5 days after birth, milk still not in!

QUESTION: I just had a baby 5 days ago and my milk still hasn't come in. I have been nursing her at the breast and pumping. Plus I have been taking Fenugreek. I really want to breastfeed, however, this happened with my first child and I am worried that for some reason I won't be able to. Can you help?

It sounds like you are really worried about your milk supply and Rylee! In this situation I strongly recommend that you find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your area so that you can work closely with her and Rylee.

It is not uncommon for milk not to mature by 5 days of age; however, Rylee has lost 10% of her birth weight which is of concern. I suggest that you continue to nurse Rylee every 2-3 hours, pump your breasts after feeds and feed this pumped milk to Rylee. One of the ways that you can do this is to use a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS). The SNS will hold your breastmilk and your breast will receive stimulation at the same time.

If Rylee continues to lose weight, it may be necessary to supplement her with formula; however, you can continue to nurse her and feed this supplement via the SNS so that your breast can receive as much stimulation as possible and so that you can avoid bottles which could lead to nipple confusion and/or preference. An IBCLC will be able to take a full history and do an assessment of both you and Rylee to determine if there is reason for concern and/or in what way to have a good breastfeeding relationship. Good luck.

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC

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