Thanks to all the ladies who gave me advice about breast feeding. Unfortunately nothing seems to be working and pumping more seems to have depleted my supply badly and now i have a constantly hungry, irritable baby. It has also effected sleep, if he has a nap once during the day its a miracle and the longest he sleeps at night in one go is 3hours and then pretty much awake and demanding for the rest of the night. Have tried to suppliment with formula but he refuses it and i have tried every brand, some of them also leave a rash around his mouth. Starting to feel really helpless now, hate to see him so sad and pulling his hair and constantly rubbing his face, need advice please, really hope someone can help. Thanks

Lynne - posted on 02/22/2009

I didn't make it thru all of the postings but some ideas.  I had a preemie that was always hungry too.  Here's what I did.

1.  Get a better pump--a HOSPITAL GRADE pump that you rent from somewhere.  This can be used to drive your milk supply just like if the baby is nursing.  A regular store bought pump can't always do that.  AND PUMP LIKE A FIEND!!!  The more you pump the better your supply may get.  You may want to try pumping only  a minimum of 8 times a day and giving all of your milk in a bottle.  This will give you an adaquate idea of your total supply for a day.  Plus you are going to make milk better in the AM than the PM.

2. Watch what you eat...There are certain foods that will hinder your milk supply and others that will increase it.  Barley and Oats are good for better milk supply.  Parsley is bad and soy products can hinder this too.  There are others, you should chekc with a Lactation expert on this.  MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE EATING!!  I know I was bad about this.  If you don't eat, you can't make milk.

3.  Lots of people say to drink more water, but that just makes more pee.  Your body can only take so much water...drink when you are thirsty water and milk.  Try to avoid caffeine and high sugar drinks as they will mess with your hydration and milk supply.

4.  Take fenugreek.  This is a crazy herb that can help to increase milk supply.  I increased about 2 ozs when I took it.  You can also get an herbal tea called "mother's milk" that is known to promote healthy milk and supply.

5.  Call your OB, if you are continuing to have problems because they can prescribe a medication that has a side affect to increase milk supply. (Use this as a last resort as you might cry alot on this...I did)

6.  Of course he doesn't like formula it tastes like (you know what) compared to your mommy's milk.  But if he's really hungry he'll take it.  Try giving it to him right away in the morning and then switching to breast milk later in the day.  For some reason, our daughter forgot that formula sucked in the morning and would take it fine.  It's like she was Drew Barrymore in 50 first dates or something.  Once she had breast milk though, she wouldn't go back to formula.

6.  We use Nestle Good Start formula because it is supposed to be closest to breast milk.  How did your son do with this kind?  We used the GREEN can, our pediatrician was able to give it to us in a sample so we didn't have to by it at first while we were trying it. 

Hopefully I haven't overwhelmed you now.  Breast milk is the best thing for baby, but sometimes your body doesn't agree with it.  Be sure that whatever you do has to be best for the baby and you.  Don't let any decision you make upset or feel like a bad mom.  Give your baby the best you have to offer, and he can't ask for anything more.

My prayers are with you...good luck!

BTW: we bottle fed breast milk until 6 months, at six months went to half and half and  then we switched to full formula by 6.5 months.  Our daughter was 3lbs 14ozs when she was born and is currently 11 months old and 19lbs 5ozs or so.  She's fine...it killed me to feed it to her, but it's not hurting her one bit!  :-)

Tomika - posted on 02/22/2009

TRY MIXING THE FORMULA (MY SON LIKED NESTLE GOOD START) WITH BREAST MILK. STATR WITH THE BREAST AND AFTER A MIN OR SO SWITCH TO THE BOTTLE. HAE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A DIFERENT NIPPLE OR THE TEMP OF THE MILK?

Catherine - posted on 02/22/2009

I would recommend that you stop expressing and make sure that you eat and drink plenty.  Most people I know would start to feed there baby with solids once a day and for your case I would say at night time some baby rice or porridge and then his usual breast feed.  I noticed that my daughter would sleep a lot better now she is on solids.  He sounds like  a very hungry boy!  Good luck with it.

