I feel like I have failed

Gennifer - posted on 09/27/2009

Never give up and stop stressing that can lower you milk supply to I know harder to say than to do. Try taking Fenugreek in 3 pills 3 times a day you can get it at a local health food store or online

Jennifer - posted on 09/27/2009

I feel for you... My son is almost 6 months old (in like 4 days)... He just stopped nursing by himself... I cried my self asleep last night... I feel the same way you do... will he still need me as much... I have created such a great bond breast feeding him.... and that is one thing that nobody has with my son... so I am glad that I am not the only mother that is sadden by not breastfeeding... and remember that you have done a great job giving your son the best you could give him....

Lesley - posted on 09/27/2009

You definitely have NOT failed! 8 1/2 months is fantastic! When you pump, you never get the same amount that the baby gets himself. You get much less. If he's teething, it might hurt him when he sucks at the breast - it's more work than a bottle. So this could be why he's not nursing well. After you give him formula - try putting him back to your breast. This way he's not as hungry and may work harder at getting the milk to come down. If he's too hungry and it's a slow let down, he won't have patience. You can try taking a brewer's yeast supplement to help with the let down of your milk. And the more upset you are, the more it will slow down your milk production. As I said, try offering him the breast after you give him some formula. It could be that he was just too hungry or it is his teeth coming! Good luck to you - have faith!!! xox

Sheila - posted on 09/27/2009

I'm in the same boat, but it's not stupid for feeling that way! Every time I fix my son a bottle I feel like such a failure, and when I express these feelings to my mom she gets mad and acts like I'm being stupid for feeling this way. So I'm glad that I'm not alone! Do you have a pump (dunno if you meant hand express or express by pump)? The LC told me to pump every 2 hours, and I've just started taking fenugreek and goat's rue to try and help out. The morning after I took them though, I got clogged ducts on my right side. Not sure if this is a good sign or not. I've also heard that Domperidone works, but it's Rx. And I highly recommend the LLL! They make me feel so much better. Lots of help, and the support alone is worth it.

Emma-Leigh - posted on 09/26/2009

Hi - congratulations on your pregnancy. My supply became non-existant no matter what I did when I bacame pregnant and my bub was 11months old. You sound like you've done a great job and he's eating plenty of solids. You could try cutting down on his solids which may make him more willing to feed again. Make sure you both get plenty of water and enjoy every moment together.

Margaux - posted on 09/26/2009

My milk supply really slowed down once when my son was about 5 months because for a few days he wasn't nursing as much for some reason. I tried pumping and nothing came out...I started freaking out, of course. I had read somewhere that after the first 6 weeks, if your supply goes down, it won't go back up. Well, that isn't true at all. I talked to my lactation consultant and she told me that I needed to just spend a whole day or two at home with my baby, just focusing on nursing him, like I did the first few months of his life. It was a difficult few days, that's for sure! But after about a day and a half of nursing on demand, every 1-2 hours, my supply was completely back to normal. The same thing happened again when he was 7 months when we were feeding him too much solid foods (we got over zealous with solids, and then realized he should be getting much more milk than he was). I did the same thing...stayed home one day, no activities, just mom and baby time. It worked again. I hope this helps!!!!!

Ashley - posted on 09/26/2009

OK, I don't get this yet. Now I see you're preg. Congrats, and that sure explains everything, feelings and physical! Good luck and enjoy!

Ashley - posted on 09/26/2009

#1 - Y'all can still nurse. Get in the bathtub/favorite chair/bed with him, enjoy the part that's most important, the sweet bond that you're heartbroken over and afraid of losing. When my daughter turned down the breast for a smudged up little glass of water, I was demoralized. Painful! That was one moment, and fortunately almost forgotten.

#2 - La Leche League. They've helped me alot, haven't met a "nursing nazi" in the group yet! They're really good at adressing both my mechanical fluid engineering type questions, and also my aching heart, neurotic issues, irregardless of which I though was my question!

