OH MY GOD, SO STRESSED

Martha - posted on 03/19/2010

hi there, i had the same problem and i used thistle milk and fenugreek supplements. i got this from www.breastfeedingheaven.co.uk, its a bit pricey but it works really well. i only bought it once and saw the difference in my milk supply. hope this helps

Martha - posted on 03/19/2010

hello, i had the same problem and i used thistle milk and fenugreek supplements from breastfeedingheaven.co.uk, it is a bit pricey but i only bought it once and my milk supply was good. i think the more you stress out the more it will get worse, i know it is not easy but try relaxing too. hope this helps xx

Kathy - posted on 03/19/2010

Remember that some women just can't express at all, so don't be too upset if you keep pumping and get nothing - your breast are still being stimulated. Frequent breastfeeding does the trick, as it's a supply and demand system, as you probably know - the more milk your baby demands, the more milk your body makes. Around 21/2 months is a growth spurt time, so your little boy is working on increasing your supply.



He could be crying for other reasons, not necessarily hunger.



But do see a lactation consultant as others have suggested. All the best.

Cathlene - posted on 03/18/2010

You can slow your milk by drinking to much water. pump and feed your son at first you may feel that you are seeing nothing but, your milk will increase. I started eating oats as a mother of three told me to do and pumping before or after feeding my son. It took a couple of days and yeah I did supplement with formula and breast milk at the same time until I got my milk up. Its ok though you are not a failure you are a wonderful mom.

NyTasha - posted on 03/18/2010

There are herbs to help increase milk supply. One is called fenugreek, you can drink it in a tea. Look it up and see if you might want to try it. I have low milksupply too, but its due to me pumping more. I nurse him 2-3 times a days to increase it...kind of helped.

Courtney - posted on 03/18/2010

just keep nursing! I have nursed both my kids exclusively (no formula supplement) and i can't pump even an ounce! pumping doesn't indicate supply!
just keep at it. try to rest whenever possible. lots of bare skin to skin time. eat a healthy diet and don't drink too much water. just drink to thirst. I have read that too much water can decrease supply!

Jerrilynn - posted on 03/18/2010

Lorie - I was a slow milk producer too but got to breastfeed for 13 mos, until my daughter decided she wasn't interested anymore. My doula recommended using an herbal supplement "More Milk Plus" as well as Mother's Milk tea (I have some leftover of both. If you are interested, email/send message your mailing address and I'll send it to you). I would also recommend consulting a lactation coach. Check the la leche league site for ones in your area ( http://www.llli.org/ ). Stress will affect your production so try to relax. As for pumping - my lac consultant had me rent a hospital quality machine. Those tend to work much better than the home one you might have bought. I did end up having to supplement my daughter with a little formula since she was a slow grower. She got breast milk first and then formula. There's nothing wrong with that if you have to go that route. Hang in there and keep at it. It will work out.

Ink - posted on 03/18/2010

Try checking some of the lists of foods we should AVOID while breastfeeding?
I had an issue around christmas like this, it was from scarfing down tons of peppermint candy. My midwife suggested I lay off the candy canes and my milk managed to come back to normal. There are other foods that can reduce supply, like sage.
Sources:
http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/hin...
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/herbs_to_...

Lorie - posted on 03/17/2010

Thanks everyone, I had some really great help and Iam going to try some of them.

Nicole - posted on 03/17/2010

Hun, I was exactly the same and it happened about the same time. I use Fenugreek capsules. They are herbal and have no negative effects on bubs. Please yive it a go Hun! Order the capsules on the net and get them dilivered to your door cos I know you barely have anytime to yourself atm, and you are probably dog tired... Get a small can of formula that will tide you over till the capsules get to you. Xxx try be calm as you will make your lil baby stress to! He's been inside you fir nine months- he knows when you are stressed.

I waited over a week with my son screaming at my breast, waking every 20 min and drinking milk stout beer everyday- my milk didn't come in again till I took the pills, it was hell! But I'm happy I stuck to bf, it's much easier than sterilising bottles in my opinion. Byt honestly- if you feel formula is the right way to go, don't worry abouthow anyone else feels, it's your baby and it's your decision! You do wat feels right to you xx

Melody - posted on 03/17/2010

situations and conditions differ yes but consider a few suggestions and trials before going fully for formula.i had such a challenge when my baby was only a month old so i sought help and tried out a few suggestions which worked till date.i never had enough rest coz my baby cried a lot and slept less and as a result i got stressed,as breastfeeding could be painfull during the first days i tensed my body and didn`t maintain a good sitting posture.also my diet was lacking i never gave myself enough time to eat well.i only discovered i had enough milk after working on all this with all faith and confidence.
i urge you to monitor your moods,moves,diet and some other factors maybe you can identify the cause of your problem.
Best of luck.

