he is a perfectly healthy two year old now! With my daughter, 3 mo. old now, I knew I would have to supplement when she started to seem hungry. As it turned out, she was in extreme discomfort every time she ate whether breast or formula. Turns out she has a reaction to milk proteins (which she will probably grow out of)and needs to be on soy formula. I wasn't producing enough for her either so it's just as well. My breasts only enlarged a little - I wore my same cup size my whole pregnancy I just filled it out better. Some people just don't produce enough, period. Thank goodness for formula! You are no less of a woman - don't let La Leche or whoever convince you that you are. Personally I find bottle feeding easier anyway - no lugging around pumps, finding places to feed etc. I had a very hard time getting over the guilt of not producing/breastfeeding and I want you to know it's nothing to be ashamed of. Being a good momma means recognizing this issue and addressing it and solving it. It would be irresponsible to ignore the issue, continue to solely breastfeed and have your babys nutrition suffer from lack of enough nourishment. Breastmilk may be the "best" nutrition, but if there's not enough of it it doesn't do any good. However it works out for you, congratulations and enjoy your new baby!

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M.K.

answers from Chico on

Plenty of babies thrive after a c-section and formula feeding! Please be gentle on yourself. Being a Mom is hard enough without worrying constantly if you're doing it right. A cousin of mine had a baby at age 40, and her milk never did come in for some reason. Strange, but true- and maybe that's just how you are. It doesn't mean you are unwomanly!! Enjoy your 2 year old and mind your prenatal visits and I am sure you will be fine! :)

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J.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi V.,

I am a Lactation Consultant and have worked with far too many women in your situation. Many of them have felt guilty for not being able to produce milk for their babies and I just hurts my heart because they didn't do anything to feel guilty for. Frustrated, hurt and mad - sure! But they didn't make a choice to use formula when they had plenty of milk - they HAD to use formula - the had no choice!

Some things to consider this time around. It sounds like you never got any answers as to WHY you did not make milk. This is one of my Pet Peeves - moms who work with some lactation consultant and try everything but never have an answer as to WHY they are not making milk...ALL of the moms I have worked who did not produce milk got an answer from me as to WHY they weren't - and there were many different reasons. Having answers makes it easier to understand and also easier to cut yourself some slack and stop kicking yourself for something you may very well have absolutely NO control over - which then relieves You of ANY guilt. :)

So - why would a mom not have enough milk (or any) and why no breast changes?

1)PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - this is a hormonal condition that has many different presentations and many different symptoms. It can often cause moms to have few if any breast changes and little milk. I have however, worked with moms who had PCOS who did just fine with the milk supply.

2) retained Placenta - if even a tiny piece of placenta is left in the uterus (and yes it CAN happen with a c-section - I've seen it a number of times) the body will NOT make milk. Usually mom will have other problems with bleeding, possible uterine infection etc...she will have to go in for a D&C. Then after that piece of placenta is removed, typically the milk will come in.

3) Hypothyroid - Low thyroid can certainly cause many problems with milk supply - get this checked!

4) Low - no prolactin - Prolactin is the hormone that produces milk. Usually we are at about a 10 when we are not lactating or pregnant. After delivery the prolactin levels jump from between 200 and 400! My advice for moms who have had problems in the past is to get their prolactin levels drawn around day 2, then again day 4 (especially if the milk is not coming in) and see where they are at. You should be working with a Lactation Consultant who has a clue about this (some don't!) and can help you decipher what these numbers mean for you. After day 10 postpartum, the prolactin levels start to drop - so if there is any problem at all it is imperative to get that bloodwork done early.

5) Hypoplasia - this is a genetic condition - you are born with it and there is nothing really you can do about it. This is a lack of glandular tissue - the tissue that makes the milk. There are physical signs of this - spacing between the breasts that is more than 1.5 inches (or more than 3 fingers-width). Breasts that are triangular in shape, or long and tubular...I can look at a woman and know most of the time if she has hypoplasia. Now - this being said, some women with hypoplasia make milk - in varying amounts. It is important to work with a Lactation Consultant who is experienced with this (not all are!) who can guide you in determining how much milk you do have. Some women will have 3/4 of what their baby needs others less.

