Want to breastfeed this time

Hi Liz,
I have recently found out I am pregnant with my fourth child. I tried BFing all three of my previous babies. With the last two, the babies didn't get enough and was losing too much weight. The pedi told me to supplement because the baby had to eat and gain weight. With the second that was the end of BFing. With the last one I continued BFing as much as I could, then supplemented with a bottle and pumped to try to make up the difference. While pumping, I was never able to get more then 1/2-3/4 oz. at a sitting, both breast combined. I also, on all three, never felt what I read about with let down, or over full breasts, etc. Even in pregnancy my breasts have not gotten larger with any of my pregnancies.
I want to try again but don't want another baby losing weight that much and risking it's health. I am wondering if there is anything I can do now to get myself ready for this baby. Is there any way to find out if there is a hormone problem or another issue that has caused the lack of milk production.
BTW I found this link through baby center and then was excited to see you do the class at North Hills. That is where my last two babies were born and where this one will be as well. I will take the BFing class if you think that will help this time. I took it with my first but not the second or third because I figured it wouldn't help with my particular situation. Also, with the last, the lactation consultant (may have been you if you were there 2 years ago :)) that came in as well as the nurse both checked and said the latch looked good. Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Answer from the lactation consultant
Never give up! Thats my girl.
I have been at NH for 4 years but 2 years ago there were two of us. So it "could" have been me.
My main concern is your history and the fact that you said you have had no breast changes during pregnancy. YOu could have hypoplastic breasts, meaning insufficient glandular tissue. Normally obstetricians tell you this during a breast exam but not always.
I would need to see your breasts in person to assess them properly.
All that being said, if you were able to pump and breastfeed, it really sounds to me like lack of proper breastfeeding support. Did you see a lactation consultant with any of your 1st three kids? I am grieved every time I hear that breastfeeding is discontinued for any reason, without ever working with a breastfeeding professional.

You can come to the hospital on one of the days I am working and allow me to assess you. If I see no problem with your anatomy, then we will just have to wait until the baby is here and work on milk supply then. There are lots of ways to increase milk supply and I can work with you on that when the time comes. There is nothing you can take or do to help it during pregnancy.
As far as taking breastfeeding class, that is up to you. It would probably be a good refresher. I teach one mon/wed a month and one saturday a month. You can go to northhillshospital.com to register.
Use the contact form to the left to contact me about setting up a time to come see me at the hospital. Best for you to come see me around 6-7 months of pregnancy.
I hope this helps,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC