Conflicted: Have I done everything?

Mom MD (in-training) · December 2011

I apologize in advance for the length of this post but I'm really at my wits end:(

I'm a strong advocate for breastfeeding and have really been through the ringer to continue breastfeeding my daughter. In the first few weeks she was extremely tired, so it was difficult for her to stay awake long enough to nurse. I met w/a LC twice to get us over the hump. Finally after 3 weeks she regained her birthweight back w/o any supplements.

Next, came several episodes of kidney stones and surgery (all of which I managed to continue nursing even while passing a stone).

Then it was back to school as a 2nd year medical student. I'm fortunate enough to have my MIL as a primary caregiver, but unfortunately she does not share my enthusiasm for breastfeeding. I've constantly had to deal w/comments about how my milk is going to dry up, how my daughter can't possibly be getting enough milk from me, and how I starve my child.....you get the picture. I'm so paranoid about my breastfeeding efforts being sabotaged that I only leave the house when I have something mandatory at school.

My cycles returned about 3 months ago and last month my supply really started to tank. It was so bad that my daughter would not nurse for the entire day and I could not pump any milk out for 4 days. I completely panicked and did everything I could think of.....fenugreek, mother's tea, pumping every 2 hrs, hydration, and acupuncture. It did get better but I'm having to regularly supplement 1 bottle/day (sometimes more) because my daughter has no patience for my let down and my supply is still low.

Once we worked out the initial bugs, nursing was such a pleasurable experience for the both of us. However, for the last month I have dreaded nursing during the day and find myself holding my breath (hoping and praying) that my daughter will have a "good" nursing session. Truthfully, the only time that she is undistracted and nurses well is when she wakes up at 5 am. The rest of the day is so stressful for both of us. I'm really considering throwing in the towel and "giving into" her demands (i.e. I want milk now and don't want to wait for your let down mommy). About the only thing I have not tried yet is domperidine. I'm not the type to give up but if the domperidine doesn't work then I'm afraid I'll have no other choice:( Any stories of inspiration or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

jcsumm0 · December 2011

First of all, you are doing an awesome job. I do think it is worth it to try the dom. My dr (who is a family physician and also an IBCLC) said she really believes that reglan and dom are the only things that have been proven to work. And if it doesn't work for you, well, then you aren't any worse off than before.

You've gone through so much to give her the best start, you should be really proud of yourself. Keep in mind that many women are able to nurse part-time with their babies for many months, so if it would make you both happy, you could also consider cutting down BFing sessions to times when you know you will both be relaxed.

I hope the dom works for you and that you will be proud of yourself for all you've done!!

LnR70707 · December 2011

First I'd just like to say that 7 months is awesome for overcoming what you have! I had major supply issues and EPing ended up being the only option for me for a while (along with supplementing)...I finally took domperidone about 3 months in and it got my supply up enough that I can nurse DS in the morning without having to worry that he isn't getting enough. I still need to pump the rest of the day because my supply was really, really low to start with, but it got me from almost 50/50 supplementing while pumping every 3 hrs around the clock to only giving one formula bottle at bedtime and being able to pump every 4-5 hrs, with a 6-7 hr stretch at night.

Birdies08 · December 2011

I don't have any advice, but I just want to say that you are a rock star. It sounds like you have have gone above and beyond to keep giving LO the best- way to go! I wish you well in the future and in continuing your nursing relationship, but no matter what the outcome, be proud of what you've done.

JenWhite123 · December 2011

Birdies08:
I don't have any advice, but I just want to say that you are a rock star. It sounds like you have have gone above and beyond to keep giving LO the best- way to go! I wish you well in the future and in continuing your nursing relationship, but no matter what the outcome, be proud of what you've done.

I agree 100%. BR has been a struggle for DD and I from Day 1. I have tried everything, including Reglan (which made me EXTREMELY tired). I am throwing in the towel and am going to start weaning her.... I hate to do it, but I've given it EVERYTHING I have and she still is not content ... hungry all the time.... It makes me sad, but I think it's best for both of us.

drcolleen · December 2011

7 mo is great, it's your call from there, even if you only nurse in the mornings or compromise somehow. I was a resident when I had DD1 so long hours can be hard, kudos for the 7mo. As to the domperidone, I just want you to be sure you do your checking, during my CLC training they referenced some instances where the prescribing doc and patient were fined for this rx since it is not FDA approved and imported from abroad - I haven't verified but would never recommend it to a pt because of this (I'm also a military doc who likes her license to practice medicine).

BeetleLinz1125 · December 2011

Have you tried using a supplemental nursing system using some pumped milk? That way she doesn't have to wait for the let down and it won't be as frustrating for both of you, and you might be able to let down sooner.

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