6)Anemia - caused by hemorrhage during birth or severe anemia during pregnancy and after. Both can complicate matters seriously. There are ways to help this - but you must work with someone who understands what is going on and knows what questions to ask to help you find the right treatment.

My bottom line here, V., and any other woman who is dealing with this is to find a Lactation Consultant who actually KNOWS about these things. Throwing herbs and pumping and such at a mom whose milk is not coming in WITHOUT finding out WHY her milk is not coming in is just Wrong in my opinion. It is possible that all the work done for baby number one will help with the supply for baby number 2 - we have seen this happen many times. BUT - it is very important that you work with someone who has a clue...

Oh, a c-sec can delay the milk coming in for up to 7 days - but it shouldn't stop it from coming in.

Lastly - ANY of you are welcome to call me any time if you have questions about your situations. It can be hard to get answers from Drs who may very well not know why you have no milk and don't know what to look for to find out why. I have been in this field for just over 14 yrs now and I have worked with many, many women in your shoes...I have a clue. :) I am happy to help you find your answers.

Good luck to you...
Warmly,
J. Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net
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J.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V..
It's called insufficient glandular tissue. Usually it is associated with women who have what's called hypoplastic tubular breasts (where the breasts sit spaced apart and are somewhat cylindrical/cone like in shape.

While I didn't have the hypoplatic tubular shape, I was not able to breast feed, tried as I might. I had a lactation consultant while at the hospital, I rented a hospital grade breast pump once home, I tried Funugreek (which only gave me horribly upset stomach and excess gas bubbles), I even used Reglan, but to no avail.
My breasts never changed much during pregnancy either.

I was horribly depressed and felt as though I was not fit to be a mom as I couldn't even help sustain the life I helped to create! After many tears, praying and waiting...
I stopped.

I was never able to get more than an ounce at one feeding. (Usually 1/2 from each breast.) My son was losing weight, and as he had jaundice we had to go back to the hospital with him and start supplementing anyways....so....
I gave up the fight.
As soon as I started with formula, he thrived. While I was horribly depressed that I couldn't breast feed, it would have been easier to not guilt myself about it in the first place. I did continue feeding for the first month before every supplement. Although we also discovered he had a milk allergy and I had to cut out all dairy products, which was near impossible for me.
He's doing just fine now, in fact, he's incredibly bright and he's just as healthy as all the other kids at preschool.

I know it's rough, but trust that just because you can't breast feed doesn't mean you're not a fantastic mom.
Personally, I think God knew best in that circumstance as my body had been under enough stress as it was.
My husband really helped though and reminded me that he didn't marry me because I could breast feed, he married me because he loved me as is and knew I'd make a great mommy.
I'm glad I listened to him. Hang in there. People will try to pressure you, or tell you that you're doing something wrong, or not enough of this, or try that....but in the end....
if you have a healthy baby overall, it will be fine. Sometimes our bodies just don't cooperate as we'd like. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty either because I know I tried so very hard, but it just didn't work. Once I stopped pressuring myself, I actually enjoyed being a mommy! Surprise surprise.
I'm cheering for you!
Hang in there and if you think it'd be worth it, you can ask about prescriptions with your ObGyn.

God Bless!
J.

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J.D.

answers from San Francisco on

The very best information on this topic is in the book Making More Milk by Diane West and Lisa Marasco. Also their website www.lowmilksupply.org
They have really done the work on this topic and have the best, most up-to-date info available.
Your feelings are understandable. The info will give you a way to understand and make a plan. all the best

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J.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi, I just had my second child who is now 4 months old and my first is 2years 4 months. Anyway with both of my prgnancys my breast stayed the same. I kept waiting for them to get bigger but no luck. I don't they seamed bigger or different till after I was breast feeding.

I too had a problem producing milk with my first son. I always felt like my son was not satisfied. He was always wanting to eat!! I was convinced with my second it would be the same, so I perpared my self for the fact I might need to supplement. It seems like I still don't produce a lot of milk, but I think more then the first time. at least now I can actually get something when i pump. I'm not sure if I produce more milk now or if my son is just not a big eater.

