So frustrated today!

myst33 · April 2011

We had our 2 week pedi appt today. Declan has only gained 1 oz since last Tuesday and is still 6 oz below his birth weight. I feel like he is attached to my boob and was really surprised he isn't gaining. I can't help but feel like I'm failing him. Dr. said to pump to supplement and I tried that tonight but I really have no idea what I'm doing. I also think I'm now running out of milk b/c I wasn't even able to get an oz. last time, although the dr. wants me to give him at least an oz with every feeding.

In other news, my dad is here and while I appreciate the help, it's getting to be too much. Mil was here last week and dh and I have hardly had any alone time with the baby. I also don't want to talk to my dad about bf'ing and he keeps on asking questions. I don't want to be rude, but really, dad, some things I don't want to discuss with you!!!

I am so grumpy today that I can't even hide it.

StellarStina26 · April 2011

One. I am sure it will get better. Any gain is a good gain. My DD just got over her birth weight at 3 weeks. She had lost almost a whole pound after birth.

Two. If your dad wants to learn about breastfeeding or be supportive, I would let him! Support is a great thing for BFing. Or give him the link to KellyMom.com and let him read up on his own. Maybe two people reading and getting help will help your supply and your baby.

Phil&Corinna · April 2011

Hang in there!! I know how frustrating it is to feel like you're not satisfying your baby - I ended up having to supplement with formula via tube at breast in the hospital and for the first few days at home. I was also pumping 15 minutes on each side immediately after nursing. The first few times I did, I only got drops, literally. Now I usually get a few ounces per side. Just remember that you're doing your best and IF it comes to you supplementing with formula, you did your best. You could always try some natural remedies for milk production, or ask for a prescription for domperidone to increase production. My DH made these for me: https://greenbabyguide.com/2010/09/30/milk-making-cookie-recipe-enjoy-your-own-homemade-lactation-cookies/

As far as your Dad, I totally know what you mean... my dad is very interested in the breastfeeding. He's mostly concerned about LO's weight gain, and he asks about my milk, how much I'm producing, etc. At first, it was weird, but I know he is just worried about his grandbaby and me! He wants the best for you I'm sure, and for his grandbaby too!!

MarchABC · April 2011

I'm sorry! That does sound frustrating. Company and visitors are wonderful but there comes a point when you really do need alone time. It'll happen soon. Hang in there!

mommyjenny257 · April 2011

I've had difficulty getting my supply up. The LC has instructed me to take a couple of herbal supplements, and I believe they may be helping. I take 3 capsules of Fenugreek Seed 3 times/day and 3 capsules of Blessed Thistle 3 times/day. They also had me get my OB to call in a prescription for Reglan which I take twice a day (usually one at breakfast and one at lunch). It's a lot of pills, but it's making a difference. The herbal supplements can be found at Vitamin Shoppe. It's worth a shot!

Magical95 · April 2011

try the lactation cookies, oatmeal for breakfast, ovaltine (the malted on).keep trying with the pumping. the more you do it, the more your body should make. Relax while you are doing it and drink a glass of water.

hrushka13 · April 2011

You know I had a problem with my LO latching on and I still wanted to give her only breast milk. Since she wasn't latching on very well or didn't want to "work hard" to actually get more milk, my milk supply never really got established. I decided to just start pumping exclusively. So my pumping made my supply go up within 2 days, and that way I can see how much she is eating and that way she is gaining more weight. I just wanted to suggest to pump more (not just once per day) and your supply should go up more, and still give him the breast.

mrsbmw09 · April 2011

hrushka13:
You know I had a problem with my LO latching on and I still wanted to give her only breast milk. Since she wasn't latching on very well or didn't want to "work hard" to actually get more milk, my milk supply never really got established. I decided to just start pumping exclusively. So my pumping made my supply go up within 2 days, and that way I can see how much she is eating and that way she is gaining more weight. I just wanted to suggest to pump more (not just once per day) and your supply should go up more, and still give him the breast.

This! Also I found that increasing my protein intake helped with my milk supply. If you're still having trouble call a LC, they can help you more than your doctor.

perplexed59 · April 2011

I was in a similar situation. Alice lost almost 10% of her birth weight and didn't gain anything until her 2 week appointment yesterday. I was overwhelmed with visitors and overtired which didn't help and Alice had a poor latch. I locked myself in my room one day and had my husband bring me food and water and breast milk tea and just spent the day nursing whenever Alice looked like she was hungry or cried. I napped on and off all day. This helped boost my confidence that she was getting enough and that we were getting better at feeding.

We also started weighing her in a strainer on our kitchen scale every morning after her first feeding to track her weight gain ourselves. I found the midwives weren't consistant in how/when the weighed and figure that had a lot to do with it. I also weighed her before and after a couple feedings to make sure she was getting at least 1oz. Our one midwife kept telling me its early days and don't stress about it, if she is happy and not loosing anymore don't worry, it will just take time.

eeyoreem · April 2011

We have been dealing with latching issues since we got home from the hospital. I would suggest you pump after each feeding for at least 2-5 mins after the milk stops flowing, this will signal to your breasts to make more milk. I have been exclusively pumping since we got home and I'm seeing an LC on Sunday because I want to get him back on the breast.

ermimac · April 2011

Even though it's tough to take care of a newborn and pump, I always try to pump for at least 5-10 minutes after I feed LO. If I don't feel like pumping or am busy or LO is fussy, I always make an effort to pump in the morning because I always get more in the am rather than pm. I also always pump right before bed even if LO just finished a little while before because he is starting to sleep 4-7 hour stretches so I don't want my supply tanking because he is sleeping so long.

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