Meg - posted on 02/20/2009

BEER! A white beer like Hoegarten should do the trick. I was really low (and frequently have periods of low milk supply (especially since going back to work and having longer time periods between feeds) but a beer makes me swell up like crazy! If you're nervous about the alcohol content you can get some capsules at the health food store that will do the same thing.... as per Dr. Jack Newman: Take fenugreek and blessed thistle. These two herbs seem to increase milk supply and increase rate of milk flow. Because herbs are not standardized, we recommend mother take enough Fenugreek so that she notices its scent on her skin. Often, 3 capsules of each Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle (or 20 drops of tincture) taken 3x/day will help and should work within 12-24 hours. If they have not worked by 72 hours, and mother smells of Fenugreek, then they are unlikely to work. For other herbs that may help to increase supply, see handout Herbal Remedies.



or try

Lying Down: In the evening when babies often want to be at the breast for long periods (as mothers tend to have less milk in the evenings), get help to position the baby so that you can feed lying down. Let the baby breastfeed and maybe you will fall asleep. Or rent videos and let the baby breastfeed while you watch! See handout Safe Co-Sleeping.



And i also had a lot of success with lots of skin to skin contact. Don't use a soother, just keep him on the breast as much as possible (forget feeds every two hours, I nursed every HALF HOUR for the first 2 months even though each feed was only 3 or 5 minutes.)

http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Protoco...

Rita - posted on 02/20/2009

Hey, I think you need to see a lactation consultant. I'm not sure what the issue is you have but I assume it's nipple pain. The best advice I can give you is to breast feed every feeding, just work through the pain and make sure his latch is good. Also, use lanolin, I like lansinoh brand best and air out when you can. Pump after feeding to stimulate supply. I so feel for you and your little one, my milk didn't come in for 3 weeks after my daughter was born and she really didn't like formula, she just had it because she was hungry. Use your babies hunger to your advantage and let him help you keep your supply going. Also for supply, I took a brewers yeast supplement which gives you lots of vit B, and it helped a lot. Obviously you're getting lots of advice here, but I hope I can help.

Julie - posted on 02/20/2009

Oatmeal.  I saw this in one other post but I wanted to stress it because it worked for me.  When my supply began to diminish after seven months - I believe my hormones are going back to normal - I read that eating oatmeal could increase your supply.  I tried it and it worked.  My supply is back to where it used to be. 

Leslie - posted on 02/20/2009

Hi!  I think many breastfeeding moms have encountered some kind of frustration or another between supply or latch, or something!  I know I have!  My daughter was a slow-gainer, but my son has gone from slow-gainer to no gaining.  I've taken the fenugreek (and never did notice the sweet smell, but I have heard of that).  I took it when my daughter was nursing and again with my son.  The one thing in your post that stood out for me was you mentioning that your baby won't sleep and scratches his face.  Is he dry, have cradle cap, or blotchy skin?  My son did and the pediatrician diagnosed eczema.  Since we've been treating my son's eczema, he's been a completely different baby.  He sleeps for long stretches...only wakes up once at 4:30 to nurse.  His naps have improved drastically, too.

Best of luck, and defninitely do speak to an LC.  Check with your ped office, they may have one on staff.  I know how frustrating it can be.

Jessica - posted on 02/20/2009

Hi. I didn't see your first posts either, but I can tell you this: sometimes pumping does NOT increase your milk. I had this problem with both of my biological babies, and it
was a hormonal problem. My prolactin dropped dramatically at three months both times-I started having periods again and my levels never went back up. The first time, the well-meaning lactation consultants told me to pump (and pump), and take herbs. I did that with no results and ended up mostly formula feeding after four months with my breast milk as a "snack" a few times a day. The second time around, I knew what was happening and worked with a lactation consultant and my doctor, and skipped the herbs and went straight to medication, which worked beautifully. I was able to breastfeed (with a little formula supplementation) until he was 18 months. With my little one who is adopted, I went back on the meds to get some milk going, and was able to nurse him 4 or 5 times a day, with organic formula in between. All my babies have been willing to drink formula, so I did not have that issue, but there is a website called naturesone.com. They make organic formula which agreed with my little one better than anything else. Also, with him I used a Lact-Aid for a while. It's kind of a pain to set up every time, but it allows them to get formula from a tube while nursing at your breast (in case it is the bottle he is refusing). I hope some of this was helpful and you resolve your issues soon. Good luck!

Elizabeth - posted on 02/20/2009

Jackie,

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, that is really tough. I dont know how you would feel about it, but what about doanor milk?

