Community› The Bump Month Clubs› October 2011 Moms
October 2011 Moms
New Discussion

How long would you keep trying??

Allie7508Allie7508 member
in October 2011 Moms

DS will be 1 month tomorrow and has been having BF issues since day 1. He will latch on, but not actually eat - just suck and comfort nurse. We have been meeting with a lactation consultant once or twice a week since week 1. Because he is not actually nursing, my supply has been really low. I am currently taking fenugreek and more milk special blend to increase my supply and pumping after each time he nurses (every 3 hours). Even with all of that I am only pumping a total of 1/3 to 1 oz each session...

I really would like to breastfeed because I know how good it is for baby, but it is currently taking about an hour to do feedings (about 20-30 mins attempted BF, 15 or so minutes to give a supplemental bottle, and 15 mins of pumping) which is exhausting - especially when it seems that we aren't getting anywhere... If you were in this situation, how long would you keep trying?? 

Report Reply to Post

Re: How long would you keep trying??

  • AWomanInLoveAWomanInLove
    I think I would look for another LC or ask my pedi for help after that long trying
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • UofMWolverinesUofMWolverines

    I would second PP's suggestion to consult a different lactation consultant... not because the one you've been working with has been wrong or bad, per se... just to get a second opinion.

    I think that it would drive me nuts to attempt breastfeeding for 20-30 minutes every 3 hours when I knew that my LO was not actually eating.  Could you possibly reduce the amount of time or the frequency at which he's at the breast each day?  I understand that you need to keep offering it to him but maybe some minor changes would help you to tolerate this struggle a bit better.  Or... could you temporarily switch your focus, pump more often to get your supply up, and feed him with EBM?  And then return to more of a focus on getting him to latch on?

    It's hard.  I know it's hard.  No one can tell you how long to keep trying, though.  That's entirely a personal decision.  Hang in there!  It will work out just fine no matter what you decide.

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Runnergirl2242Runnergirl2242 member
    I know its hard. I think that I would try a second opinion first before I gave up. Disclaimer: I say that as a mom who gave up too soon with my first. He had all sorts of issues and I have such deep regret. Some may not have the regret that I have. Its okay to give up when you feel like you can not get any help. I would also consider exclusive pumping and just have relaxing skin to skin time with baby with no worries that he is or is not eating enough. That might help.
    DS Born 10/05/99 DSS Born 7/11/95 BFP 05/11/10 - Missed M/C, D&C 06/23/10 BFP 8/3/2010 - Ectopic, Methotrexate 8/17/10 BFP 1/27/11- Please God let this heart beat strong. Beta1 17dpo-314 Beta2 20dpo-883 Beta3 22dpo-1861 Beta4 25dpo-5918 DS2 Born 10/07/99 "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he shall be given over to the LORD." 1Sam1v24to28.
    Report Reply
  • cfitz16cfitz16 member
    With my son it took a month and 4 LCs before we "got it".  Then we breast fed until he was 16 months.  My advice is to keep trying.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • iggy.diggy.d member
    My situation sounds very similar. After 3 LCs and many pedi appts I told myself I would try try try for one month. After that I may just end up pumping and bottle feeding any breast milk I do get, but it's looking like I will always have to supplement with formula too. :( Not what I planned but at least he is now gaining and healthy. 
    BFP#1 10/5/09 | Heartbeat 11/1/09 | D&C 11/24/09 (no hb)
    BFP#2 02/18/11 * Beta@15dpo=215 * @18dpo=698 * @20dpo=2337 * @25dpo=10,931 * DS Arrived October 24, 2011
    BFP#3 08/12 | D&C 9/12 (no hb)
    BFP#4 Due May 1, 2014 Stick baby stick!
    Report Reply
  • stardust317stardust317 member
    I gave it up around 4 weeks. I could pump enough milk toss sustain her, but we had the same issue. I would give her 20-30 minutes on the boob. She would fall asleep, but as soon as I tried to move she would scream. No after how long I let her feed, after would try to move her, she would scream and cry and act like she was starving. Then I would give her a bottle, and then I would have to pump. I found the routine very stressful for both of us, and since then i've been pumping exclusively. My supply's become borderline enough for her, and I think she just hit a growth spurt, so last night she got formula mixed in with her breast milk. At 4 weeks, I cried a lot over having to supplement. I have since made my peace with it
    Report Reply
  • MrsClark8109MrsClark8109 member
    We ran into this scenario-- I started exclusively pumping and bottle feeding it ( I wanted to make sure I didn't lose my supply entirely) and then would comfort nurse maybe 1ce a day....that lasted about 2 weeks and now DD can nurse like a champion. I think I was stressing myself out before and that made it harder...
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • GuillermaGuillerma member
    I agree with trying  a different LC.. Also, ask them about using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS). We had similar issues and the SNS seemed to help it click with her that food was supposed to come from the boob, just like it does from the bottle. It helps keep them interested until your supply builds.
    Waiting for #3!

    BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"