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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
gymkatinka
member
XP-Please help-going nuts (not enough milk/formula trouble/acid reflux)
gymkatinka
member
Hi Ladies, I wasn't sure where to post this...So it's also on the Breastfeeding board (not to be obnoxious).I'm overwhelmed and sleep deprived and need some support/input.My LO is 4 weeks old.When she was born,I wanted to EBF. Before we left the hospital, she stated getting really cranky after hours of nursing.The LC-s told me, it's because she did not latch properly,bla bla.After I learned the proper latch, at home, I ran into the same situation.The pedi said, she was crying because she was hungry and it turned out, I had no milk...so I had to give her formula to make sure she gained weight. Fast forward a few days, LO started spitting up while I tried to breast feed and supplemented with formula.Then the pedi says, that she has acid reflux.She did gain weight was thriving, but was very fussy and would not nap at all.My milk was still not coming in, partly, because I did not have time to pump between feedings.I read a lot about how to increase the milk supply, but I did not have time to pump or sleep or take care of myself.We have no family in town, and DH works so it's really just me taking care of the baby.While giving her formula along with the little breast milk I have, I was able to pump enough to do "experiments" on seeing if it's the formula that males her miserable.LO really seems better on breast milk, much calmer and actually takes naps.But I don't have enough milk to EBF.I tried nursing her all weekend but after feedings, I had to make sure she burps (which she has a hard time doing) and deal with her fussiness, so again, I could not pump to make sure I was completely empty.BTW, she does not spit up all the time, and is gaining weight nicely. I'm not sure what to do.I really-really want to breast feed only.I'm still struggling to find a formula that doesn't make her miserable, NOT that I want to feed her that.I just feel like I don't have a choice. Any advice please?Thank you for reading!
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Re: XP-Please help-going nuts (not enough milk/formula trouble/acid reflux)
Hi, I don't have experience with reflux but just wanted to send you some encouragement!
I had to supplement DS (now 3yrs) starting when he was 2 days old because he was jaundice and then a few day later he wasn't gaining enough weight. Formula is not the devil and I am one that believes that formula can be part of successful breastfeeding. By that I mean BF doesn't have to be all or nothing. With that said you're good to be trying to address it now - the sooner the better.
Try pumping even just once a day, and don't be discouraged if you only get 1/2 oz. I was told it was better to pump right after a feeding, not between feedings. The reason was this would stimulate more milk to come "at the same time" as a feeding would be. This can be tricky with managing a little one. I think I nursed and then tried to hold DS with one hand while I used the other hand to pump - I can't really remember. I used a hand pump (Medela Harmony).
Also, when DH is home at night - yes, he's probably tired, but ask for his help (specific instructions can be good) "DH I really need your help, as soon as I'm done nursing can you please take LO and feed the bottle (entertain/whatever) so that I can pump for 10 minutes?"
I liked using the 2oz Medela bottles because then I didn't waste a drop transferring to another bottle and they came in a 12-pack. I think I bought them at Target. (sorry not clicky) https://www.target.com/p/Medela-Breastmilk-Feeding-and-Storage-Bulk-Pack-12-pk/-/A-10697113
One last thought on the formula... are you shaking it to mix it? We found DS spit up more when the bottle was shaken rather than swirled or stirred because of the air that gets mixed in when shaking. Also found generic to be less bubbly than Similac.
Good luck!