Frustrated re: BF (long)

Sizzline · March 2010

I don't post on here too much; I'm definitely more of a lurker. I'm just so frustrated right now, and I don't really have anyone to vent to that might understand.

My SIL (who is one of my closest friends) had a baby about 6 weeks ago. She is producing so much freaking milk! I pump like crazy during my work day, drink the teas, eat the cookies, etc, and I get about 4 oz total each time I pump. I still have to supplement at least one formula bottle while I am at work, sometimes two if she's having a really hungry day. My SIL pumps at least 8 oz every time. She might even be able to pump more, but she stops at 8 oz. We were just texting each other (I'm her go-to for new mommy questions, which I don't mind at all) and she asked how much I pump. When I told her, her response was "wow... that's all you pump?" It totally made me feel like crap, although I know that was not her intention. She doesn't know about my struggle to pump enough to keep up with DD's daycare consumption.

I'm glad for her that she's producing so much, but I just wish I could pump that amount. My breasts suck. I know there's nothing wrong with formula, and that the most important thing is just that my baby is fed and healthy, which she is. I'm sure I'll be fine in a little while, but right now, I just feel like I'm trying so freaking hard to do this and it's just coming so easily to her. Ok, vent over. If you read all of this, thanks!

MrsPatterson · March 2010

Don't feel bad! Give yourself the props you deserve for pumping at work to make sure your baby keeps getting breast milk. My supply tanked to virtual non-existence when I tried to get myself on a pumping schedule that would be feasible at work, so I had to stop EPing way earlier than I would have liked. So seriously, good for you for committing yourself to pumping at work! (Although I totally get your frustration so I completely get your needing to vent.)

franciscaz · March 2010

I am a defunct milk cow! I feel your pain. I learned w/DS #1 that I CAN'T compare myself to others b/c it is just depressing. I would stop talking to your SIL about pumping and BFing. It isn't helping. You have to learn to be proud of yourself (which you should be b/c you are doing a great job!!!!) and just not worry what others are doing.

taraspillers · March 2010

I read it all and understand 1 million %. Keep your head up....there may be other things that come super easy to you that are difficult to her. Obviously, you are doing things right because she is coming to you for advice. Wink

preppymama · March 2010

my supply has been way shiitty lately, so i feel you. i have never been able to pump more than 5oz at a time, but i have somehow managed to build a huge freezer stash, thank god. that's the ONLY reason she is still getting EBFed right now bc my boobs are sucking majorly. it's so stressful, actually, and it's totally easy to feel insufficient. rargh. to make matters worse, she is currently on a nursing strike, too...FML!

Indysgirl · March 2010

And I am jealous of you! Today was my first day back to work and I got 4 ounces once. The other two times I got a measley 2 ounces. Keep your chin up and know that you are doing everything you can for your LO.

jkalmommy2b · March 2010

I just wanted to add that sometimes it's easier for some to pump more in the early stages because their bodies haven't adjusted yet. I know my production went down a great deal at 2.5 months because my body figured out I was only feeding one child and had gotten used to how much she ate. I guess my point is that since you and your SIL are at different stages now, it's kind of like comparing apples and oranges. Also, just the fact that you've been able to keep up pumping this long is quite a feat and you should be proud of yourself! You're giving your baby everything you can and that's something amazing. Just like it's not fair to our babies to compare their milestones with others, it's really not fair to compare our mommy bodies with others. Be happy that you've been able to give your baby as much bm as you have!

Mrs.DeliaMarieP · March 2010

Don't feel bad! There is nothing wrong with supplementing, you're still trying your best and doing what you can, and that's what counts!

I'm not sure if you already do this, but I'll just tell you what I have done which seems to allow me to just meet his daily needs when I'm at work.

I pump before leaving for work, twice at work, and also once before going to bed (of course when he was still getting up in the middle of the night, I make sure it's at last 3 hours before his next feeding).

By doing this it gave me an ever-so-slight oversupply on days off (when I don't pump), but it has allowed me to meet his needs on work days.

HTH

Sizzline · March 2010

Thank you so much, ladies! I'm feeling a lot better today about everything, and all of your comments and support helped me more than you know. I am doing everything I can to make sure my baby is happy, healthy, and well-fed and that is the most important thing. Thank you again!

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