Emotional, need support, 1st time mom! Born 05/04

cromanow · May 2011

Hi ladies ... I need some support/encouragement ...

We had our beautiful daughter on 05/04 @ 7pm ... she is the ? of my life!

She latched on like a champ after my vaginal delivery and has been feeding great ever since. We came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and our first night was ok (tired) she was up every 2 hrs to feed - which is ok.

Here is my problem - since leaving the hospital she had not had a poopy diaper. Her ped wanted to see her this morning and gave her a sapository (sp?) and now wants us to give her 1oz of formula every other feeding and ensure we are feeding every 2 hrs - also waking her to feed.

The problem is My milk has not come in! I am an emotional mess ... I really really really want BFing to go well. My DH is sooooo supportive but I am so sad I need to give her formula.

She was born 8.5lbs ... left the hospital @ 7.5 ... and today @ ped 7.1 ... ped said since she lost 11% she needs the extra nutrition.

I know that of 7pm today she is only 3 days old - but I think I am beating myself up for my milk not coming in ... and I cant really control it.

Please offer me some support or your experiences ... @ this point I have only 2 supportive BFing mommy friends and Im too emotional to call and it is really late.

danactabor · May 2011

Try putting her to the breast as much as possible. You may have to use formula until your milk comes in but make sure that you are offering your breast as much as LO will take it. Just because you use formula until your milk comes in doesn't mean that you have to continue using it. Try calling a LC first thing tomorrow morning and get her advice. Good luck and hang in there.

urbanflowerpot · May 2011

Deep breath!! It's OK! it will all be OK. Losing weight is normal - my guy came in at 3 lbs 11oz and then dropped to 3 and 3, so imagine that

Your girl is like a heavyweight champ! Your milk will come in - try to relax, I know it's hard. I had to do it with a pump, alone. I thought I'd shoot through the roof with tension. Watch something while you feed...just relax and drink a ton of water. DS didn't poop at first, either. Sometimes it takes a little longer, but she'll catch up! she's only been in the world for three days

JDoe11111 · May 2011

it gets better. it all gets better. you survived 9+ months of making LO, the crazy process of birth, the first night home - you can do it. it all gets better.

ChristineVet · May 2011

I know how you feel.. my LO didn't lose quite that % of his BW, but the hospital really wanted us to supplement him before they'd let us take him home (he was little, so they worried more about him losing weight). We used an SNS and formula for a few days to supplement him, but once my milk came in we didn't need it anymore. It did take about 3-4 days for my milk to come in.. so don't beat yourself up, you can't control it! I was very upset about having to give him formula, but it was only for a few days and it was what he needed. Now we are happily breastfeeding.

Don't worry - if she needs some formula, I'd give it. I'm no pro, but your milk should come in soon. Maybe a call to a lactation consultant in the AM would help? The LC did have me try to pump inbetween feedings and give him what colostrum I was getting. This also helped stimulate my milk production.

Good luck! It sounds like you are doing a great job thus far, and only want the best for your little girl!

cromanow · May 2011

Thank you all so much! I think that I will call the lactation consultant tmrw and go from there. I am just so hesitant to call my family bc so many of them and my friends are judgemental and BFing did not work out for them.

I am so greatful that at least someone understands. Thanks again! (tear)

urbanflowerpot · May 2011

I understand! believe me, when the world constantly corrects you while you're pg and saying you will bf - most people say IF you can, you mean. - and you're like, no, I CAN. all that had shaken me up so badly that when I was standing there in NICU in my hospital gown and having to give permission to things I never thought would be an issue...well, I got a ton of perspective and a big dose of 'it will all work out fine.'

Mystery2B · May 2011

You can do it!

Just keep putting her to the breast and your milk will come in soon! And you'll know when it does Stick out tongue Make sure to put her to the breast BEFORE you give her the formula so she is still BF and providing stimulation. Also, if you have a pump you could pump while DH gives her the bottle for added stimulation.

Good luck!

pitterpatter129 · May 2011

Mine didn't come in until day TEN and we are all very healthy and thriving now! Hang in there and supplement if needed. Try to feed as much as possible - you feel like that's all you do those first few weeks! It will work out! Congrats on your new little one!

