Thanks for all the support last week. It was a tough month.
When I posted last Monday I was actually on a downward spiral. I went home for the day shortly after and later spiked a 103 fever (after taking Tylenol!) Yikes. It was terrible. Ended up going to after hours doctor, then deciding to take Ellie to my parents for the week.
I was pretty much better by Tuesday morning, but stayed in SJ until Saturday. I breastfed all week hoping to get my supply back up. Offered the breast at least every 2 hours, but stayed away from the pump. Started eating more as soon as I could and watched my fluid intake.
Today is my first day back at work and the pump, and yeah, my supply is still way down. I'll be lucky to get 2 bottles worth today. She takes 4 a day. So, we will be supplementing and maybe I can increase my supply over the next few days. She had been cranky in the afternoons the last few days and now I wonder if I was starving her.
Re: My BFing update
I'm glad your feeling better and that you found a way to fight through it all. I never produced enough milk to fully feed either of my kids ( and not for lack of serious trying) but they both we perfectly happy to have the breast when available and take the bottle when it wasn't.
As for starving her, I was starving Andrew in the beginning and he was unconsolable when he wasn't getting enough milk and only feel asleep from sheer exhaustion
. I know it's next to impossible but try not to blame yourself for the crankies.
I'm glad you are feeling better. I'm sorry feeling better didn't = the return of your milk supply. You've done so much and it must sting.
Even if you have to supplement, it doesn't have to mean the end of the nursing releationship. If you want to continue and she wants to continue when there is milk, it can work.
I supplemented some (like one bottle a week or so) once I went back to work. And I stopped pumping at 14 months and have continued nursing when we are together.
IMO it's wonderful that you're still producing! I think you can get that supply back in a little time (and cheesecake)
I agree too, don't get down on yourself for the crankies. Remember too, baby will always get more direct from the spigot than the pump will.
Ditto Stef! I hope you, J, and E stay healthy now for a LONG time!
PM me for our family/baby blog
Haley Beth ~ March 3rd, 2011
This is what I was going to say.
(hugs) You are literally giving her everything you've got. Be proud. Let everything else fall into place as it may.
I'm sorry that things have been so roough but know that you are providing so much already and being a great mom!
In regards to increasing your supply, have you tried oatmeal? I'm eclusively pumping because of latch issues and I've been able to increase my supply by eating oatmeal. I make 2 servings every morning and eat it throughout the day. I add raisins and vanilla to it as well as brown sugar so it's easier to eat throughout the day.
Hang in there!