Ugh...I just wanna give up on BF'ing!!! (Kinda Long)

michdance

I'm getting soo frustrated! I love BF'ing, but DD just does NOT seem to be tolerating my breastmilk.  She had a perfect latch from the beginning, so I thought BF'ing was going to go very well!  But then she started having gassy issues and wasn't pooping on her own.  I have completely changed my diet to bland/non-gassy foods (crackers, cereals, noodles, no dairy, no greasy foods), and it has definitely helped, but has not resolved the problem.  She still cries in pain, arches and straightens her whole little body until she passes gas, and then she's fine.  She is also over 1 month old and is STILL not pooping on her own!  I've been having to help her out (knees to chest, bicycling, thermometer up butt).  Also lately her poop has been green-tinged, and I figured it was a foremilk/hindmillk imbalance, so I've been feeding her on only one breast for feeding.  NOTHING I'M DOING SEEMS TO BE WORKING!  I'm trying my best as a first-time mom, but I'm feeling like an absolutely failure because I really want to continue breastfeeding, but I feel she just isn't tolerating my breastmilk!!!

I just rented "Happiest Baby on the Block," so I plan on watching it today for support and help.  Please give me any advice and support!!! I NEED IT!!

LyndsayQ

Have you tried eliminating soy?  I know it sounds hard, but it may help further.  Sometimes babies have a sensitivity to both dairy and soy.  BTW, green is normal for BF'ing, but its supposed to be seedy & greenish.  Is it mucousy at all?  If so, it may be an allergy.  HTH!

michdance

LyndsayQ:

Have you tried eliminating soy?  I know it sounds hard, but it may help further.  Sometimes babies have a sensitivity to both dairy and soy.  BTW, green is normal for BF'ing, but its supposed to be seedy & greenish.  Is it mucousy at all?  If so, it may be an allergy.  HTH!

 

What foods have soy in them???  It is definitely seedy and non-mucousy, so that is normal??

A8194

Breastfed babies should have yellowish poops. If it's green that usually indicated a inbalance in foremilk/hindmillk. Babycenter.com has a great little photo album showing what a normal baby poop looks like depending on what they eat ( https://www.babycenter.com/baby-poop-photos )

In regards to her not tolerating your BM, I would say call your pedi and see what they think and get suggestions from them. Gas is normal to a point and some babies & adults for that matter are more prone to it but if she isn't pooping you need to call her doctor.

Kelly-renee

No poop is actual okay in ebf babies, if her stool is formed at all then that is an indication of constipation.  Some EBF babies go up to a week at a time without pooping, our LO sometimes only goes 2-3 times a day.  The breastmilk is much easier for them to absorb.

vanverth

Is there a lactation specialist at the hospital you delivered at?  If there is, call them.  They are very helpful and might be able to give you some ideas and might even have you come in to be evaluated.  I can not drink soda (even non-caffinated), it makes Michael fussy and irritable. 

LyndsayQ

michdance:

LyndsayQ:

Have you tried eliminating soy?  I know it sounds hard, but it may help further.  Sometimes babies have a sensitivity to both dairy and soy.  BTW, green is normal for BF'ing, but its supposed to be seedy & greenish.  Is it mucousy at all?  If so, it may be an allergy.  HTH!

What foods have soy in them???  It is definitely seedy and non-mucousy, so that is normal??

Seedy is normal.  Yellowish-greenish is normal in color.  You can find what foods have soy in them by reading the ingredient labels (soy is listed as a common allergen at the end).  HTH!!!

KellyD01

Hugs mama! DS took forever to start pooping on his own... we're talking months! It can be completely normal. It takes them a while to figure out what muscles make what work and how to tell those muscles to do their job. It's also normal for bf'd babies to go up to a week w/o pooping.

For the gassiness, have you tried mylicon drops or gripe water? We had a lot of success w/ mylicon and started it before 1 month old. It's safe from birth. Just get the no dye added so you don't stain her clothes or yours if she spits it out.

If you decide to give up bfing, that's ok. You have to do what's best for YOUR sanity, and her peace of mind. I would definitely make an appt with a Lactation Consultant, either at your hospital or another area hospital and contact your local LLL leaders, they are often willing to either help you over the phone, coming to your home, or before or after their monthly meetins.

anabell0920

I'm so sorry! I HIGHLY recommend a LC!! Go see one!!

babyluv617

hang in there. I was/am right there with you. He's getting much better and I'm slowly able to add things back into my diet now.

Honestly, your LO may not do well on formula either if it's food related issues. 

emjenkins715

First of all, you're doing a great job, Mom! I understand your frustrations with wanting to continue breastfeeding, but also wanting your LO to not have to deal with all the pain she is having.

My friend had the same story as you, when she breastfed her DD would scream in pain from the gas she had, so she cut everything possible out of her diet to help. It did help a little but she was still screaming in pain every once in a while. She ended up going to formula after two months of changing her diet and luckily that ended up working and her DD no longer screams in pain from gas. Bottom line do what works for you and LO. GL!