Meeting baby's needs when pumping

[whitterbugk]

I have concluded that I'll be pumping, since my kid refuses to latch.

How do I know when his needs have increased, and how do I stimulate my body to produce more milk?

I know when babies are breastfed, they will nurse a lot when they are getting ready to go through a growth spurt to increase production, and I'm not sure how I simulate that with pumping and know when to do it.

[Ashley&Scott]

How old is your baby? Have you seen a LC or been to a BF support group? (I only ask because I've heard many success stories of babes that wouldn't latch at first but later got the hang of it.)

I'm don't EP, but this link might help answer some of your questions.
kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/bf-links-excpumping/

ETA: BFing is hard, especially at first, hang in there!

[pugz]

definitely meet with an LC if you haven't already. G stopped latching at about 4-5 days old (or would latch, then pull off immediately) and meeting with an LC last week made a huge difference. We weren't holding her right, holding my boob right, and a whole host of other things.

[whitterbugk]

I met with a LC yesterday. The meeting ended with her saying, "Well, he's one tough customer." :-(

She encouraged me to start every feeding by trying to get him to latch, so I'll do that, but he seems determined to eat out of a bottle.

[Ashley&Scott]

Awww...I can't imagine how discouraging that must have been. ({) (})

Did you feel like the LC helped at all or was she pretty useless? I've met with various LCs, they are not all created equal. Keep trying, also look for a BF support group (through your hospital) or find a LLL meeting.

Do you know any other BF moms in your area, if so I would ask for LC referrals.

I know it's hard right now, but once you get over these hurdles in the first few weeks it will get soooooo much easier.