Leanisha - posted on 09/25/2009

Quoting Cristina:

I feel your pain, my son didn't want to nurse after 8 months and it broke my heart that he didn't want to any more, the milk starts to dry almost like magic, the flow has a lot to do with him nursing, in order to bring the milk back you either pump or have the baby feed, also it helps to drink oatmeal either in shakes with little sugar or in warm milk it helps big time the flow of milk, I actually have a good recipe for oatmeal milk:
1/2 cup of quaker oats, 1/2 can of evaporated mild, 1/2 cup of cows milk, 1 1/2 cup of water, 2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar, a piece of lime peel -> place the oats water sugar and peel in a saucepan medium heat bring to a boil add milks and let simmer for about 5 mins keeping an eye so it wont spill after it boils one time take off fire, throw away the peel, and cool to desired warmth and drain if you want, you can use a colander if you would like it just as a creamy beverage. hope it helps. It's good for you and it's yummy.

Hi Cristina!

Thank you for this recipe it does sound yummy. Do you know what the lime peel is meant for. That just seems like a random ingredient..

Meury - posted on 09/25/2009

hello, I know it's easy to say but getting stressed reduces the milk production too, so try relax a bit. I bet some people have said the same; but have you try the kangooro care? That means skin to skin contact; cuddles with your baby both of you naked put him in you chess it helps a lot, you can do it in bed or sitting doing just make sure you cover the baby with the blanket or something so he or she doesn't get cold. Another think that helped me a lot was fennel tea, porridge and super malt, you can find it in some caribean shops or news agencies, super mal is good I love it, but some people don't like the taste of it.



Hope you have a nice day and your milk production increase.



Meury

Jan - posted on 09/25/2009

I felt the same when I stopped b/feeding my 2nd daughter at 4 weeks old. I successfully fed my 1st baby until she was 9 months, but found that if I was a little stressed about things that my milk became almost non existant. Try & relax just before attempting to feed, I know thats not easy, but put on some calming background music & try again, you might find your milk hasnt dried up yet. Worth a try, hope it works. x

Cecilia - posted on 09/25/2009

I had a dip in my supply and so I did some "power pumping". You pump 12 minutes and then wait 12 minutes and pump again. Do that for an hour and it simulates cluster feeding and should boost your supply. My supply declined around that time because I tried pumping less at work and wasn't pumping as much at home. Try to take a weekend or even a week and add a few more pumping sessions in to stimulate more of a supply.

Good luck and remember that it isn't all or nothing. You can still give him breast milk periodically and he will still get all of the benefits.

Vicky - posted on 09/25/2009

congrats on your pregnancy! x

Vicky - posted on 09/25/2009

Firstly...be proud for giving your baby the best start!
I felt the same with my little boy, it was just a stage he was going through.
The more he feeds the more milk you produce-keep your fluids up & eating as your doing.
I gave up breast feeding when planning our second baby, our son was 22 months, he just started having a morning feed then a night feed.
Good luck...I hope it goes well x

Charlotte - posted on 09/25/2009

Congrats on your pregnancy! :) I would like to reiterate what someone else pointed out: that any herbs or other suplements you may be considering need to be considered in light of your pregnancy. The only supply-booster that I know for sure to be safe is oatmeal. I ate it while pregnant with my 2nd to boost my supply for the older one who was still nursing and I had good results. Of course, he was over a year when I got pregnant so it is a different situation than your own.

Continue to watch your baby's wet and poopy diapers to be sure he's getting enough fluids. If you do need to supplement with formula (which you certainly may considering his age), don't beat yourself up about it. You need to do what is best for you and both of your babies. Definatelly remember to take care of yourself. Take your prenatal vitamins, drink lots of water, and get some good sleep in when you can. And definately congradulate yourself for making it to 8.5 months! :)

Donnel - posted on 09/24/2009

Fenugreek is something you can buy and mix with water or take by capsule- I think places like GNC sell it! Take that and in a week you'll have more! Also, my doctor told me recently to watch the caffeine intake b/c it can cause lower milk supply. He also might be having another growth spurt, just let him suck all day for a few days (takes alot out of you, but i've done it and it was worth it)! Supply and demand!

