I didn't produce enough in my first feed with my first baby, she had low glucose because of that, and the hospital forced us to use formula while we were there. I didn't leak or produce anything for at least 8 hours after giving birth. It almost ruined my ability to breastfeed at all. I eventually figured out what I needed on my own, as the lactation "specialists" aren't very helpful, and became an over producer...but, I learned my lesson from that and will not have a repeat experience. I started hand expressing at 34 weeks with my second. They're wanting to induce me at the beginning of 38 weeks, so there's no way I'd have time to collect enough during that 37th week to supplement if I need to, and I want to make sure it's flowing before my baby has to fight for it. I'm almost 36 weeks now, and I started using a hand pump, just doing one long suck rather than pumping repeatedly. That helps a lot more than just pushing. Haven't experienced any kind of contractions beyond the occasional Braxton hicks, so I'm hopeful. I've gotten maybe enough for a single feeding so far, and that is so much peace for my mind.
I didn't produce enough in my first feed with my first baby, she had low glucose because of that, and the hospital forced us to use formula while we were there. I didn't leak or produce anything for at least 8 hours after giving birth. It almost ruined my ability to breastfeed at all. I eventually figured out what I needed on my own, as the lactation "specialists" aren't very helpful, and became an over producer...but, I learned my lesson from that and will not have a repeat experience. I started hand expressing at 34 weeks with my second. They're wanting to induce me at the beginning of 38 weeks, so there's no way I'd have time to collect enough during that 37th week to supplement if I need to, and I want to make sure it's flowing before my baby has to fight for it. I'm almost 36 weeks now, and I started using a hand pump, just doing one long suck rather than pumping repeatedly. That helps a lot more than just pushing. Haven't experienced any kind of contractions beyond the occasional Braxton hicks, so I'm hopeful. I've gotten maybe enough for a single feeding so far, and that is so much peace for my mind.