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Breastfeeding
Rachie_B
member
Giving up on Breastfeeding?? :-(
Rachie_B
member
My sweet Sophia will be 11 weeks old on Monday. She was born 11 weeks early. Her first six weeks were spent in the NICU where she got 100% pumped breast milk. The week before she was released my supply decreased significantly. I went from pumping 4 ounces to less than 1. I'm not sure if it was the stress of preparing things for her homecoming or the lack of sleep that decreased my supply so much. She has been on Neosure and I'm still only pumping less than an ounce per pumping. I find it very difficult to pump between feeding her bottles, holding her (reflux), and trying to sleep. I've been using Fenegreek and Reglan and have not had any success. My period has already returned and I have PCOS. I feel absolutely horrible about even considering stopping... but at the same time she freaks out after a minute at the breasts cause there is such little milk and I'm pumping less than 1/2 to 1 ounce per pumping. She eats at least 4 ounces per feeding right now, so I'm not even able to provide 1/4 of her milk. Do I keep pumping or am I wasting my time for the 1/2 to 1 ounce I'm getting??
Sophia Elizabeth born at 28 weeks, 6 days. Weighing 3lbs, 3oz and 15 1/8" long.
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Re: Giving up on Breastfeeding?? :-(
I'm definitely not an expert but the more you can get her to feed from you the more milk you will produce! have her get as much as she can from you and then pump straight after.
I also agree with PP if it's too much then you need to do what YOU feel is best. Stress does indeed decrease milk supply also.
I can say I would totally understand but also must throw in you have to do what feels right for you. If it's stressing you to much, that will not help your supply either and it could just be a cycle that will continue.
I can understand though because it has crossed my mind as well and I haven't dealt with what you are going through. I just have to use nipple shields because of short nipples, my LO constantly feeds (I mean 24/7 and has since he was born, this can't possibly be cluster feeding), I am having a rough time using a pump I think because of my short nipples, then one of my breast is always always engorged and to top it off yesterday I had to go see my Dr. and it turns out I now have mastitis and my LO doesn't want to drain my breast, wants to fall asleep on it all of the time, and then since the pumping thing doesn't work, I get barely any and end up in pain.
My point being, you have to do what is right for you, and I'm sure plenty of people would understand why you made that decision, your's is a tough situation.
GL!
I PMed you about the same issues we share
!
I am in the same boat. I only produce 1/4 of what my baby needs. I breastfeed, then bottle feed about 4oz, then pump. I get about 1oz per pumping. I figure, if I get 8oz of pumped milk every 24 hours, that is 8oz of my antibodies and other priceless nutrients that he can't get from formula. If it doesn't absolutely kill you, I think pumping as much as you can would be very good for your baby....That's what I am doing.
But, if it's driving you insane and reducing the quality of life, I think the best thing for you and baby is for you to be relaxed and happy. Do what makes you happy and healthy, and that is what will make baby the happiest/healthiest in the long run!
I think part of the problem is that the letdown reflex kicks in 6 weeks postpartum - I ran into the issue and also got my AF back way to soon...it is unfortunately a vicious cycle - I recommend that you kick your husband out of bed one night and keep DD close to you -skin in skin-to get her acquainted with your breasts again. The more you get her to feed on your breast the more likely you are to see an increase in your supply.
Other things to consider: Get a Complex Vitamin B Supplement and add it to your diet, talk to your Dr about Domperidone instead of Reglan (the side effects of Reglan are horrendous in comparison to Domperidone) - the only thing is that it is illegal to buy or sell in the US - but you can buy it on the internet...inhousepharmacy.com is what I used.
By the end of the day though - having a happy and well rested mother is what is going to make the biggest impact on your childs life- so honestly if you feel you need to let breastfeeding go you should do so without feeling guilty. You gave it your best shot!
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)