Katie - posted on 09/24/2009

Oh, I've also heard to drink a glass of water right before feeding/pumping and eating oatmeal every day.

Katie - posted on 09/24/2009

Don't feel bad, it is what it is. You have not failed. But, you could try what I did (although I make no claims, it's just what worked for me). Fenugreek and blessed thistle combo from a wholistic pharmacy store (Pharmaca). It's over the counter, about $25 for 20 day supply.

Goundy - posted on 09/23/2009

I ran into the same issue w/ my daughter. I have gotten into the habit of drinking a full glass of water after I nurse. Also try and find " Mothers Milk Tea". This has also helped me out. Stay strong and good luck!

Alana - posted on 09/23/2009

dont be so hard on urself...im sure youre an amazing mom.

Lauren - posted on 09/23/2009

I have had the same issue going on for almost a month. I didn't want to supplement with formula but I have had to recently since I have started work again and can't pump enough to send to day care. So she gets a bottle of formula at day care and then is breast fed the rest of the time. I am having a hard time and feeling guilty and bad, too. I love breastfeeding and wanted to bf for at least a year. I asked the Dr. and he said most likely cause is stress. I am now pumping at work (even though I only work part time) and still not getting very much. I feel like my daughter is getting enough when I feed her but how can I be sure? Good luck, I feel your frustration. I have also been advised to try the "Mother's Milk Tea" if you try that, let me know how it goes!
-Lauren

Wendi - posted on 09/23/2009

Just because you can't express milk doesn't mean you don't have any. Is he eating solid food? If not he may just need more than milk. I have breast-fed four children and have never been able to express milk. Drink lots of fluids. You don't have to give up yet.

Christine - posted on 09/22/2009

Congrats, on the pregnancy, and don't get too upset about your son not needing you anymore, just wait until he is getting about on his own steam, he will always keep an eye on you, you are his one and only mum. My eldest is nearly four and it is not his dad who he goes to for comfort it is mum, even if he has banged his knee when I am at work I get a full description from him when I get home. He will always need you! Persevere with feeding and if you get through great, but if you don't be confident in the fact that you have given your son the absolute best start possible..... Just wait for the day when the next one comes and you are feeding and he sits down and feeds his teddy with you or tells people when they ask where milk comes from "mummy"!

Rachael - posted on 09/22/2009

Kim I cried as I read your post. I just stopped nursing my little man last week (he is 8 months on the 29th) He had 4 teeth at about 6 months and no matter what I did he would bite my nipples, it got to where he was breaking my skin multiple times a day and nursing became very painful (I never had any nipple issues before). I would try to nurse him when he was drowsy and less likely to bite and pump throughout the day. My milk supply started going down and I tried fenugreek which did help a little bit but I just wasn't making enough milk and had to start supplimenting with formula. He did great with the formula and started rejecting the bm (it could be the altered tatse due to the fenugreek). As hard it was for me I made the best choice for him and he is now strictly formula fed. Typing that is hard. I wanted to nurse for atleast a year too. But the bond is there and nothing can change that. He also got my milk for nearly 8 months. My advice to you is to try the fenugreek (3 capsules 3 times a day, it will make your milk smell a bit like maple syrup) and hopefully that will work. Your little guy needs you and loves you just the same no matter where his milk comes from. It is harder for the mommy to give up nursing I think. Good luck sweetie!! I hope everything works out and remember you are an AMAZING MOTHER!

Sarah - posted on 09/22/2009

Go to your doctor. You can be put on medication to help with supply (called domperidone) - usually used for reflux but increases milk supply. You can also try fenugreek though I didn't have any luck with it.

Liz - posted on 09/22/2009

You have not failed! Please don't feel that way. Your son will always need you and will forever benefit from your decision to breastfeed! I remember how hard it was when my oldest son decided he was no longer interested in breastfeeding, I cried for weeks it seems. But, it gets easier and eventually you let go. I wish you the best, chin up Mama!

