Doubting BF for the first time. Could use some support.

metucker

From day 1 I got a lot of comments that maybe my baby was fussy bc of my milk. I brushed it off until reading about mspi on here and then went on the diet 2.5 weeks ago. I keep hearing how crazy I am for not just going to formula. I don't mind brushing that off, but I just don't know if dd is getting better. 

But the reason I'm doubting BF now is because I went back to work for a half day today and in 2 pumping sessions, I only got 3 oz. she took 8 oz in that time. I had a freezer stash of 150 oz but I donated 100 oz because it was really important to me to donate. Now I feel stupid for doing it, but the milk was from before I was on the mspi diet anyway.

 For the first time I just doubted being able to do this. And it has been so important to me for her to be EBF. It just seems really daunting right now.

Any tips for increasing pumping output? I pump before she gets up and after she goes to bed. I think I will only be able to pump twice max while I am at work (7-2:30)

Thanks so much. I am glad I can ask here since IRL formula just seems like the obvious choice.   

jlsimon56

I found that my second letdown is around the 20 minute mark so I had to pump that long, at least.  It took me awhile to figure that out.  

And I agree, give yourself some time to get used to being back at work and pumping.  It's a learning curve. 

rinny25

My LC said to bring some of baby's clothes with me to work to smell while pumping. She said for some women it works better than pics. I do both but I have found I'm too anxious in the morning worrying bout getting to work on time and then worrying about what my kids are doing while I'm pumping that my session with the most milk is my drive home, when I'm the most relaxed excited to see my babies!

kalette

Try eating some Cheerios. The plain ones. Every time I do I get really engorged and then pump off a few ounces more.

metucker

mananana:

Regarding the MSPI, did you have any symptoms other than fussiness?

As for the other, your first day back is stressful.  Give it some time as PP said.  Also make sure you're getting plenty to eat and drink.  I had to take a gallon jug of water with me each day to have a visual of how I was doing on water.  I also had a scheduled snack time every morning- I was too busy to notice if I was hungry or not and my pumping output was worse when I skipped it.

 I uploaded videos to Photobucket, looked at pictures, etc.  I could not work while I was pumping- my production wasn't as good as if I fully relaxed.  Sometimes I would take one of the blankies he had snuggled recently or the sleeper he'd worn the night before.   Maybe watch the Stanford video on pumping too- be sure you're doing breast compressions and maybe switch off breasts for a few minutes after your milk slows via double pumping.

She also had what I would consider mucousy poops and she has eczema on her face.

I am watching the video now. Thanks for the recommendation.

What do you mean, "switch off breasts?" Stop pumping and then restart?