Everything is so different with the second child!! I would not worry about it. The fact is with a second child you don't have as much time to worry about it. One thing I did do different this time is that even though I had wanted to supplement in the hospital because I thought my son was not getting enough milk I didn't. It took a long time for my milk to come in and I was getting very worried. After about a week in a half it was much better. Maybe the fact i didn't supplement at all helped produce more milk at the begining.

Best of luck!!!

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L.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.,

The same thing happened with my second and third children. With my fourth they increased in size a little bit but not much compared to my first pregnancy. Once I delivered, my breasts filled up pretty quickly. In fact, with my third I had to ask the nurse to bring a pump because my daughter couldn't keep up with my milk supply and I was in a lot of pain--they were huge. I had c-sections with each child. I have tried the teas also and use them (I have a 3 mo. old now)but the teas don't do anything if I don't drink A LOT of water throughout the day. So after your c-sect. try drinking as much water as you possibly can (that is once you can tolerate it-- I was vomiting for several hours after the c-sections.)

Don't feel bad about your breasts not changing. Your body knows just what to do when it's time.

L.

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M.R.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.! I can't add much to the discussion that hasn't already been said....but I will anyway...hehe.

First I totally empathize with the "unmotherly" feeling. I too had two c-sections and felt that there must be something wrong with my mother biology because if it wasn't for the c-sections I wouldn't have been able to have children. I had a hard time with my first breastfeeding but stuck with it and had a wonderful woman who helped me work through my fears and not so rational thinking and I began to relax and enjoy nursing more and he grew big and fat and I nursed him for 16 months no problem. With the second my breasts did not change in size at all (with my first I went from 36C to 40F. and with my second I was a 38C the whole time). I went back to school when my second was 6 months....very competetive program, didn't want to lose my spot and I had already deferred for a year when i found out i was pregnant. I nursed him exclusively for 6 months and pumped while at school. At around 10 months he needed a little supplementation from formula, which I initially felt terribly about. He grew just as healthily as my first did!

When it all comes down to it, you have to love what you have! Which will be two beautiful children. In the final analysis, the breastfeeding issue will be taken over by soccer games, school issues, friends and watching them grow. You are a mother because of how much you love your babies, not because of some mommy standard which says you have to birth them naturally, breast feed until they are 2 and have no problems at all! Enjoy the babes! Feed them in whatever way is going to help you stay relaxed and confident, and if you need to ...continue to ask for help and support! (My nurse grabbed my boob and showed me how to help the first latch on correctly...to be honest if she hadn't shown me that I might not have been as successful with him!

Good luck to you! Hang in there and relax into your mommy role! You will do fine!

M. R

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J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Big hugs! don't be so rough on you or your body. NO ONE follows the text books completely. If you weren't meant to have babies you would not be on your second one already. Just relax and try to enjoy. I disagree that we can't provide enough milk for our babies. My son has never had formula and he's deliciously healthy. He's also not a fat baby like we see so much of now. Just perfectly healthy and happy. I find for me that if I pump... I dry up. This time around try not to pump... just go straight from the tap and see what happens that way.

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A.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Don't worry, you're not the only one. It happend to me too w/ both pregnancies. They didn't get bigger and produced very lil milk. I did the whole lactation nurse thing, pumping, etc. You have to supplement w/ formula. I nursed what I could and then would give them a bottle, otherwise they would starve. It's very important that they get enough to eat. If they lose weight, that's a good indication they're not getting enough. I know u want to do what's best but you're body has other plans. You're not anti-woman, I think some of us just has different hormones than others. Don't feel bad! Plan to supplement w/ formula and hang in there. good luck

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B.R.

answers from Sacramento on

I never had to have a c-section so don't have anything to say regarding how that might affect your milk production. I do want to encourage you not to give up too easily on nursing your second child though. I wasn't able to nurse my first child, and nearly starved him from trying for the first couple of weeks. However for my other two I was able to nurse. In my case, I believe I was just not well enough nourished myself to be able to produce milk for my first child. I never had a huge abundance of milk for the other two, but was able to feed them adequately for the first six months or so before the supply simply gave out. That's better than nothing. Stay positive in your thinking, because that often makes a difference.

