I'm not ready for my baby to stop getting breastmilk :(

satreece · August 2010

I wish I could write "I'm not ready for my baby to stop nursing", but he hasn't nursed in about a month. It's been me an my pump battling a dwindling supply. There were a few days last week where I decided it was okay and that, because I was pregnant again, I was going to be exhausted in a few weeks and better to just ease off of it gradually. But now that I'm easing up off the pumping, I'm finding myself in tears. Mostly I'm just sad that my baby won't nurse. Like, no matter what. I was pumping 4 times a day for only about 8-10 oz of milk. I did a few days at twice a day and yesterday and today, I just pumped once. I'm sad Is it hormones? Is it my body saying that it can't grow a baby and feed a baby? Lots of ladies do it, though - I thought I could be one of them. I'm pretty disappointed in myself

Thanks for letting me vent. DH doesn't get it.

CeltiCutie · August 2010

((hugs))

Sapphyr · August 2010

((hugs)) Nursing a baby while growing one is really hard. And hormones definitely play a factor in supply. You've done a great job in what you've been able to do. I'd say that's a success! Don't beat yourself up. You're a great mama!

papagena · August 2010

(((hugs)))

Ris1127 · August 2010

Hugs! I know it's real hard and sad! I had to stop nursing DD because my supply was nothing, she was getting 1-2 oz maybe once a day, and it was so painful. Like you I tried pumping a lot but I couldn't increase my supply. My only advice is when you would have nursed/ feed/ pumped, cuddle with your little man instead, just the two of you with no distractions. That really helped me because yes, we were no longer going to nurse but we could still be close by cuddling. I still "nurse" DD by rocking her and cuddling a few times a day and for bed. Again big hugs and it's ok to be sad but it will get better

GL and congrats on the new little one on the way:)

DestinationWeddingKeyWest · August 2010

Nursing while you are pg is so taxing on your body. Yes it can be done but I don't judge at all...DD was still nursing when I got pg and I only lasted 3 weeks after I found out I was pg. Your baby got many months of bm, don't be hard on yourself.

Just FYI Babys Only has formula without the high fructose corn syrup, etc in it.

aspade · August 2010

((hugs))

DD had a nursing strike around ten months, and I was so not ready to stop. I feel for you.

But know that when your milk comes back in, your LO may start nursing again! It's entirely possible.

crackerjackprinter · August 2010

I think most women who are trying to nurse while pregnant experience a significant drop in supply. It's simply hormonal, so sadly no amount of the usual supply boosters will work. There's nothing you could have done differently. SOME women have no issues but I certainly wasn't one of them. Some of it depends on the kid too. Some just don't desire to nurse without the milk there.

So don't beat yourself up. And find more special time for you two that can hopefully help with the emotional difficulty of weaning.

satreece · August 2010

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate the support

(as always)

SoonToBeMrsLavigne · August 2010

Nursing when you're pregnant is hard. I am 27 weeks pregnant and still nursing and pumping. I take medication to help with my supply because it dropped drastically in the beginning of the second tri. My son refused to. Nurse in the beginning but within a week he was nursing again. I am hoping we make it to a year with the freezer stash we have and plan to tandum nurse. It can be done!

FutureMrsLemon · August 2010

((hugs)) mama. I know what you are feeling. I am struggling with a low supply and pumping is not helping. Nothing is helping really. So I do sort of know how you feel. But think of the positives. He has had momma's milk for almost a year! That is awesome and so much more than some babies get!!