Saturday, October 29, 2011

breastfeeding woes

Ugh, its so very frustrating to be back in this place again. I was warned that stress can be hard on milk supply, and with moving and such, I was cautious, drinking all my water and taking fenugreek. I think a couple days before the move we took Lucas in for a check up and the doctor said he was still a tiny bit jaundace. She said its usually caused by breastfeeding and that the only way to tell would be to stop, and pump for a week and feed him formula instead. If he isnt jaundace, that means theres no underlying liver issues.

So after the move, I tried pumping, and realized my supply was super low. Like 1 oz per side. So I stopped, tried having him breastfeed every time he wanted, which was all day long, and nothing changed.

Its so disheartening. I was doing so well for so long and then bam! I'm back in a place where I was with Sadie. I'm so depressed right now because this time I actually enjoyed it, and it was easy, and I felt such a bond with my little guy. Some days I feel like a total failure cause its happened again for the second time.

I dont know what to do, supply is still low, I dont know if its worth trying to get back up. I dont know if anything I do will fix it cause its so low. I have good days where I am ok with quitting and then I have days where I wonder if I'm giving up too easy. The day I took to have him eat all day was so hard. He cried all the time and probably cause he was hungry and not getting enough. It broke my heart. Pumping has never really helped me increase supply, and I dont know if I can do it on prescription drugs and herbal stuff.

I might try again. Hes gotta go in for his blood work to make sure hes fine, but hes not yellow at all to me so I'm sure hes fine. After that, I might load up on pills and be a human cow for a while, pumping and feeding all the time. I dont know.

Anyhoo, if any of you know of someone who could get their supply from 1oz per side to much higher, let me know. It might encourage me to continue. 




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5 comments:

heidi said...

don't give up!!! just because you can only pump 1 oz does NOT mean that's all you're producing. breast pumps are much less efficient than babies at getting milk out. i'd say that even if you feed him formula, still keep nursing him at least twice a day, like first thing in the morning and before bed, then top up with formula if need be. it IS such a great bonding experience and its so good for him, too. i had low milk with sam and i would eat oatmeal twice a day (the kind you boil of 10 minutes, NOT the instant fake kind) along with my fenugreek and that totally helped. if you are enjoying it, don't give up so soon! that's just my 2 cents :)

Renee said...

Isn't it funny how different advice can be! We were told to continue breastfeeding as that would flush bubs liver out and help clear the jaundice!!
Iv never been able to pump more than 5 mls of breast milk ever!! But it would seem that Lachys getting enough because he's still gaining slowly. I think topping up with formula AFTER you've fed him is a good idea if he still seems to be hungry, but at the end of the day, you do whatever works to keep you and bubs happy and healthy!! Try to remember that how you can or can't feed your bubs does NOT make you a failure!!
I was given Lactation drops to try and they're AMAZING! I got them from a Naturopath, and they're a blend of different herbs that stimulate the hormones that produce milk! They've worked really well for me!(and keeping well hydrated!) Good luck!

amyschmamey said...

You can always supplement. You don't have to completely stop BFing. However, you shouldn't feel bad if you have to go to formula. NOTHING WRONG WITH IT! Baby is getting fed and that is what is important. I have supply issues too when I BF. I am going to try harder this time, but if I can't, I am just going to feed her what I can and supplement the rest with formula. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Anyway. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't a failure. If you are enjoying it just take it a day at a time. Some women are just milk factories. My sister was. I have a friend who was. They had stored milk basically falling out of their freezers! ha. I get so jealous, because I have never been able to pump more than 2 oz from each breast. I didn't try too awfully hard either. I will be in your shoes soon. I know it's frustrating... just do what you feel is best. You are the momma. Don't beat yourself up. You are taking care of your babies and that is what matters.

Monica said...

Talk to this mama: http://www.tempestbeauty.com/

She Said... said...

no matter what, you are NOT a failure. You are doing the best you can and trying hard. Just keep BF and supplement with formula when he still seems hungry. That's what I did. Keep at it, especially if you enjoy it so much!

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