Elizabeth - posted on 02/20/2009

Quoting Jackie:

Thanks to all the ladies who gave me advice about breast feeding. Unfortunately nothing seems to be working and pumping more seems to have depleted my supply badly and now i have a constantly hungry, irritable baby. It has also effected sleep, if he has a nap once during the day its a miracle and the longest he sleeps at night in one go is 3hours and then pretty much awake and demanding for the rest of the night. Have tried to suppliment with formula but he refuses it and i have tried every brand, some of them also leave a rash around his mouth. Starting to feel really helpless now, hate to see him so sad and pulling his hair and constantly rubbing his face, need advice please, really hope someone can help. Thanks

Thanks to all the ladies who gave me advice about breast feeding. Unfortunately nothing seems to be working and pumping more seems to have depleted my supply badly and now i have a constantly hungry, irritable baby. It has also effected sleep, if he has a nap once during the day its a miracle and the longest he sleeps at night in one go is 3hours and then pretty much awake and demanding for the rest of the night. Have tried to suppliment with formula but he refuses it and i have tried every brand, some of them also leave a rash around his mouth. Starting to feel really helpless now, hate to see him so sad and pulling his hair and constantly rubbing his face, need advice please, really hope someone can help. Thanks

Debbie - posted on 02/20/2009

HI Jackie sorry I missed the other posts, are you having a problem with your supply? I noticed that one of the other ladies suggested frequent feeds, which I found has helped when my baby has been going through growth spurts, eventually you'll catch up.
The sleep thing's difficult because they get caught in a vicious cycle, how old is your little boy?

Nicole - posted on 02/19/2009

I had trouble in the beginning as well with the breast feeding.  A lactation consultant in the childrens hospital put me on Motilium.  One of the side effects are lactating so it has helped keep my milk suppy up.  I also had to drink a ton of water, and pump after each feed.  Now I breastfeed whenever she needs it and I only pump at night before I go to bed to have a supply on hand.  I also use a nipple sheild, so maybe that might be something to try too.  Maybe your baby will latch on and feel more comfortable with it.  Some people are against it, but if it keeps your baby breastfeeding.........

Cecilia - posted on 02/19/2009

Jackie HI! I don't know the advises ou already received or what is your situation. I have a 16 months old girl and I'm still breathfeeding her. What I can tell you is that pumps are really stressing and every time I tried I got less and less milk. What I think is that you should try to breathfeed more often untill our supply increases. The baby stimulates milk production way better than any pump. come on mums!! Nature is far more experienced than Avent! (LOL) If your baby is a couple of months old is normal that he wakes up. I know is hard ti relax at night when the only thing you want is go back to bed but, find a confortable position (if the muscles in your shoulders are to tense the milk won't flow), try to relax and keep trying girl. And the most important thing I think you should do, like Carolyn says, is contact a breathfeeding support group. I actually attended a couple of meetings and found them really usefull. I hope this helps you a little and you can contact me anytime.

Angela - posted on 02/19/2009

Hi I'm not sure if any one has suggested this, but this happened to me and my son for a while and someone told me about Mother Love capsules. They worked almost the same day it was awesome! They were at my local health food store or you can go to http://www.motherlove.com/ and order them. I just  took the natural supplements which are all the herbs everyone has mention combined, and as I continued offering the breast to my son the milk supply returned. Also be sure you're eating and drinking enough for both of you. God bless you as you endure the long nights! 

Sarah - posted on 02/19/2009

So I am breastfeeding my almost 7 month old and for the first 2-3 onths it was a major struggle.  I am not sure what your origional problem was but pumping will only increase your supply for a very short ime and then it will deplete your supply.  Keep feeding on demand and always offer ever two hours until 3 months.  Here are some expert resources you can look into for help:  

http://www.lllc.ca/

http://www.drjacknewman.com/

these are both excellent sites and lllc accepts phone calls as well for support. 

Don't give up on nursing...it does get better, I promise.   Just keep at it and try to keep your calm.

Good Luck.

:)

Laura - posted on 02/19/2009

I've scanned the responses posted, and I have a completely different piece of advice.  The closest thing I saw here was a cranial osteopath....and it's pretty close.

My fourth child, Joshua, was doing just fine.  My milk had come in, everything was great--and then I had him chiropractically adjusted.  I could not believe the difference it made!  He was my fourth breastfed baby, for Pete's sake, and I already had plenty of milk.  My chiropractor adjusted his pallete and his neck and it was absolutely amazing--my increase in supply was tremendous, and he grew exponentially.

I recommended this to a dear friend whose baby had the same issue as yours--and this was her sixth, so it wasn't as though she'd never breastfed a baby before.  IOW, she knew what to look for, lots of tricks to help, etc.--and nothing worked for this baby.  She brought her daughter in and after the first adjustment there was a huge change.  Her baby had not been able to really angle her neck properly, and nursing was apparently painful for her.

Babies can be gently adjusted after birth.  Whether they are born vaginally or via c-section, there can be trauma to the neck and head which can affect them in the long-term.  It's amazing what a good adjustment can do for a baby (and for Mom, too!)