Christine - posted on 09/22/2009

Quoting Kim:

Quoting Charlotte:

Is it at all possible that you are pregnant? Pregnacy can seriously reduce milk supply (though it is possible for many women to nurse through an entire pregnancy with a reasonable milk supply, some loose thier supply alltogether).

Another possibility: are you about to start your period? Women often notice a temporary dip in milk supply right before they start their period, and babies also often notice a temporary change in taste that might make them more fussy at the breast.

If it's simply your period, there is NO NEED to use bottles or formula, simply do as others have suggested and encourage baby to nurse more and try to relax as stress can also negatively affect milk supply. Also, try eating oatmeal every day as it can be a natural and safe milk supply booster.

If it turns out that you are indeed pregnant, you may need to supplement with formula since your baby is still under a year. There are options with this as well, as others have mentioned you can feed the supplement through a tube allongside your breast so baby still gets his milk at the breast and also gets breastmilk at the same time as the formula.

I also want to say it is wonderful that you have nursed your baby for 8.5 months, and I hope you will be able to continue for many more months. :)

I have had 2 periods for the last 2 months and another one that is supost to start in about 5 days so I am not sure if I am pregnat.

 

 

Congratulations, on feeding him for 81/2 months already, I hope you get through this phase... I had the same thing happen when my first was 61/2 months I though it was because of solids but as it turned out I was pregnant, unfortunately my son didn't like the taste change and refused to the point of pushing me away. As you are already doing just keep offering him the breast particularly before a solid feed and when he wakes from sleeps.

Milka - posted on 09/22/2009

you are amazing mother....I do not have any advice since I am a new mum. I think u r so lucky compared with me. I was struggling pumping my breast and mix with the formula since he was 5 weeks and now it has been 2 weeks to go so far

Julie - posted on 09/22/2009

Quoting Kim:

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I just took a pregnancy test actually 2 and both were positive. So that must be the source of my milk loss.

Holy moly, congratulations Kim! 

Cristina - posted on 09/22/2009

I feel your pain, my son didn't want to nurse after 8 months and it broke my heart that he didn't want to any more, the milk starts to dry almost like magic, the flow has a lot to do with him nursing, in order to bring the milk back you either pump or have the baby feed, also it helps to drink oatmeal either in shakes with little sugar or in warm milk it helps big time the flow of milk, I actually have a good recipe for oatmeal milk:
1/2 cup of quaker oats, 1/2 can of evaporated mild, 1/2 cup of cows milk, 1 1/2 cup of water, 2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar, a piece of lime peel -> place the oats water sugar and peel in a saucepan medium heat bring to a boil add milks and let simmer for about 5 mins keeping an eye so it wont spill after it boils one time take off fire, throw away the peel, and cool to desired warmth and drain if you want, you can use a colander if you would like it just as a creamy beverage. hope it helps. It's good for you and it's yummy.

Stina - posted on 09/22/2009

Congratulations on the pregnancy!

Please give yourself credit for all the time you have breastfed your baby. It's sad that the pregnancy seems to have depleted your supply. Be sure you are getting adequate calories, good nutrition and lots of fluid. If you want to keep nursing you may still be able to replenish your milk supply by making sure your body feels it has enough to go around for both your babies. But if you aren't able too, know that your babies need for you doesn't dissapear because you aren't able to BF. You are his Mom- and he will always need you.

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2009

Oh- just saw that you're pregnant! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2009

First of all, DON"T cry. You are a good mom- a wonderful mom. There is no reason to equate the problems you're having with your son needing you. He needs you more than you'll ever know.