Gina - posted on 03/17/2010

Hi Lorie
I remember feeling like I didn't have enough milk and my lil girl would want more and my breasts felt empty and I'd get upset and she'd want more and..................
Do you know what - I did have enough milk ALWAYS!!!!! There were times when she was doing a growth spurt and I just had to learn to trust my body and let her drink off me for what felt like hours from what felt like empty breasts (truly I sat on my couch for days.....). And then the next day or so bam I'd have heaps of milk and my boobs would be massive :-)
Patience was the key for me and trust.
I really hope that your milk comes through because after feeding my daughter for 14 months we are both still going strong.
You've been given some great advice from these ladies, trust yourself, listen to what your heart tells you and sift though the negatives.
Blessings

Siti Mulianah - posted on 03/17/2010

Maybe should check if baby is latching on right. Confirm with a lactation nurse. If he gets good feeds, he should be pretty satisfied. Don't forget to burp him when done And do relax. You need to rest and relax in order to have good milk flow. Expressing does not collect 100% of what you have. Only a baby can drink up all so keep nursing. Our body feeds the baby on demand and adjusts to his needs. I am breastfeeding my 8 month old baby and still feeding her sis who is 4 this year. And I never doubt the supply. So, take it easy and think rational and possibilities of why he cries. Good luck!

Dani - posted on 03/16/2010

So give him formula then.... its not the end of the world and its better then him being hungry ?? i dont understand the question .

Kristin - posted on 03/16/2010

I had this with my first two little girl but with my third I found this stuff called Fenugreek it works great and the mothers milk tea I hope this help don't stress it will all be ok the stress doesn't either

Renee - posted on 03/16/2010

Nothing increases your milk supply like having just one beer, beer really makes you produce a ton of milk. I was suggested this by a breastfeeding specialist when my milk supply seemed to not be meeting the demands of my child. I was informed one beer will not hurt my baby. I gave it a try and believe me it worked, my breasts filled up like two water balloons. Another thing I was told by my ped. was that my breast was being used as a pacifier because babies find sucking to be soothing, so he suggested after feedings if my baby still required more sucking to give her a pacifier so soother her. That totally worked too!

Andrea - posted on 03/16/2010

My ped suggested I pump after each feeding - this was to make sure the breast was empty - the more often your breast becomes empty - the more it fills up! Even if at first you only get a little - that's fine, it will increase. But if you are getting nothing it might be your let down has an issue - stress can do that - you need to relax, take deep breaths. How do you know there is nothing left? Try squeezing, does anything come out? Could need to be burped - could be cranky cause he's tired. It's frustrating but the ONLY way the body knows to make more milk is if the baby demands it more. Honestly, spend two days straight putting him on the breast every 1-2 hours - spend the whole time in bed if you want - laying down position is relaxing for both.

Also, don't wait to "feel" full before you try to feed - it only takes 30 mins at most and you will have more milk.

Make sure you are eating 1800-2200 calories a day - and not in junk food ;)

There is this herbal supplement I have been taking for a couple of months now, works great! It's called "More Milk Plus" - you can try that to boost.

Nusret - posted on 03/16/2010

Great advice, angela. I had exactly the same problem with my little boy.I exclusively BF for 3 months but had to supplement with formula as he was always hungry and refused to latch on and worse he started to lose weight. Since then he has been so much happier and i'm happier too. You have to do what you feel instinctively will work for you and your baby.

Lorie - posted on 03/16/2010

Thanks so much Angela, its nice to have some people that are understanding because some it seems like a lot of people are not.

Angela - posted on 03/15/2010

Believe me I know exactly how you feel. This is what happened to me: I was trying to breast feed my son one night and my mother was with me at my home. I did have milk for him but he wasnt latching on very well. I was going thru this at each feeding by this point. It was like he would feed long enough to just bout be satisfied and than stop. Than one night he just wouldnt latch. It was like he had enough of it and wasnt going to do it. And funny thing is he latched okay at the hospital and did sum what when we were home but than it became this major struggle. He was crying terrible that night like he was in pain and I didnt know what to do. I was crying and my Mom said give him formula that the hospital had given me. I gave it to him and he sucked it down like you wouldnt believe. That was when I decided I had enough. I know you want to give up breastfeeding and are looking for someone to tell you its okay and Im telling you its okay to do that. There is no wrong or right way when it comes to doing what YOU feel is best for you and your baby. Sometimes the stress can be more than its worth. If you dont feel comfortable completely giving up yet tho there is also the option of breastfeeding first and than giving your baby a bottle if he doesnt seem safisfied. Than try pumping in between to see if you can build your milk supply back up. Give yourself a timet able and one youve reached that time table make your decision. It might also make you feel better about what you have choosen to do. Who knows maybe your milk supply will get better.