Check around your area for a good chiropractor--word of mouth is one of the best ways to find quality care.  Look specifically for one who is experienced in adjusting newborns and children--they know what to look for and how to help.

I would do this IN ADDITION to consulting with your local LLL leader.

Good luck and God bless!

Andrea - posted on 02/19/2009

The more you nurse the more you'll have! Feed him a ton during the day and when hes not nursing pump! this will keep your milk supply up and running! drink lots of water...NO SODA....and if your supply is still low try the formula again! it took me forever to get my son to take it! he was use to the boob juice and the formula tastes like crap! i mixed it with some juice so there would be a sweet taste and i slowly keep putting less and less juice in and soon he was drinking straight formula and he goes though so much of it! don't give up! keep telling yourself IT WILL HAPPEN! i will get sleep! he will sleep! it will happen! :) good luck

Shannon - posted on 02/19/2009

I haven't read through everyones posts... but from your picture I would say your little man is a young one. My son is presently just under 6 months... next week he hits 6 months... for the first 4 months, I actually nursed him exclusively and it was about every 2 to 3 hours around the clock. We added cereal at just 4 months per the doctor, he was already 16lbs at 4 months... and we went to nursing every 3 to 4 hours still around the clock. He now nurses about every 4 to 5 hours, and has 3 jarred meals a day.

Point... just nurse as often as he wants, drink pleny of fluids... avoid caffine.. all though I still have my latte every morning. I drink 2 liters of water each day and take GNC's Fenugreek capsules, 1 capsule 4 times a day. I also drink Mother's Milk Tea 3 times a day, eat oatmeal or cream of wheat each morning.

I pump three times a day while I am at work now... I use an Isis manual because I get better results with it than I did my double elctric... it didn't have the right suction I guess... not sure, and I tried (spent a fortune) an Ameda, a Medela, and I had an Isis IQ... I sold all of them via eBay after amonth or two of trying them... with my Isis manual I pump about 12oz a day... not quite enough to keep my son on all my milk while I work, but thankfuly he only takes 3 6oz bottles while I am at work, so I do 4oz of mine mixed with 2oz of Good Start Natural Cultures.... he does fine with it and it makes it so I didn't have to give him any vitamin drops too!

Ohh... and while I am at home, I pump atleast twice a day... about 90 minutes after my son nurses, I pump... and this may sound weird, but if I stimulate the nipple I am not pumping from... I get a faster and better let down... takes some manuevering, but it works for me.

I would recommend speaking to a lactation consultant if you are still truely having issues, I see some brought up the latch on problem... in the mean time, good luck to you, and I hope that it all works out for you in the end.

Shelley - posted on 02/19/2009

It sounds like this may not be related to hunger at all. Especially the hair pulling is a sign of some other distress like gas. Pumping was a big struggle for me also and I had the same issues as you do about supply. So, I stopped pumping and strictly breast feed. I realize that many women would find this confining but it was really important to me to continue to breastfeed. I would try to eliminate other possibilities like gas before assuming it's your supply. My daghter used the breast to soothe herself when she had a soar tummy and I wonder if this is perhaps the same problem. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Xina - posted on 02/19/2009

I haven't read your 1st post, but a couple of things that may be helpful is firstly, take notice of things that you are eating or drinking that may be causing his irritability etc. (For me, I had to cut out caffeine and cut WAY down on dairy). I also fed on demand, but kept up with skin-to-skin contact. I co-sleep with my little one, & for a long time I would bath with her & breastfeed in the bath. (Relaxing for both of us!)

One other thing - this took me sooo long to figure out but my little girl wouldn't sleep much either until I finally completely darkened the room. I mean pitch black - no night-light or clock radio even.

Hope things improve soon for you both

Kateryn - posted on 02/19/2009

breastfeeding in bath can help you to relax :)

MeeA - posted on 02/18/2009

I totally agree with everyone who's advised you to:

1) See a lactation consultant immediately

2) Up your fluid intake drastically

3) Try to breastfeed exclusively - stop supplementing with formula (it doesn't even come close to matching the quality of breastmilk anyway)

4) Try to remain as calm as possible; The more uptight you get, the less likely you are to get the let-down reflex going. When breastfeeding your baby, make sure you're both in a comfortable position, try to clear your mind and focus on the closeness you're sharing with your baby. It sounds all airy-fairy, I know, but feeling safe and happy goes a long way toward not only helping your milk flow better but also increasing your body's milk production.