daniellepanda · May 2011

I had a c/s after a failed induction due to pre-e so my milk didnt come in until day 6! We supplemented with gerber goodstart while still in the hospital to risk him loosing any more weight, since he was born at only 6lbs15oz and was down to 6lbs 5oz when we left the hospital when he was 2 days old. We supplemented through a nipple shield and a feeding tube connected to the formula tube (similar to a SNS system) so that he was getting colostrum , the small amount of formula and also stimulating the breast at the same time. By 1 week old he was back to his birth weight, we stopped the supplementing the day my milk came in on day 6. Also pumping in between feedings for at least 15 minutes will help with your milk coming in. It is extremely tiring, frustrating and at times you want to just throw in the towel at 4am when having to do all this when it is much easier to just give a bottle, but dont worry it does get better! by week 2 we were successfully feeding with no issues and by 3 weeks I finally enjoyed breastfeeding. We are still going strong at 3 months and no plans to stop anytime soon even though I return to work on tuesday I will continue to pump as well. You should really call a LC consultant in the am and they can help you with a SNS nursing system until your milk fully comes in- https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeeding-devices/51/supplemental-nursing-system-sns

PinkGirlInCali · May 2011

Your milk will probably come in on her 4th or 5th say. My baby boy was born last Saturday and by Wednesday engorged wasn't even the word. I could barely lay on my side or put on a sports bra I was so full! Doc said that's typical for the 4th or 5th day. GL!

kimoly · May 2011

I agree with the suggestion about using the supplemental nursing system (available on amazon from Medela), and I would also talk to a Lactation Specialist. I am using the Supplemental Nursing System now to increase my milk (had major complications after a c-section, DS did not want to BF, my milk never really "came in," etc.) and in just a week I see a significant increase in my milk. GL!!

themargo · May 2011

don't give up your goal of bf'ing! be assertive with your pedi about wanting to nurse. don't be afraid to do that because formula will wake away from her nursing and helping your milk come in. have her latch on and suck a lot. and stay positive. that helps a lot. i never thought i would make it to 6 months breastfeeding because it is so challenging, but i will, and go beyond! i know it's hard now, but trust me and keep going with all that you have. you will feel so proud and happy when it all works out. good luck!!

cwhitloc · May 2011

Hang in there. BF is a supply and demand issue. Just make sure you keep feeding her. Feed her first and then give formula. The sucking action will tell your body to start producing milk. If it doesn't come in after day 5, don't stress. Call a lactation consultant for additional advice. You can BF if your milk comes in later. Good luck!

heehee611 · May 2011

Everyone else has given you great advice, and I just wanted to add that with my 1st son, my milk didn't come in until day 4. Just keep baby nursing at least every 2 hours even if you are also supplementing, and then hopefully you'll be able to stop the formula. Good luck and this is an awesome board to come to!

toadybug · May 2011

I felt the same way. My milk was slow to come in (it took 10 days actually!) and I had to supplement with formula. At first I really beat myself up over it and cried a lot. You'll get through this and have your LO BFing in no time.

carrotcake06 · May 2011

Just wanted to add that my milk was also slow to come in - I wasn't engorged until day 5. You're doing a great job, mama!

Vincent · May 2011

I can relate to your post even though my issue was and continues to be a latching issue. LO was born 3 weeks early after an emergency caesarean and right from the start I had to supplement with formula in the hospital because my milk hadn't come in. I only stopped a few days ago and at that point my milk was available so I can understand the beating yourself up part completely. (see my post on this board https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53016690.aspx) My plan has always been to BFE so it was a disappointment. I also don't have any BF support accept the LC which doesn't help on a weekend. So far, being on this site has really opened my eyes, the advice is so ready available and the personal experiences doesn't make me feel alone. So far the advice that has gotten me through it all is "Don't give up and stick with it". Just know you're not alone and I look forward to seeing an update post.

SkiesOfBlue · May 2011

Everything will be OK. My LO was born on a Thursday at 7 lbs 8 oz. That Sunday she was down to 6 lbs 6 oz. We supplemented with formula using an SNS (from medela - I was also pumping after every feeding) and by Monday she was 6 lbs 8 oz. Tuesday we tossed the SNS. It took 5 days for my milk too come in. Nearly 3 months later she is EBF and gaining like she should. It is normal for your milk to take several days to come in. It's ok to supplement with formula - she will be OK and you will get back on track. Don't give up - everything sounds totally normal!

MAMAxB · May 2011

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

My biggest mentality with feeding my first one was

#1 TRUST YOU BODY - God created women to BF - you're body was created for it - don't have any negative thoughts that you CAN'T or that you have issues.

#2 - Make sure your fluids are up! I drank a glass of milk or water everytime my DD nursed (about every 2 hrs too) I was VERY full but I would rather deal with that than have not enough.

#3 - Do a daily mantra while you are nursing. I always said something like "My milk is flowing to my baby. God created me to provide food for my baby. I am providing my baby with everything she needs. My milk is flowing..."

-- I know this seems silly to people, but it really really works.

GL girl

Want a personalized experience?

Emotional, need support, 1st time mom! Born 05/04

Re: Emotional, need support, 1st time mom! Born 05/04

Choose Another Board

Search Boards