Though I have had and will continue to have disagreements about what our insurance should cover for our son, I was thrilled to discover our insurance covered six lactation consultations. The Lactation Consultant (LC), Donna, called me the day before to confirm and to remind me to bring my breast pump with me. I packed it and the other related supplies in the Tactical Diaper Bag which had room for it, but little else as the pump itself is quite large.
The appointment was divided up into two sections, part on actual breastfeeding and part on pumping. Donna mentioned several ways to nurse a baby including the new Laid Back Hold, which allows the mom to recline. I’d done it successfully with help in the hospital and at home, one time each. However, Donna had said it was one that most women and babies were able to use often, which had been my experience as well.
Our session with Donna was great and very hands on. She watched me breastfeed William as I normally would, and gave suggestions as to put my nipple against his nose to tease his mouth open even wider before allowing him to latch. She also showed me how to position him so he could get even more breastmilk by letting him get the nipple against the soft pallet in his mouth.
Donna stressed that is is important for me to pump, if possible after every feeding to get even more milk expressed. This milk would then be fed to after he breastfed the next time. Towards that end she recommended The Pump Strap for hands free pumping. I’ll be reviewing that device in my blog tomorrow.
She also recommended I start taking Fenugreek, three capsules of which I will be taking three times a day. I am hopeful these techniques along with the Fenugreek and pump strap will help up my milk supply for our son.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 