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N.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.,

Are you getting enough nutrition? I am a wellness consultant and help individuals to find what is missing in their diets so they may supplement it with whole food nutrition.

I have found great results with pregnant moms drinking living water, along with jadegreenzymes, lactoferrin to help assist in producing more milk and Ciaga that has 21 fruits in berries to give your body the antioxidants to protect you from the free radicals.

When you give your body what it needs your baby will get what they need also.

If you would like more info let me know.

Have a great day.

N. Marie

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L.G.

answers from San Francisco on

I just had my second baby and my breasts did not change at all during my pregnancy either. My breasts did get larger during my first pregnancy, and I'm convinced they went back to even smaller than before pregnancy! But right after birth my body seemed ready for this little guy, and didn't need 9 months to stretch out. I even seem to be making more milk this second time around, with smaller breasts. So, don't let the lack of breast growth scare you. Hopefully your body will be able to make more milk for your little one this time around. Good luck, and don't feel like less of a woman! You are doing great!!

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C.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello V.,
I feel your pain. I understand your frustration, anti-womanness, and most of all guilt that you feel regarding breastfeeding. I had my daughter 19 months ago and still feel guilty because I didn't produce ANY milk after having her. I feel like less of a woman because my body didn't do what everyone else's bodies does. My sister-in-law (who had my niece 3 months after I had my daughter) had too much milk, and my cousin didn't even think about it and had no issues with her 3 kids. It's so frustrating and such a horrible feeling, not to mention the comments that complete strangers (who don't know your situation) feel like saying to you when you bottle feed. I have 2 friends who didn't produce enough milk and another friend who didn't produce any. There are 4 woman (including me) who had issues, despite trying EVERYTHING there was to try. With those numbers there is no way that ALL woman's bodies are made to produce enough milk for their baby's. I hate to say it, but my boobs did not get bigger, did not hurt or anything while I was pregnant. I'm not sure there is a direct connection or not. My boobs also don't hurt or become tender when I'm on my period either.
On an additional note, have you ever had your thyroid checked? I've had a hypothyroid for about 13 years and have started doing some research on it and I truly believe that the reason I had my daughter early due to preeclampsia and why I didn't get any milk in is because of my thyroid. Ask your doctor to give you the blood test and see, it's not a huge deal and at least you know one avenue has been passed. Also, you may want to contact the Le Leche League and see if there is anything you could do to get your body ready and have a plan in place before you have the baby.
On last story for you is this. My friend who didn't produce any milk with her first child, went on to have a huge milk supply with her next two. Try to keep a positive attitude, sometimes we create our own experiences.
Best of luck and congratulations! Feel free to email me any time, I really do know your pain! Be proud that you feed your son for the 15 months that you did, even if it wasn't all breast milk!
C.

G.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Congratulations on your 2nd baby! And good for you for nursing your 1st until he was 15 months!! A lot of women would've given up breastfeeding when faced with the challenges you did!

I'm not sure why didn't "produce enough" milk with your first baby, but what caught my eye was your question about a C-section. How quickly after birth were you able to nurse your 1st baby? How often did he nurse in the first week? Did you supplement at all in the first 8 weeks? And if you did supplement, did you pump to make up for the missed feeding? These are the questions that popped in my mind even though you said you had a lactation consultant.

On that note, every pregnancy is different, as well as every baby, every siutation, so don't get discouraged before the baby is even here. Your emotions and mentality will impact breastfeeding just as much as physical factors will!!!! You should try to stay upbeat and positive. I know it sounds silly, but try saying positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror every morning. "I am a great mom. I am the best mom for this baby, and I will produce enough milk for him/her!" Cheesy, I know, but if you say it enough, you'll start to believe it!!

When it comes time for you to meet your baby, try to breastfeed him/her within 30 minutes after birth. If you can't, it's not the end of the world, but be sure to nurse OFTEN in the first few days (8-12 times each 24 hours), as this will stimulate your milk cycle quickly and will help set your supply (hopefully to a higher level).

The first couple of days are technically practice for you and your baby. If you can picture it, your baby's tummy on Day 1 is the size of a marble, a ping pong ball on Day 3! This means that your baby doesn't need much at all in the first 3 days while your milk is changing from colostrum (blood-based) to breastmilk.

