Jill - posted on 01/01/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )
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My daughter was born 12/23/09 and to date (1/1/10 posting) I've not yet started expressing milk. At her 1 week appointment her pediatrician commented that my age was a factor (I'm 31?!) and told me I need to start her on formula so that she didn't trash my nipples with her constant long feedings. I'm feeling pretty upset about having to introduce formula and feel quite like I'm a failure.
Any suggestions?
Jill
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Jill - posted on 01/03/2010
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12
Thanks to all of you! I met with a lactation consultant who reassured me that my milk HAD come in; I just didn't have the symptoms (painful engorgement, leaking milk) that was normally associated with it. She also gave me syringes to supplement the formula with while I was breast feeding and they have been wonderful. Now I can give my baby my breast while also giving her the formula so that I have none of the downside I've associated with simply giving her a bottle. She's happy and I'm happy :)
Jessica - posted on 01/02/2010
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21
My sister-in-law takes alfalfa pills to keep her milk in and gave me a bottle to bring my milk in- I take 5 a day until it comes in and then go down to 3-4 a day depending on how well my milk comes in. DOing this on top of trying ot breast feed my son and supplementing him all helps to bring it in- my son was born a couple days ago and I dont have enough to keep him satisfied so I have to supplement with formula...one of those things I guess when your baby is almost 10 lbs at birth, lol! I consulted with a lactation specialist and she gave me teh same advice my sister-in-law gave me...keep trying and supplement as needed and just be patient, my milk will come in and age has nothing to do with it! (Ill be 31 in a couple weeks). Good luck and dont be discouraged!
Ashley - posted on 01/02/2010
10
10
It took me about 3 days for it to come in. She wouldn't take it though. I had to use a breast pump for it to come in. I wanted that closeness that you get when breast feeding. But you are not a failure. Formula is much easier and quicker than breastfeeding. :)
Kristy - posted on 01/01/2010
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7
Don't feel badly. I went through the exact same thing. My daughter was born on December 15. All was great in the hospital, but when my husband and I took her home on the 18th, we could not get her to feed. I would cry and my daughter would cry out of frustration because of my milk supply. To solve the problem, I used a Medela dual breast pump. I pumped what I could and fed it to her through syringes or bottles; I fed formula in between pumpings. It was very tiring and time consuming, but she reaped the benefits. It took about 10 days for my milk supply to come in. Once it did, I met with a lactation consultant and we were able to solve the latch-on problem I was having. Now, I can nurse or feed breast milk form a bottle. I went through the same emotions about having to introduce a bottle and formula so quickly. I spent a lot of time crying and feeling like I had failed as a mother. However, after waiting and trying still to nurse and pump, all my hard work paid off. The most important thing I learned in all this was to remain calm and be patient. Your body will not produce milk if you are so stressed and upset. Hold your baby and love on her. It will help both of you, and in time, your milk will come in.
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