My milk isn't coming in!

I had the twins a week ago, and my milk still has not let down. I produce very little colostrum. I pump about every 3 hours. I have been working with the lactation specialist while I visit my daughter in the NICU, but nothing is happening. It's very frustrating. I had pre-eclampsia and am on labatelol for my bp's now. I just feel like giving up b/c I try, and nothing comes out!! Any suggestions? Or success stories?

 

All I have for you is lots of :hug99: and a big :sign0016: - I will leave the advice to those who have BTDT. But just to say that I think it's normal for milk to take a little longer to come in when your mind and body are both stressed and recovering from a difficult pregnancy and delivery.

Don't give up! Just take it easy on yourself and trust your body to continue to take care of your babies. Can you nurse at all? Sometimes the physical contact can really help get your body in gear.

 

I know it sounds crazy but you just have to believe you can do it. That is a huge step, stressing about it will only make it worse. I also agree with PP. A LC will help you, very very few women can't make enough milk. My milk didn't really come in for 5-7 days and I didn't have a NICU baby or medical issues. I lost a ton of blood and I think that had a lot to do with it. GOOD LUCK. It will be so rewarding if you can just hang in there for the first 6-8 weeks, I promise you'll be glad you did! Congrats on the twins!

 

If you can stand it, I would switch to pumping every 2 hours during the day and every 3 at night. Have the LC check to make sure that your shields are the correct size (too small or too large can affect pumping!) and be sure to massage your breasts while pumping. I would also eat lots of oatmeal (the non-sugary kind) and drink a TON of water. IT can take a while for your milk to come in, especially in a stressful situation. Try to relax as much as possible while pumping. Look at a picture of your babies and listen to relaxing music. Make sure you are eating/sleeping as much as you can as well! I hope it comes in soon!

 

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If you can stand it, I would switch to pumping every 2 hours during the day and every 3 at night. Have the LC check to make sure that your shields are the correct size (too small or too large can affect pumping!) and be sure to massage your breasts while pumping. I would also eat lots of oatmeal (the non-sugary kind) and drink a TON of water. IT can take a while for your milk to come in, especially in a stressful situation. Try to relax as much as possible while pumping. Look at a picture of your babies and listen to relaxing music. Make sure you are eating/sleeping as much as you can as well! I hope it comes in soon!


Perfectly said. It took almost a week for my milk to come in after I had my twins. Remember that although you have delivered your twins your body wasnt ready yet. It might take a little bit for your mind and body to realise what they need to do. If that makes any sence to you. I know its so hard, but you can do it. I hope it comes in soon!! :hug99:

 

My milk took like 10 days to come in, and when it did it wasn't very much. I had to be on medication and to pump to help it along. So, it can take awhile, I was induced and had a c-section at almost 38wks.

For the first 5 days that I was in the hospital all I had was a little bit of colestrium, so I had to supplement with formula for the first few weeks until my milk came in. My dh would take a syringe and literally suck every little drop that came out and we would feed it to the babies - and I do mean there were only drops that came out in the beginning.
But,now I have no problem exclusively bfing the babies - so I am a success story! You can do it, it can be done. Hang in there and come back for support anytime you need it.

 

It took a while for my breastmilk to come in with my first child. Like the others said, try to relax, massage, and I always laid very warm washcloths on my breasts while I was pumping to make my milk come down quicker.

 

Thanks every one..I won't give up just yet. It helps hearing your advice and encouragement. Thank you!