At 8 1/2 months, he could just be getting to the point where he is changing and needing more. I would say that this just may be the time that you begin to SUPPLIMENT with formula...let him quench his thirst with formula, then let him nurse with you for the rest. That way, he gets what he needs, and so do you. if you have been breastfeeding him exclusively for the past 8 or so months, you have done more breastfeeding than alot of moms do & he got all that good colostrum in the beginning- he is really set! Let me state now that breastfeeding or NOT breastfeeding at all has NOTHING to do with the measure of a mother's love. But, at the same time, I do sympathize with the emotions and guilt that accompany the "end" of breastfeeding a child. Just keep trying, and try to relax and enjoy the rest of this special time with him- because that will help you produce, too. When it's his time to stop, you'll know.

Just PLEASE never question his need for you. That has no end.

Briana - posted on 09/22/2009

The fact that you have made it this far is great!!! Don't feel bad at all! I had to start supplementing with formula around the same time because I got pregnant:) I felt terrible but I couldn't change it so I eventually came to terms with it. I totally wanted to tandom nurse but she just started to refuse completely when we got closer to 12 months I guess just because there wasn't much there. but don't give up yet! Seriously it could be a number of things. And also trying to determine your milk supply by how much you can express is not very acurate. So try nursing him more often. Every couple of hrs and do it in a quiet place so he doesn't get distracted.

Sarah - posted on 09/22/2009

IMPORTANT: There were some recommendations for Fenugreek - but you should NOT take it while you are pregnant.

Is your son gaining wait and still making enough wet diapers? Sometimes your body gets used to when your baby eats and just makes enough for them, so you don't get engorged or feel full anymore. I know around five months it felt like I was EMPTY - but she was still filling about 8 wet diapers a day and gaining weight.

LLLI.org has some good resources on tandem nursing... so it can be possible to nurse through a pregnancy...don't know anyone who has, all my mom friends are first time mom's. :) Good luck with number two!

Karissa - posted on 09/22/2009

OMG! I definitely felt the sames way Kim. My daughter is 9 1/2 months and I recently had to give up breastfeeding. I remember one night when she was 3 months old, I had to feed her a bottle because she just refused to nurse (she had bottles while I was a work) and I literally cried while feeding her a bottle - it was heartwrenching and I felt exactly the same way as you do - like I wasn't needed. Now she gets bottles every night... I think we were both just ready to stop (I was working 9-5 M-F so I was really full all the time and she was getting bottles while at daycare or with daddy). And now when she gets her bottles, she cuddles up to me, so were still getting that one on one contact, which I'm sure where the concern arises. Anyway, I hope it works out for you... I know some friends of mine used Mother's Milk to try and increase their supply.

Good luck!

Billie - posted on 09/22/2009

I understand completely. At about 6 months my milk supply decreased and I was determined to breast feed a full year. They have this "mother's milk" tea that is supposed to help and I tried it, but nothing really helped me and I started supplimenting with formula then eventually switched all together, so you can try that or talking to your doc/ lactation consultant. Don't feel bad or like you're not needed because trust me mommies are always needed and once you start using the sippy cup with cow's milk your worries will seem unnecessary. I commend any mom that breast feeds at all :)

Jessie - posted on 09/22/2009

Congrats on breastfeeding for 8.5 months and also on the new pregnancy. Remember, you can nurse while pregnant if you want. Best wishes with everything!

Kim - posted on 09/22/2009

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I just took a pregnancy test actually 2 and both were positive. So that must be the source of my milk loss.

Melissa - posted on 09/21/2009

So many Moms worry their baby isn't getting enough to eat. The best way to tell is by the number of wet diapers. Is he having 6-8 wet diapers a day? That's a great sign that he's getting enough breastmilk. The pump won't stimulate your milk supply the same way he will, so you can't necessarily go by how much you pump out. He'll get out much more than the pump will. Your milk supply is based on how much you nurse, so to increase it you need to stimulate it more. Pump after you feed him, it tells your body that you needed more milk. The supplements people listed above (fenugreek, blessed milk thistle, and eating oatmeal) may also help, but they don't work for everyone and you need to check with your doctor and the pediatrician first (except for the oatmeal).

Your local WIC office might also be a great source of information, ask if they have a breastfeeding counselor you can talk with. Even if you are not a participant, some offices will let you come in to use their scales for weight checks so you can make sure he's growing. WIC is really breastfeeding friendly and knowledgeable. You can probably do this at your pediatrician's office too, but they are not always knowledgeable on breastfeeding.