I had a really hard time getting my son to breastfeed in the first couple of weeks until I eventually called my midwife in tears and at my wits' end. She told me all of the above and to persevere, persevere, persevere! It does get better!

Good luck.

Jessica - posted on 02/18/2009

I agree with Carolyn's advice, contact a La Leche League leader in your area, they are soooo helpful! If there is no La Leche League group in your area, contact the hospital where you delivered and ask to work with the lactation consultant, or contact your local health department and ask if they have a lactation consultant. I think hands on help is what is really going to help you out.

Taren - posted on 02/18/2009

I can understand. I dried up with my 1st and 2nd. Sometimes you just dry up, and there's nothing you can do about this. You can try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (no soda) and try fenugreek supplement. But even doing that might not help. I would suggest try mixing your milk with formula, at first mostly your milk with a little formula, Then gradully add more formula less mother's milk. If that doesn't work he milk be allergic to the formulas? Otherwise if all else fails you can buy breast milk or talk to your doctor about screening for a wet nurse. Buying breastmilk can get expensive, but having a wet nurse (maybe a friend or relative who is nursing) could help your little one. Just some ideas. I know this can be a hard time. So just remember you are doing your best! and LOTS of moms can't breastfeed for long...I was one of them.

Kelli - posted on 02/18/2009

You've talked about trying to supplement and you little guy refusing, but have you tried using a supplemental nursing system?? It's a container that you can fill with formula (or previously expressed breastmilk) and has little tubes that come out of the bottom that you tape over your nipple.  The container itself hangs like a necklace with an attached string and your body heat will keep the liquid inside warm. Your baby can nurse and will not only receive the breastmilk from nursing but will also recieve the formula from the container at the same time! This not only helps you little one to fill up, it also helps stimulate the breast to produce more milk. The one I have is made by Medela. I used it when both of my boys had jaundice immediately after delivery and it worked very well... Hope this might help you!

Kathy - posted on 02/18/2009

My pediatrician advised me that bottle-feeding to supplement a breastfeeding baby can actually hinder your milk supply and your baby's eating habits. He could get used to the ease of the bottle and not want to work for his food. Plus it takes away from him feeding on you, which is the best stimulant for your supply. I had a problem about 6 weeks ago and I too grew really concerned. I was advised to stop supplementing, keep breastfeeding, drink plenty of fluids, RELAX, and pump when Sean didn't eat on cue-meaning regardless I stimulated my breasts every hour to two hours. I got my milk back. It took some work but I'm in a comfortable production now. I don't know how old your son is but do you think he could be teething? That could account for the rubbing and hair/ear pulling and sleeplessness as well. Which would also affect his appetite because the act of eating would be painful for him. I see some great advice listed, and I feel you should consult a doctor/specialist if you haven't done so already. It's no fun watching helplessly while your precious little one is having so much difficulty-- but you can get someone to help you help him! Keep your head up and get some support to keep your head straight, because you need all of your strength and energy. I hope everything is better for you soon!

Adisa - posted on 02/18/2009

Hi there! I didn't read all posts. Maybe someone already gave this advice, but I'll risk it.

First, if you think that you don't have enough milk in your breasts, you should do following:

1. drink lots of fluids (before breast feeding, it's good to drink worm glass of milk or tea)
2. vitamin B complex (whole grain bread, cereals, glass of beer, or simply pills - this vitamin is increasing milk produce)
3. pump after eating (empty breast produce more milk that the full one)
4. eat after every feeding (not a proper meal, just a cookie or something like that, grain bar would be ok).

My baby (she's 13 months old now) used to wake up every hour or two and it still happens sometimes. I used to think that I don't have enough milk, or it's not satisfying for her, but she just wanted me to be close (to sleep with me), or it was her gums.

Laurie - posted on 02/18/2009

oatmeal, pump after eating (both sides at the same time), don't feed any closer than 2 hours from start to start (feeding to frequently causes your baby to get only the foremilk and no hind milk, leaving him hungry and dissatisfied).
my daughter nurses fine, but she only takes 2 half-hour naps a day. Sometimes I can get her to stretch one of those out to an hour. My mother-in-law said my husband was the same way. He woke up at 8 and didn't go to bed til midnight. No naps. It's just the way some babies are.
and I agree, if you haven't been to a lactation consultant, do that.

Raana - posted on 02/18/2009

There is lots of great advice here so I won 't spend time repeating it but one other thing I tried was seeing a cranial osteopath.  I'm not sure how it works but it really helped with my daughters feeding and sleep issues. She is a much happier baby after just a few visits.