Everybody has opinions and beliefs and thats fine but whatever you decide to do is ultimately your choice. Hang in there and things will get better.

Francesca - posted on 03/15/2010

Breastfeeding is also for comfort. Ella used to cry all the time to latch and she wasn't even hungry. The world is a scary place for a baby and that is one thing that comforts them. Or it could just be a growth spurt. I used to just put Ella in a sling and let her nurse away and went on with my day. I remember those days, they were very tough. But I wouldn't give up because you think your drying up. Talk to your pediatrician. I thought the same thing and boy was I wrong. As long as she is thriving, (gaining weight) you have nothing to worry about. Now we are still breastfeeding at 11 months, and going strong.

Good Luck.

Lorie - posted on 03/15/2010

OH GOD Angela, that is what my little one is going through right now, I don't have enough milk for him and Iam going to let him go hungry. Iam almost at the point of giving him formula full time. Iam getting upset every night and he is crying, I feel like crying myself .

Angela - posted on 03/15/2010

Breastfeeding is the best way to go if your able to do it so try a lactation consultant first before giving it up but if it does come down to it that you are unable to breast feed than dont feel bad. I myself breastfed my son till he was 3 weeks old but had to stop because he wouldnt latch. My last straw was of him crying and acting like he was in pain and not knowing what to do. It was awful. I ended up giving him formula and he was much happier after that. I wish I could've breastfed him longer as I know it benefits him more but in the end he wasnt happy with that and I couldnt see the point in making him suffer when he was very obviously hungry.

Danielle - posted on 03/15/2010

drink mothers milk tea!!!! 3-5 cups a day and you'll have more milk then u know what to do with!!!! you can find it at a whole foods store..... http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/f...

Allison - posted on 03/15/2010

How are you doing? Have you found a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader? I just wanted to give you the La Leche website page with the links to local group leader you can contact: http://www.llli.org/webindex.html. If you haven't found someone else, call them, because this is really what they are there for, and love helping mommies in need :)

Sarah - posted on 03/15/2010

i had the same problem with my son and i thought i was losing my milk also...but my ped insured me that it was just a growth spurt and that he might just wanna spend all day and night on the boob for a day or two

Sara - posted on 03/15/2010

Hi, all I can think is to suggest talking to a lactation consultant, and to let him feed/suck on demand (cue feeding). I can offer encouragement and support, and say thai I hope that everything works out ok! You are doing a great thing by trying to get through this difficult time as best you can!

April - posted on 03/15/2010

pumping does not indicate how much milk you are making. nothing is more effective than a baby. like i said previously, around the 3 month mark babies go through a huge growth spurt and want to nurse constantly, around the clock. it's called marathon nursing and it does not mean you don't have milk.

Heather - posted on 03/15/2010

you need to call a lactation consultant in your area... check with your pediatrician for a referral, call a WIC office, or the La Leche League to find one local. they will usually meet with you ASAP. Do not quit nursing until you speak to a professional.

Lorie - posted on 03/14/2010

Well Iam not taking BC and Iam eating great. I just don't get it.

As soon as Iam done feeding him he will cry and cry b/c he wants more, it makes me feel so bad. I don't know what else to do.

April - posted on 03/14/2010

nursing can be effective birth control if you follow the rules strictly..it's called the lactation ammenhorea method. it has to be adhered to without fail. when followed strictly, it has the same percentage of protection as a condom.

http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_roo...

http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_roo...


your baby is almost 3 months old...prime time for a growth spurt!! you have milk...believe me!!! this is the age when they do marathon nursing!!!! PLEASE DON'T GIVE FORMULA!!

besides what could make your milk dry up? are you taking medicine (benadryl after prolonged use can dry you up)? are you not nursing on a demand...you're nursing on a schedule instead?

i don't believe your milk has dried up. a lot of women feel this way right around the 3 month mark.

Nikki - posted on 03/14/2010

Dont supplement with formula, it will make it worse, at that age they are usually going through a growth spurt therefore will feed more often to build up your milk supply. The best thing you can do is feed him more often.

Allison - posted on 03/14/2010

Maybe baby is cluster feeding? This happens mostly in the evenings and is not due to a low milk supply, but tends to be just how babies are. Here is some info:

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

How many wet diapers does he have every day? 5-6 is normal and if he's getting that and gaining weight then your milk is not declining.

It is common for babies to nurse frequently when they are going through growth spurts, too.

The best thing you can do is nurse, nurse, nurse and DO NOT supplement with formula. If you give a supplemental bottle after nursing, then baby isn't nursing off you, which won't help you make milk, so next time you have less. Much better, though frustrating, to nurse on demand and trust that your body and your baby know what they are doing.

I'd also recommend Dr. Harvey Karp's "Happiest Baby on the Block" book and DVD - there are great ideas for soothing a fussy baby.