Definitely check out the La Leche League (LLL) website. Find your local chapter, call one of the leaders or e-mail them, and attend the next meeting. They are wonderful, supportive people. There may be other support groups or coalitions in your area, check with the local hospitals. LLL just helped me and my 11.5 month old through a nursing strike, she didn't nurse for 72 hours. I was so surprised and sad to think I would never nurse her again. I talked to the LLL leader at the end of the second day. She gave me many tips to try the next morning and by the end of the day she was nursing again!

Having support from other moms who also feel breastfeeding is important can be amazingly helpful. They can share their experiences with you and help you through any hard times.

Best wishes to you. Don't forget that you are doing an amazing job! Congratulations...you've breastfeed for 8 1/2 months already!

Kim - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Charlotte:

Is it at all possible that you are pregnant? Pregnacy can seriously reduce milk supply (though it is possible for many women to nurse through an entire pregnancy with a reasonable milk supply, some loose thier supply alltogether).

Another possibility: are you about to start your period? Women often notice a temporary dip in milk supply right before they start their period, and babies also often notice a temporary change in taste that might make them more fussy at the breast.

If it's simply your period, there is NO NEED to use bottles or formula, simply do as others have suggested and encourage baby to nurse more and try to relax as stress can also negatively affect milk supply. Also, try eating oatmeal every day as it can be a natural and safe milk supply booster.

If it turns out that you are indeed pregnant, you may need to supplement with formula since your baby is still under a year. There are options with this as well, as others have mentioned you can feed the supplement through a tube allongside your breast so baby still gets his milk at the breast and also gets breastmilk at the same time as the formula.

I also want to say it is wonderful that you have nursed your baby for 8.5 months, and I hope you will be able to continue for many more months. :)

I have had 2 periods for the last 2 months and another one that is supost to start in about 5 days so I am not sure if I am pregnat.

Kim - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Katie:

I used Fenugreek (which may make you smell like syrup when you sweat), and Blessed Thissel, Also the mothers milk tea. I had a horrrible time keeping my milk supply. You have done it for an amazing amount of time some mothers never even try. You baby is going to benefit so much from all you have done. Your not a failure! especially in todays day. Your amazing. I know that exercise made me lose my breast milk, maybe you have started a new routine. Exercise can also change the taste of your breast milk. Try to find a Le Leche Group in your area, they are a great help.

I did just start an exercise routine last week. We stated going to our local YMCA. I did not relize that exercise could reduce my milk suppy. After you started an exercise routine were you able to  get you breast milk back? 

Kim - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Lisa:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

Have you started solids? Are you feeding him solids in place of nursing sessions?

Its quite possible he wasn't hungry. Any baby will suck down a bottle. They just have to. Babies his age are very distractible.

You haven't failed- no need to use bottles at all. Nurse him frequently, even if that means him snacking several times an hour. Try different positions, areas of the house, nursing in a sling while walking. Try nursing him more at night when he's more calm.

You CAN nurse him. Trust your body, trust your baby. Your supply has regulated to the point where you're just producing what he's taking. Nothing more. That's why you don't feel full and you don't easily express milk. It's not something abnormal.

Yes, he is on solid foods he eats 3 stage 3 jars of food a day plus some foods from my plate plus snacks such as cheerios and puffs. I always offer him milk before and after eating so that I can make sure that he is not filling up on just solid foods. Today he has been fighting my and I can't even get him to lach long enough for my milk to drop I have tried different positions and places around the house. How long should I let him go without a good nursing session?

Kim - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Mary:

Great job for trying so hard and being a nuturing mom! You're doing your best and that's the most important thing! I bet the breastfeeding will resume shortly. Besides your son will continue to need you not matter what.