I would LOVE for you to attend one of Nursing Mothers Counsel's breastfeeding education classes, where you can learn so much more about breastfeeding! There are classes at Mills Medical Center in San Mateo on the 1st Saturday of every month (10-noon) and at Lullaby Lane in San Bruno the 1st Sunday of each month (9:30-11:30). Nursing Mothers Counsel can also give you a personal counselor to help you with any questions you may have for FREE (we're a volunteer organization)! Our hotline number is (650) 327-MILK. Whatever you decide, I hope things work out for you, and I wish you well!!

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M.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Vicky

I feel your frustration! Even though my two kids were not C sections, I did not have enough milk for either of them. I had to supplement from day 1, despite nursing them for hours each day. I pumped, drank lots of tea, consulted lactation consultants, but nothing increased my supply. Like you I 'nursed' before every bottle and lasted for 9 month with each child - I admire you for continuing for 15 months! And nobody could tell me why I did not have enough milk. Some years later I did read an article that indicated that if you are low in iron, it can affect milk supply. I was very low in iron during my pregnancies. It might be something to check out.

All the best

M.

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S.L.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.,

I don't think a c-section determines if you have enough production or not, I had one and my milk came in and despite this, I was unable to breastfeed, just wasn't happening, I tried and tried and without getting too personal, my baby could not latch on. Oh I didn't feel bad or less like a woman, I figured, ok, so be it.. I will bottle feed him and he is seven now and doing just fine. Don't put yourself down, try and accept that every woman's body is different. There is a lot of hype about breastfeeding and sure, I do agree it's the best, but hey if you can't do it, you can't do it. Focus on the things you can change, but beating yourself up can't be good for you or your 2 year old and to feel less like a woman for something OUT of YOUR control it's worth your time or trouble. Focus on the positives... and most of all, come to appreciate you and your body, you deserve it . :)

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A.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi! I had my first child by emergency C-section, & I was able to nurse him with no problem. I had my other two children naturally (no c-section), & I also nursed them fine. I didn't feel any difference in the breastfeeding. Have you spoken to your doctor about it?

Good luck, & congratulations on your pregnancy!

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S.M.

answers from Sacramento on

had not have changed in my breast during my pregnancies as well. Only after the birth they became fuller with milk, and I easiely nursed my babies for a year each time.

A little about me: I', a 35 year old mom to a 7 year old girl and a 3.5 year old boy, and currently 8 weeks pregnant.

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E.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.,

I can relate to you! I too had a c-section with my first and my milk took forever to come in, then only came in a tiny bit - same as you - I could only ever pump about an ounce! So frustrating!!! Please don't feel like a bad mommy - you obviously are doing your best! Your baby got at least some milk from you over the 15 months you nursed him.

As for the next baby - good news! With my second and third babies (also both by c-section) much more milk came in - I think the body "remembers" what to do, and you are more relaxed, etc. with the second and third. I was still never able to exclusively nurse with any of my kids, but at least they got more of my milk than the first.

Oh, and (if you haven't already) - try the fenugreek supplements - three times a day - worked much better than the tea. Your skin may smell like maple syrup while you take it but your milk will increase so it will be worth it.

Good luck - the milk will come!

-E.

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W.E.

answers from Sacramento on

hey V.
dont be so hard on yourself!! try to look at it in a positive light. 1. there is a healthy alternative to breast milk available (formula). just think, in the old days there wasnt ! 2. you wont be one of those mommies that leaks like a firetruck putting out a fire with no notice. that was me. i couldnt go anywhere without a bag of cut in half kotex in my babybag and lets not even mention the fact they gave me square looking boobs!!! 3. no lugging around a breast pump and trying to find a "private" place to pump. no worrying that you didnt get the pump clean enough afterwards and some horrid germ is lying in wait. no lugging of freezer packs to keep what you pumped cold. isnt not breastfeeding sounding better all the time? so, dont beat yourself up. it's not as if you had the milk, but chose not to breastfeed. we're all different, and just cause you have milk production problems doesnt make you less of a woman. you sound like a very concerned, caring momma.. i dont think the c-section has an effect on milk as i was known as "the milk maid" and i had a c-section. just relax and rejoice in the fact that there is a healthy alternative available. good luck.