Allison - posted on 03/14/2010

Sorry, should not have said that nursing is good birth control, and it wasn't really relevant - I deleted that post. I should have said that even if you are nursing every 2 hours day and night, it is statistically ONLY 85-95% effective at preventing pregnancy, so if you are on birth control and decide to quit that, you should use condoms to prevent pregnancy. And in actuality, I know 3 moms who became pregnant while nursing AND on birth control pills, so in my experience condoms give better protection while nursing. Those moms were not nursing at night anymore, which is know to increase fertility again, as well. Sorry for the tangent, hope the info is more helpful now :)

Peta - posted on 03/14/2010

Nursing is NOT a good form of birth control, try condoms. When I was at my OB GYN I met lots of mums that got pregnant while breast feeding. I still ovulate but I have not had my period and I am exclusively breast feeding. So please be careful Allison about telling people breast feeding is good birth control, in fact it is not.

Allison - posted on 03/14/2010

If he is still gaining some weight and having wet diapers, he probably is getting enough. You could make an appt. with your ped to check that he's healthy. You are the mom, so trust your instincts, but he *might* be crying for some other reason, like gas or reflux or just b/c he likes the feeling of nursing and doesn't want to stop! Also, with my son I had to really make him go 2 hours between feedings, because otherwise he would just nurse for 5 minutes every half hour, and cry because my body could NOT make enough milk in just that short time!



If you can spend lots of time skin-to-skin with him, just the two of you, that might help, too. You should really contact a lactation consultant; I spoke to one on the phone (for free) and she REALLY helped me with LOTS of advice. Also, it's difficult to get very much when pumping at first, and many women can't make very much when pumping even after a while. Nursing is definitely much more effective than pumping, as long as you can find a way to relax and enjoy it. If the crying is making it hard to relax, perhaps some formula supplement would help him (and you) to be more relaxed? I know that supplementing can decrease your milk supply, too, BUT it sounds like stress may be a bigger hurdle for you. Also, babies don't always like the bottle at first, so that could actually cause more stress.



I know how you're feeling, because my milk didn't come in for about a week after my son's birth (not even colostrum). He didn't have any nutrition for 3 days, but he was fine anyway :) On day 3, it took over a day for him to take the bottle without screaming, but finally it did relax me to know he was getting food. So we formula fed for a couple days, while I was pumping every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes at a time with NOTHING coming out. Then, finally, after about 2 hours holding him with both of us naked in a warm bedroom , my milk did let down. So that worked for me, but there are probably other things to try as well.



My lac consultant also told me that when pumping to increase milk supply, you should pump even if nothing comes out, and for at least 5-10 minutes beyond whenever the milk stops coming out. Sometimes there is a second let-down 5-8 minutes after when the first milk stops, and it also stimulates your body to make more. Also, when I started work full time, I had to pump one "extra" time per day versus his feeding times to make enough for him.



It might help you to know that less than a few % of women actually don't make enough milk - it's very few. It could be the case for you, of course, but try a few more things first to find out! It's way worth it, because once your supply is well established, nursing has SO many benefits, and for me was WAY more easy than bottle feeding.



If you cannot make enough milk, I had a friend who had breast reduction surgery, so she had to use Domperidone to boost milk supply; after a year of nursing, she gradually went off of the Domperidone and still nurses her 3 year old! Hope that helps, and if you have more questions I'll try to help, I've talked a LOT with lactation consultants/breastfeeding advocates. But if you can find a good one to speak with yourself, that would be the very best, I think.

Jacqueline - posted on 03/14/2010

This happen to me with my baby girl. I had to end up supplement feeding... WHICH I DID NOT LIKE DOING... But I learned afterwards that just keep nursing and you milk WILL come in. There are herbal supplements you can take to keep your milk up and your Dr can give you something to do it as well. It is very frustrating... But drink lots of water (like you are) eat fruits and veggies, drink juice and when you feed your baby, think about your baby. Think about feeding him, this pleasant thoughts and try not to get stressed out, that can affect your milk... Be calm with him and yourself and your milk will come.
Just dont give up girl :)

Jennifer - posted on 03/14/2010

Hi Lorie! Stick with it! Just keep nursing and nursing, your body will make what it needs for your munchkin! You said that you're drinking a bunch of water, are you eating enough? Are you having difficulty relaxing? I know my milk seems to be much less when I'm very stressed. How do you know that you're only giving him 1oz per feed? Are you driving yourself crazy weighing him all the time? How many wet diapers is he having per day?

Amanda - posted on 03/14/2010

you can ask your Dr for a prescription for reglan or domperidone, both increase milk supply. Hope that helps!

Justine - posted on 03/14/2010

did you recently start taking birth control? that is supposed to dry up your milk. if so, quit taking your birth control until your milk comes back