Disclaimer: this post is about boobs and milk and stuff. You’ve been forewarned.
My how things change. The first 5-6 months of breastfeeding have been quite the experience. I had major oversupply in the beginning, which was really difficult, and presented all kinds of problems. We finally worked it through, and things were going fine.
Recently I’ve started Isaac on some solids (cereals, vegetables, and now some fruits). Generally, I feed him around every 4 hours during the day. First I nurse, then offer solids. The problem is that he’s not nursing for very long (usually only a minute or two on each side). After only a minute, he will start to fuss and pull away, but go back and latch on, only to pull off and fuss again, and repeat this until I switch him to the other side. Then it starts all over again. It’s been so frustrating.
I’ve been suspecting for a little while now that my milk supply is low. I think it’s because he’s eating alot less often now that he’s older, and apparently my body is having trouble regulating the proper amount of milk to make. Low milk supply would explain why he’s been having trouble with bowel movements lately as well. He’s just not getting enough liquids.
At his 6-month check-up today, the doctor suggested that we supplement with formula…
That was so discouraging to hear. I know it’s sorta irrational, but it made me feel like a bit of a failure as a mother. I know, I know… (and no offense to those who don’t breastfeed, I just never saw myself as a formula-feeding mom).
So now I don’t know what to do. I want to increase my milk supply. I think I will try pumping in between feedings to stimulate more milk production, and perhaps trying an herbal supplement.
I’m just a little discouraged.
5 comments
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March 19, 2009 at 11:10 am
mommyrose
(((hugs))) Been there, with Stephen. When he was 6 months old he would do the same thing, just keep getting distracted and pulling off, fussing. It was frustrating. I had to wean him off, start giving him formula. It’s not easy, but doing what’s best for your baby makes you a wonderful mother.
But, on that note, there is ways to increase your milk supply. Also I think it’s okay to give him some water now, too. Go to http://www.kellymom.com and it has A LOT of breastfeeding help.
Right now I’m actually having some breastfeeding issues with Josh, but I hope it gets better. He’s not even 3 months yet!
Krista
March 19, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Kate
Oh Beth! That sucks! You totally do not have to give formula though. Silly doctor – he should be suggesting ways to increase supply, not formula. Get on the fenugreek and the milk thistle and eat lots of that oatmeal of yours (I’m serious). You live in the land of breastfeeding help too, have you tried getting in touch with Jack Newman, or even just a LLL? Much as I hate the drugs, I’d get on domperidone in a flash if it was that or formula (health benefits aside, who wants to deal with preparing bottles!?) … It’ll get sorted. Hang in there.
ps-looks like we’ll be in the big T. in June. I’ll write with more details, but I’m very excited to see you.
Kate
March 23, 2009 at 11:21 am
Kim
Hey Beth, I totally know where you are coming from on this one. Madelyn did the same thing when we started introducing solids to her. It was like she completely lost interest in the whole milk side of her diet. Then the engorgement set in…and that was terrible, you know how it is…so finally I just started pumping in the morning and at night, it keeps my reserves up nicely for the little one and there isn’t a lack for of milk there for her.
I hope that things are going a little bit better for you in this department, I know it can be frustrating.
March 23, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)
RAFTS for you (Random Advice From a Total Stranger):
6-months is still young enough to exclusively BF. Nutritionally speaking.
You could experiment with giving yourself (say) a couple days where you only nurse. Yes, he’ll be eating all the time (hey, the guy’s hungry), but that’s a proven way to increase supply.
A way to simplify BF (I try to suggest this to anybody starting out) is to only nurse on one side at a time. If your goal is to increase supply you might as well do it one side at a time (with 3 kids in 3.5 years–no, I only BF one at a time– I was really into easy, and this was what I found).
Anyway, you’ll feel less scattered if you only are half hanging out at the end than if you’re hanging out all over the place.
(I can’t speak for you, but I always found the baby more comfortable than the pump, so that was always my preference. He’s more efficient, too.)
March 30, 2009 at 2:30 pm
bethricci
Thanks for the advice. It’s nice to know that if we lessen up on the solids, I’m not starving the poor kid!