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G.A.

answers from San Francisco on

When I was pregnant with my first, nothing happened to my breasts either. I'm an A cup and they stayed that way. After I gave birth, I had a hard time making milk and I could only pump around 2 ounces from my left and no more than 4 from my right. Luckily, I was still able to nurse her for 15 months and she did well. Never a bottle, never formula. At 6 months, she started cereal and than other foods, etc. With my first, I was induced and had a vaginal birth after 14hrs of labor and 3hrs of pushing. Now with my 2nd child, she came like a lightning bolt. Went into labor at 8:30pm, left for the hospital at 10pm, got there at 10:30pm, water broke in the parking lot, had her at 11:36pm with no drugs at all. Horrible pain and hard recovery but made so much milk, I was engorged horribly for 8 days but finally got it under control after 3 weeks so don't dismay because your body may react totally different since this is your second child. Good luck with everything

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S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

My breast did not change one bit until the day after my baby was born. Then "bam", my milk came in and I grew 4 sizes overnight. I am now 33 weeks pregnant with my second and have had no changes this time either. Not to worry. Having the baby will trigger hormones in your body that tell it to produce milk. I was unable to solely breastfeed my first and always had to suppliment with formula. Who knows what will happen this time around. All pregnancies are different. Your body knows what to do this time. You should never, ever feel bad about having to suppliment to feed your child. If you were so set on solely breastfeeding and letting your child starve then you should be feel badly. You are a good mommy to do what is necessary to take care of your baby. There are three types of women, those that make too much milk, those that make too little milk and the very few who make just enough. Good luck with your second. I too am a SAHM with a very active 2yr old son and expecting our second son in early April.

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F.R.

answers from Chico on

I had a c-section recently (with our first child) and have had no problems with nursing; we're now on our 12th week and usually feed on demand. I nursed her every two hours round the clock in the beginning because she lost a lot of weight after she was born. Now she is huge and I have more milk than I know what to do with; after a feeding I can still pump a good 4-6 oz. I drink the Traditional Medicinals Mothering Tea and lots of water.
Maybe you should look at your own patterns of fluids, rest, and feeding schedule. You should also see a lactation consultant. Good luck on the rest of your pregnancy and breast feeding!

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M.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I also had a hard time breast feeding although I tried everything the experts suggested. My breasts grew in size but only a very small amount. They said it was impossible not to have enough milk no matter what size, but I didn't! None of mine were C-section. I have 3 children and each time I thought I would have more milk but still didn't. Rather than have underweight unhappy babies, I first breast fed and then supplemented with the bottle so they could get the best benefits. I stopped each one at 6 months because they seemed to take to the bottle after that and it gave me more flexibility. I was fortunate enough to have a pediatrician that made me feel fine that I wasn't nursing exclusively. My children grew up healthy and just fine-they are now 18, 21, and 26! Don't worry too much about it-enjoy them!

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A.T.

answers from Stockton on

My mom had a simialr problem with me. I was born in 1969 when most doctors still thought breast feeding was gross. So, she didn't get any help and put me on formula because I was not gaining weight. When she had #2 - 5 years later - she found a good support group @ La Leche League and her body seemed to have figured it out - she had extra milk.
SO, try not to stress over it - stress can slow down milk too.
And try fenugreek capsules - 3 capsules 3 times a day once you deliver. You can also drink mothers milk tea once you deliver - it tastes good and helps too. Add brown rice, sweet potatoes and apricots - dried is fine to your diet the B vitamins help your milk production and the fiber keep you regular too! Talk to your OBGYN about prescription medicine that can help too.
Good Luck!

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G.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi V.,

I too had the same problem with my breasts. No changes and no matter how much I nursed, I couldn't do it exclusively. I stretched it out as long as I could and only did it for 3 months. I had 3 children and it was the same for all three. I did what I could, drinking special herbal tea and all and no help. I gave up and did not even think how "unmotherly" I am compared to others. My children are growing up just fine and healthy with formula and I am just thankful and blessed they are in my life. So no worries and be happy you are blessed to be able to be a mom.

Best wishes for your next delivery.

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