Melissa - posted on 02/18/2009

have you tried to contact your own doctor to make sure its not your thyroid? I read that it could cause a low milk supply.

Rachael - posted on 02/18/2009

theres some great advice here but you should go to a lactation consultant right away. theres things you can take to up your milk supply, natural and not... good luck.

Elizabeth - posted on 02/18/2009

Hi! I've been there before with my now 4-year old. I know it can be hard,but persevere. It is sooo worth it! You have lots of great advice here,all of wich I have used at one point or another,or constantly. Sleep when he sleeps,I never got good at that until #4,and my sanity and energy,as well as overall health for us both,is incomparable,over,above,and beyond any other point in my life as a mom. Remember this part of mothering is short,even if you nurse for years,it is your birthright to give and babes to recieve. Also, I try to nurse at every opporotunity,feeds with this baby only take 5 minutes at 6 months,but sometimes she still nurses every hour or two. And studies have shown that stroking baby,head,feet,legs,whatever,will help milk supply & quality. Remember that your nutrition is babes nutrition,so try to be as healthy with your choices as possible,but calaories are a nessesity too. Good luck,enjoy baby! Your doing great just because your still trying!

Emily - posted on 02/18/2009

Have you tried mixing a bottle with half liquid formula and half milk?  I know my 2 month old isn't thrilled with the taste of formula, but some days he eats more than I can make!  If I mix some breastmilk with the formula, he takes it much easier.

Also, try cradling him like you would if you were nursing him, and have him turn his head toward you like he would nurse.  If you get the nipple in kind of where yours would be, you might fake him out!  Good luck.

Kateryn - posted on 02/18/2009

hi jackie where abouts are you from? id really recommend seeing an experienced qualified lactation consaultant they are used to dealing with all sorts of problems and will give you a range of different suggestions to help out otherwise if you have a partner and he isnt adverse to the idea getting him to finish the feed (fully empty you after you have expressed) will help to build the supply i know a few people who have done this and it has helped them to get on track again also tehre are some medications that will help your supply. have you tried shaping the breast so it is easier for him to attatch to? laying down for feeds may help  at night to try and keep him as settled as he can be through feeds. typically babies about that age can experience a growth spurt which will cause them to become more demanding and more irritable. also as they get older and their ability to take in the world around them increases it can make feeds more difficult as they want to focus on other things constantly so feeding somewhere quiet may help. also can i ask what the sleeping arrangements are as a baby sleeping in the same room as mum sleeps longer and better usually just as laying down and cuddling bubby to sleep through the day can give you bth a much needed break though not everyone is comfortable with sleeping with their children i hope i have helped if you want clarification or any other suggestions just let me know i have been nursing for going on 2 years consecutively now and have had a myriad of problems that i have had to work through (thankfully with the support of a lactation consaultant )

hope this improves soon

blessed be

Kat

Donna - posted on 02/18/2009

Maybe you could try Rasberry Leaf Tea, that encourages milk supply. Just try to relax (funny i know) take deep breaths or maybe you could try a Feeding tube device have a read through Breastfeeding and Human Lactation
By Jan Riordan, there is a section from the book on the internet you might find interesting to read, in the google book search. Hope you find something that works.

Geneva - posted on 02/17/2009

just wanted to add a couple things I didn't see here - I think pumping can only hurt when you use it in place of a feeding, if it's done in addition there should be no harm. Beer is also a milk stimulator, as well as a mommy-relaxer if it's something you enjoy & have gone without for a long time as is! (if you are concerned about the alcohol you can do 2 things - first don't get drunk, that's not the idea, have your beer immediately after a feeding so it the alcohol has a chance to work it's way out of your system before the next feeding, or to be super-sure, try milk screen test strips - they test the level of alcohol in your milk so you know if it's safe for your baby) I also loved the happiest baby on the block. One last thing, my son used to give me dirty looks if I ever tried to feed him formula, but would take it fine from other people, so maybe your child is connecting you with a certain "flavor" - but def don't try the formula that gave him a rash!

Kristi - posted on 02/17/2009

Too much pumping can REALLY hurt your milk supply. The best thing you can do is have your baby at your breast as often as possible! There is Mother's Milk tea that worked great for us! Make sure baby has a good latch... get with a LL leader before it's TOO late!

www.llli.org

Rachael - posted on 02/17/2009

Sounds like the other ladie have it covered if it is a latch problem their are plastic covers you can buy to put over your nipple or you can pump your nipple out if its inverted I used to have to tape a small feeding tube to my nipple so that when he sucked the milk flow would come out faster because he would get inpatient when i didn't let down right away Hope it helped call a lactation consultant in your town they are usually happy to come over and help get him on

Karen - posted on 02/17/2009

I feel for you. You need to put him to the breast as often as possible. That is the only way to help increase your milk production. Pumping does not stimulate the breast as well as a feeding baby. Also, get plenty of liquids and rest.