Is your son refusing to nurse? It could be a temporary thing because he's teething or not feeling well. Try to pump if he is on a nursing strike; you can give him the BM in a bottle. That'll keep up your supply. Also, I know there's some supplements out there - like fenugreek - that are supposed to help w/ milk supply. And other moms out there may have some more advice. My local La Leche League also has folks who I've called for breastfeeding advice. Your chapter may be able to help.

Today he has refused to nurse. He has never nurse for long periods of time maybe 3-5 minutes on each side at a good feeding but today he won't even lach on long enough for my milk to drop. For the last 4 months I have been a stay at home mom and it seemed like as soon  as I started staying home with him I was not able to pump anymore. I had no problems pumping while I was still working. I forgot that I do have fenugreek here so I started taking that this afternoon. THank you for your feedback. 

Charlotte - posted on 09/21/2009

Is it at all possible that you are pregnant? Pregnacy can seriously reduce milk supply (though it is possible for many women to nurse through an entire pregnancy with a reasonable milk supply, some loose thier supply alltogether).



Another possibility: are you about to start your period? Women often notice a temporary dip in milk supply right before they start their period, and babies also often notice a temporary change in taste that might make them more fussy at the breast.



If it's simply your period, there is NO NEED to use bottles or formula, simply do as others have suggested and encourage baby to nurse more and try to relax as stress can also negatively affect milk supply. Also, try eating oatmeal every day as it can be a natural and safe milk supply booster.



If it turns out that you are indeed pregnant, you may need to supplement with formula since your baby is still under a year. There are options with this as well, as others have mentioned you can feed the supplement through a tube allongside your breast so baby still gets his milk at the breast and also gets breastmilk at the same time as the formula.



I also want to say it is wonderful that you have nursed your baby for 8.5 months, and I hope you will be able to continue for many more months. :)

Katie - posted on 09/21/2009

I used Fenugreek (which may make you smell like syrup when you sweat), and Blessed Thissel, Also the mothers milk tea. I had a horrrible time keeping my milk supply. You have done it for an amazing amount of time some mothers never even try. You baby is going to benefit so much from all you have done. Your not a failure! especially in todays day. Your amazing. I know that exercise made me lose my breast milk, maybe you have started a new routine. Exercise can also change the taste of your breast milk. Try to find a Le Leche Group in your area, they are a great help.

Amber - posted on 09/21/2009

Don't worry! There are experts out there that can help you! Your milk supply has gone down because he hasn't been nursing as often. You are not a failure. You can contact http://www.lllusa.org/ they will be able to help you. good luck!

Minnie - posted on 09/21/2009

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/dis...

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

Have you started solids? Are you feeding him solids in place of nursing sessions?

Its quite possible he wasn't hungry. Any baby will suck down a bottle. They just have to. Babies his age are very distractible.

You haven't failed- no need to use bottles at all. Nurse him frequently, even if that means him snacking several times an hour. Try different positions, areas of the house, nursing in a sling while walking. Try nursing him more at night when he's more calm.

You CAN nurse him. Trust your body, trust your baby. Your supply has regulated to the point where you're just producing what he's taking. Nothing more. That's why you don't feel full and you don't easily express milk. It's not something abnormal.

Mary - posted on 09/21/2009

Great job for trying so hard and being a nuturing mom! You're doing your best and that's the most important thing! I bet the breastfeeding will resume shortly. Besides your son will continue to need you not matter what.



Is your son refusing to nurse? It could be a temporary thing because he's teething or not feeling well. Try to pump if he is on a nursing strike; you can give him the BM in a bottle. That'll keep up your supply. Also, I know there's some supplements out there - like fenugreek - that are supposed to help w/ milk supply. And other moms out there may have some more advice. My local La Leche League also has folks who I've called for breastfeeding advice. Your chapter may be able to help.

Briana - posted on 09/21/2009

You are an AMAZING mother for sticking with it and still wanting to continue!
Drink as much WATER as you possibly can
You can also try some fenugreek or mothers tea or a very dark yeasty beer
Make sure that you are constantly offering the breast, his suckle will help more than anything, and alot of skin to skin will help produce milk