Im not making enough breast milk pumping SHOULD I NURSE MY SISTERS BABY?

Question

Im not making enough breast milk for my preemie baby and he is diagnosed with NEC Necrotising entericolitis i personally think he got it from infant formula ..im pumping soo much and still not making more then ounce or two each pumping session and im desperate to feed my son fully on breast milk should i nurse my sisters baby will that produce more milk if i have a baby on sucking instead of pumping..i heard pumping isn't that same and sometimes wont make as much pumping as you would actually breastfeeding a child..please help and please give me answers you know are true!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU

Answer 1

It may be counter productive. Yes actually nursing a baby stimulates milk production more than pumping does, but in your case someone else's baby would be getting the extra milk. You may stimulate more production but only by nursing your sister's baby. But by nursing your sister's baby you're not putting the extra milk into a bottle for your own child but instead giving it to your niece/nephew.

Why can't you breastfeed your baby directly? Does the hospital have a good pump you could borrow/rent? Some pumps don't do as good a job as the one from a hospital so it may be worth a try. You may also want to talk to your doctor about ways you can increase your milk supply. There are medications and herbs out there and you should ask your doctor if they are right for you.

You may want to see if you are a candidate for donated breast milk. After my daughter is weaned I'm considering donating my milk for sick and premature babies. The idea is a little strange at first but the more I read about it I realize how amazing it truly is.

Answer 2

well babies are more efficient than pumps... but shouldnt you ask your sister this questions?

Answer 3

You are absolutely correct that a baby sucking at the breast is more efficient than a pump.

My mother in law actually nursed her niece while her sister nursed my husband (when he was first born).  My MIL had some health problems and couldn't nurse right away.  She used her niece to establish her milk supply.  Her niece was already a few months old, so she knew how to nurse well.  On the flip side, because her sister had an older baby, her supply was well established, so the newborn (my husband) could learn to suck without needing to build a supply.

As long as you are healthy and have your sister's support, I would definitely try nursing her baby to establish your supply.  Just know that it will take a lot of sucking and a lot of pumping.  Good for you for wanting to give your baby breast milk!

Also--If your baby is not in the hospital, your sister can try nursing him to help him learn to breastfeed.

Answer 4

I don't know the answer to breastfeeding others to make more milk....try taking supplements to increase your supply, there is tea called mother's milk, its supposed to help produce more milk and it does work Ive used it!!!

Answer 5

honestly, this is just my opinion.....yes. If your diet is good and your sister has no problem with it, then do it. Also mothers milk tea and talk to your doctor about a prescription that can help your milk. I have not had this problem, but I would do what I could to keep my milk. Especially for a preemie. And no matter how you pump, it never matches what a baby can do for you. Talk with your sister and maybe try to work something out. But remember she needs to feed her baby also to keep her milk up.

Good Luck and God bless you and your son.

Answer 6

Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about a supplement or prescription to help.  There is fenugreek a natural herb, which aids in production. Also make sure you are hydrated while pumping.  

There are other things like taking a warm bath, some hot tea, and even soup.  They all help with milk development.  

You could also look into getting breast milk from other mothers.  Several woman I know pump for others that are having a hard time.  

Answer 7

If you are pumping too often, your milk supply won't increase too much.  Try pumping every 2 hours, and make sure that you are getting enough fluids.  If you are stressed or overtired, this can deplete your milk supply.  It's hard with a newborn to rest, but try!

As for your niece, if your doc OK's it, I guess it should be fine.