Should I just call it quits!!???

Destiny - posted on 10/01/2011

Well ladies thanks again for all the awesome advice and taking the time to make me feel so much better. Im still nursing...nursing and nursing lol! She's still gettn frustrated but she has more than enough wet diapers and shes growing beautifully! I'm really happy I asked 1st and read all of your post before just quitting!!!! Xoxoxo

Catherine - posted on 10/01/2011

So glad to hear you're persevering! It isn't always easy or convenient but you'll be so glad that you kept going. Every feed / day it'll either get easier OR it'll be another day you breastfed and provided the best for your baby.

Nicole - posted on 09/30/2011

Never give up just because it gets a little difficult. My son wouldnt even latch on for the first 6 - 7 weeks. I spent every waking minute (or so it felt) pumping and storing so my son could take it out of a bottle. Finally, after all the hard work and determination he finally got it! I never experienced any pain while breastfeeding, and from what i understand if your doing it correctly your not supposed to.

Ania - posted on 09/29/2011

Hey Destiny :) I just saw your last post :) I'm glad you are doing well. All you need...relax and drink water. REGULATION is the key :)

Ania - posted on 09/29/2011

Do you breastfeed on demand? and at 6 weeks your body stops overproducing and makes just enough for the baby. It is normal that you don't leak anymore. You are not drying up. Feed your baby on demand and stop stressing, you are making enough. How many wet diapers a day your baby has if it is 8 thatn you have plenty of milk. Seriously...check out www.kellymom.com you don't have to quit

Destiny - posted on 09/27/2011

Thank you all so much for all of the wonderful advice. I feel so much better now. Im going to continue to give it my all and NURSE...NURSE...NURSE!!! Thanx again ladies 4 taking the time to write such great advice! Xoxo

Kate - posted on 09/26/2011

I'm just coming out of an experience like yours. When my son hit 4 months my milk regulated, and I thought it was drying up b/c he would pull and cry and freak out on one breast in particular. I thought it was low supply, so I pumped for a bunch of days every single time I nursed him, which was every two hours. I pump for at least 10 minutes. That seemed to help after about 4-5 days. I also increased my water intake which I think has really helped a lot. I've been eating lactation cookies too- don't know that they've helped but they're really tasty! I think the problem is actually slow let down and he's really impatient. That may be what's going on for you. I agree- consult a lactation consultant before giving up, and try not to supplement if possible. Maybe spend a few days in bed with her if you can, and just nurse nurse nurse. They say stress impacts milk flow too. I know it's really hard to do, but try to relax and trust that your body will provide enough milk for her. Drink water!!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 09/26/2011

I agree. You're not drying up. Your body is regulating. You're not supposed to feel really full the whole time you breastfeed. That would be really uncomfortable. Don't give formula. Keep nursing. If your baby is having 5-6+ wet diapers a day then your supply is fine. Nurse on demand to keep your supply where it needs to be for her.

Lilliana - posted on 09/26/2011

I only have a minute, so I only skimmed the other responses (sorry in advance if I repeat other moms).

It's really important you are staying healthy- drinking enough water, getting enough vitamins and eating a healthy diet!
Keep trying mama!!

Nanette - posted on 09/26/2011

I agree with the other mothers. before u give up try nursing every hour. Every hour just put ur baby to ur breast and nurse, try to not give formula, bc ur body isnt registering it needs to make more. i agree nurse nurse nurse, plus yes growth spurt is normal for this age! also make sure ur drinking plenty of fluids. if u dont like water propel has some water that tastes like juice. nurse nurse nurse and drink drink drink! spend at least 3 days at home and make sure u just keep nursing! u can pump too, to try n help ur supply if baby is napping. Dont quit yet! also call the hosp that u gave birth and a lactiionist will be on call for yuo to talk to, and u can even go in. its free (it was for me). thats what there there for! good for u on wanting to continue!

Celeste - posted on 09/26/2011

It sounds like supply regulation. This is completely normal. If your baby is getting 6-8 diapers, your supply is FINE. Also, around this time is a growth spurt as well.

However, supplementing can cause decrease in supply. Milk production works on supply and demand. If you give a bottle, breasts aren't getting the demand.

So, all in all, NO you probably aren't drying up. Put that baby to breast and nurse nurse nurse.

Amy - posted on 09/26/2011

I agree with Catherine. I would also add pumping is no indication of supply! Everyones body reacts differently to a pump and it's not nearly as efficient as baby. Your body may have regulated which is why you don't feel full but that doesn't mean you are no longer producing anything.
I can not stress Catharines point enough about the amount of fluids you are drinking. When I had supply issues I realized that it would be 5 at night and I hadn't had any water all day long. So I started drinking water even if I didn't feel thirsty, about two liters a day at work which really helped. Good luck to you!

Catherine - posted on 09/26/2011

Before you stop... have you consulted a doctor, a breast feeding counsellor or other experienced mum in person? I would strongly recommend getting some hands on support from someone who can observe you breast feeding to check that there are no practical reasons for the changes you've experienced.

Things such as your change of diet, health, working patterns, sleep patterns. Are you allowing the baby to feed long enough? Is the baby properly latched on? Are you eating enough, drinking enough and all that kind of thing.

How is the baby's weight gain? Are you getting lots of wet nappies etc. It could be that you haven't "dried up" at all but that your body has regulated to the demand.

Personally I would not supplement feed if your baby's weight and nappies are satisfactory as this can reduce your production. The baby needs to help you up production by more feeding and it won't do this unless it is hungry.

Hope this helps.