Really, really sad and no one understands...

choogasian

First off, I know I am very lucky to have breastfed at all. I had a LOT of problems in the beginning (never experienced engourgement, had to pump and suppliment for the first 6 weeks, etc.) But I went back to work about a month ago and I just can't keep up with pumping to meet her requirements. My work situation allows me to pump 2 times during my 8 hour shift, but in a not very comfortable place (there really aren't any other options, I work in a very small restaurant, there is no office or anything to use, I use a storage closet.) Depending on the session I can only pump 1.5-3 ounces each session, but my baby is eating 9-12 ounces during the day while I am gone. I have only enough freezer stash for about 2 more days of work. Basically, I will have to suppliment by Tuesday.

My husband says he understands, but I don't think he thinks it's a big deal. All my other family never really did any breastfeeding, so they just blow me off and say it's "better" to do formula anyway. 

I am doing everything I can: Drinking lots of water, fenugreek, oatmeal, etc. but nothing is helping. Am I just being silly, or would you be sad too? 

somebirdseatseeds

I would be sad too. I am sad now at the thought of having to quit BF soon. I am taking the max dosage of domperidone and I only have about 20 or so days worth left. Without it, my supply will stop. I know this because I stopped taking it for two days a month or so ago and barely produced anything. It is so expensive DH doesn't think it is a good idea to go buy anymore.

I used to EBF but went back to work when DD was 4 months old. At the beginning, with my first pump at work, I would get 7 oz and 3-4 oz each time after that. My supply started taking a hit because my pump wasn't getting all of the milk out and i was doing compressions, looking at photos, relaxing, etc.. and that is why I started taking domperidone. It did help but now my body is reliant on it and I only produce 12 oz and DD drinks 16 ad DC. So I supplement with one bottle of formula while I am at work. I am going to miss BF and cuddle time. I almost start crying every time I think about having to stop. Sorry for all of the rambling, but to answer your question, yes I am sad about stopping BF soon.

themargo

You have every right to feel sad because you sound like you are trying everything and really want to nurse. I'm sorry it isn't working out Men do not understand it and (at last my husband) encourage stopping because we are upset when it is hard and they want us to be happy. Be proud that you tried your best!

Jony16

so sory you are not getting sympathy from your dh or family...i would be extremely sad too.  can you pump first thing in the morning and right before bed? some women have a higher supply in the am, even after a feeding. if not, be proud that you have come this far and keep doing what you can...some bm is better than none.                                              pls excuse lack of capitalization and punctuation...bumping from my android.

RunningGal900

You gave every right to be sad, but even f you gave to add in formula, you don't have to stop nursing. I pump every m on the side he doesn't eat from ad get the largest amount then. Perhaps adding a few sessions would help up your stash. But even if you don't want to do that you can pump mat work and supplement the missing oz.

genekelly

A month ago I wouldn't have been sad b/c I really didn't love BFing all that much.  DS was in a distractible phase and wouldn't nurse all that well during the day and was up more at night to make up for it.  I told DH that if it wasn't so good for him immunity wise, I'd give it up.  Now I'm feeling the opposite though b/c he's a little bit less distracted while eating and it's a wonderful snuggle moment for us.  I'm hoping that he doesn't start preferring a bottle when I go back to work in January.   I'd be sad too but realize that LO has gotten nearly 6 months of BM and that is absolutely terrific.  I hope you'll continue to nurse when you and LO are home since he(she) will still get benefits of your immunity.  I'm sorry it isn't working out the way you want.

katxattack

I understand.

I have been EPing since birth. After battles with MSPI I decided I had enough, and wanted to switch to formula. I have a HUGE freezer stash, so she'd actually be getting 50/50 for months. She didn't tolerate the formula trial well, so that meant back to full time pumping. I had attempted to cut back considerably, and LOST a good amount of supply in 1 stinking day. I fought back, and regained, and now its slowly fading. Great. I can keep up with daily intake at the moment, but not adding to my stash. And... I fear come Tuesday (back to work) supply with further poop out on me.

At first I was going to be happy that I was done pumping, but now I am not. I screwed up my own supply. I realized, despite the sacrifice on my own part, BM is best for her.

Dochas

I would be sad too.  But know that you are trying as hard as you can - and that really means something.  Has your ped mentioned starting solids?  I did wait until 6 months but you are very close to that mark.  Supplementing with purees (high water content!!!) might cut down on the amount of milk she needs while you are gone.  Can you BF often when together?  If so, that can make up for what she doesn't get when you are gone.  I'm NOT suggesting she go hungry - just saying sometimes we can be a little bit creative to hold off on the amount of formula.

njh514

As one of the previous posters said, you don't have to quit breastfeeding! If a little formula at daycare is helpful then go for it and nurse when you're together. It's not all or nothing. I'd continue to pump even if you don't feel like you're getting much. It's something! I'd totally be upset about it too but roll with the punches and take what you can get, even if that's only 1.5oz. That's 1.5oz that you don't have to pay for! Good luck and big hugs to you.

RosyBee

Let me preface this by saying that I didn't read other's responses... I had a very hard time keeping up a supply although I didn't have the same work situation as you. I think you need to stick up for your baby and take longer breaks at work to pump. 

Also, when I was at 5 month I was still pumping when I woke up at night to feed Penny. I know it sounds crazy, but it was the only time my breasts felt like they had any "extra".