The rash that you speak of sounds like an allergic reaction to the milk protein in the formulas. My baby had the same issue and she was tested positive for an allergy to milk protein and is on soy products.

If all else fails, speak to your pediatrician or lactation consultant.

Best of luck to you both!

Allison - posted on 02/17/2009

Quoting BreAnne:

Also, there is this great video called the World's Happiest baby or something like that and it's all about swaddling and how to help calm your baby. Maybe that could help. 

I think you're referring to The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. He makes both a video and a book - both are AWESOME and do have great techniques on how to soothe a fussy baby.

Maggie - posted on 02/17/2009

look into milk sharing....donations might be available....

Lolly_loulou - posted on 02/17/2009

Quoting Jackie:

Thanks to all the ladies who gave me advice about breast feeding. Unfortunately nothing seems to be working and pumping more seems to have depleted my supply badly and now i have a constantly hungry, irritable baby. It has also effected sleep, if he has a nap once during the day its a miracle and the longest he sleeps at night in one go is 3hours and then pretty much awake and demanding for the rest of the night. Have tried to suppliment with formula but he refuses it and i have tried every brand, some of them also leave a rash around his mouth. Starting to feel really helpless now, hate to see him so sad and pulling his hair and constantly rubbing his face, need advice please, really hope someone can help. Thanks

Thanks to all the ladies who gave me advice about breast feeding. Unfortunately nothing seems to be working and pumping more seems to have depleted my supply badly and now i have a constantly hungry, irritable baby. It has also effected sleep, if he has a nap once during the day its a miracle and the longest he sleeps at night in one go is 3hours and then pretty much awake and demanding for the rest of the night. Have tried to suppliment with formula but he refuses it and i have tried every brand, some of them also leave a rash around his mouth. Starting to feel really helpless now, hate to see him so sad and pulling his hair and constantly rubbing his face, need advice please, really hope someone can help. Thanks

i know you must be out of your mind. my little girl was a frantic feeder for about a week and was told it was due to the milk changing to her needs, it takes a while for the milk to change and the baby seems hungreyer for a while. if all else fails i know that there are companies that sell breast milk. and u can order it. i wouldnt do it myself but if its a matter of ur baby not eating then why not look into it.

let us know who things pan out.

good luck

Libby - posted on 02/17/2009

I understand the frustration you are having. My first son had so much trouble with nursing in the beginning as well. Here is what I did, I basically went against everything you are taught about breastfeeding. I allowed him to use me as his pacifier. By doing this, the constant stimulation increased my milk supply. Co-sleeping is a must at this point for you. The baby needs to be with you while sleeping. You need rest too, as much as you think of a million things to get done in that VERY short time period, nothing is more important that a well rested mommy who has to take care of a high demand baby. Stress and frustration will decrese the supply too. So, if you allow your partner or someone else to take over all other aspects of daily life, or as many as you can, your focus is on your little one. Breastfed babies typically don't want formula. If you wonder why, just smell the difference and then take a taste. Formula is terrible, and tastes nothing like the sweet perfect temp. breast milk. What you need is something to relax you before you being your feeding sessions. Take your ipod put it on while you are feeding. Find some calming music for both of you and be in a calming environment, dim lights in the room... make it as peaceful for both of you as possible, and think of nothing else but the task at hand which is feeding your baby. Rock while you feed, have his fav. blanky around him and if and when he gets frustrated, try not to tense up. Another thing you can do before he starts to eat is help him by manually expressing a little to get it on the nipple so he gets a taste and it makes the baby want to suck. Let him stay as long as he wants. Don't force him, but if he wants you to be the pacifier until you get this under control, let him, you are his comfort. You are his lifeline. Sometimes, to help him fall asleep during the nursing is white noise. I used a hair dryer and set it on a low setting, sometimes this also helped him concentrate on nothing but the sound and nursing. I hope this helps, if you need anything else please let me know. I do have a few more tricks up my sleeve. Good luck and try to not give up. However, if you just can't make it work, it's OK. Don't feel like you must do this for your baby to thrive. That's not true. Formula is an alternative. Granted it will take some getting use to for your baby but it is OK. Don't feel bad if you just can't get it to work. You gave it your best shot. Some babies just won't breastfeed. It's not your fault. =)

Yvette - posted on 02/17/2009

I too agree with everyone about the IBCLC. La Leche League is great even for one time help.

Yvette - posted on 02/17/2009

Hey Jackie, I totally understand what you are going through. I had a hard time at first with my now eight month old, but we are both pros now. The first two months were terrible. I didn't know if she was hungry, sleepy, sick, or what so I want to first of all encourage you to keep going, stick it out, and don't give up. You are definitely doing what is best for your baby. From personal experience and from listening to other moms I can tell you that pumping does deplete your milk supply. A baby's suck is a lot more efficient than a plastic contraption so breastfeed as much as possible to get your milk supply back up. This will be very frustrating at first since it may seem like you are ALWAYS feeding, but remember this is a phase so take a deep breath and keep going. Also, you can try fenugreek from your local whole foods market. Supposedly it helps to increase milk flow. It worked for me. Also, if he is older than 4 mos. this may be his cue to you that he is ready for "solid" foods. You can start him on very runny infant cereal. About the sleep issues, I would suggest putting him on a good schedule. Even schedule his naps. As soon as you notice him yawning, or rubbing his eyes, or sucking his thumb, or whatever other sleepy cues he gives put him down for a nap. Don't wait to finish what you are doing because you may overstimulate him and then it will be next to impossible to get him to go to sleep. I have also noticed with my daughter that when she doesn't sleep good during the day then she doesn't sleep good at night so that may be what is going on with your son. If your son is older than 4 months I would also say that he doesn't need to eat in the middle of the night unless you feel he is not getting enough throughout the day because of a low milk supply. Once he starts getting satisfied during the day then I would pull that middle of the night feed cold turkey if he is older. That way he can get several continuous sleep cycles and be a happier baby during the day. This process is very difficult, but it might only take a week or two for your son to get the hang of not eating in the middle of the night and soothing himself to sleep. I would do the leave and check method (wait five mins then go in and check on him reassure him for a little while, then leave and wait a little while again). It was during this process that my daughter found her thumb and learned how to soothe herself so now she doesn't need me to put her back to sleep and we all sleep a lot better now. Also, I don't know if you do this or not, but don't sleep with your baby. Nobody sleeps good in this condition. Plus it is very dangerous. I understand there will be times when you pull him into bed with you, but don't make this a rule. One more thing, always put your baby in bed awake. That way he doesn't associate sleep with nursing and need to nurse in order to sleep. Also the transfer from breast to bed might not go as planned and he will soon wake up in a strange place not in mommy's cozy arms and be so scared he can't go back to sleep. Ok, I'm done sorry this is so long. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Amie - posted on 02/16/2009

So sorry you are going through this, I would contact the La Leche League and go to resources so you can find someone in your area who can help you.  http://www.llli.org/

Good Luck!!!!!!!

BreAnne - posted on 02/16/2009

Hey there,

I'm so sorry your little guy is having trouble. My oldest never latched on and I pumped for 4 months before I just couldn't anymore and switched him to formula. It sounds like your little guy might have something more going on than just not wanting formula. Maybe you should take him to the pediatrician and see if he/she might know of something that could help him. Also, there is this great video called the World's Happiest baby or something like that and it's all about swaddling and how to help calm your baby. Maybe that could help. Good luck and I hope things get better for you very soon!

Katie - posted on 02/16/2009

hang in there!! I know it's hard - it's exhausting, and frustrating... but it does get better, I promise. Drink tons of water, nurse as frequently as she wants to eat (even if it's every 30 minutes, it will up your supply and make the next few weeks easier) and skip pumping when your not nursing... just nurse! Keep positive - keep strong, your doing great.. even when it feels like your failing. You have tons of support here. Get in touch with a La Leche League consultant - they will guide you through :)

Becky - posted on 02/16/2009

I haven't read all the posts, but I have a friend who had a low milk supply and she used a special feeder to feed formula while she breastfed. This gave her baby the amount of food needed and increased her milk supply. I think the best think is to try and relax. You are doing all that you can. Good luck!

Shanyn - posted on 02/16/2009

Neither of my kiddos were good sleepers either - my son didn't sleep through the night until he was 18 months old. My daughter didn't start sleeping through the night until she was about 14 months old. So I totally feel you pain! I would try co-sleeping for a while until you get the nursing issues worked out. That will give you and your babe some extra bonding time and help you both relax into sleep and breastfeeding. For the specific breastfeeding issues, I would definitely get in touch with LLL or a local lactation consultant. They will help you through this and so will we! Please keep us posted and hang in there!