2nd+ moms, was your supply different?

Lipstick&LeopardPrint · June 2014

Hi ladies,

I had terrible supply issues with my first and was only able to BF for about six weeks, despite consulting my LC, eating and drinking tons, taking herbs, and feeding/pumping more than on demand. DD was losing weight at an alarming rate, and we finally switched to formula. It was tough physically because she was nursing or I was pumping all. the. time, but even more so, it was emotionally devastating.

We would like another baby, but I am afraid of having the same problems next time around. If you have more than one child, was your supply about the same with all of your babies, or did it vary from child to child? Should I expect to struggle with supply next time, or will my body "get the hang of it"? I know that not breastfeeding is no reason not to have another baby, but I need to prepare myself mentally!

Thanks in advance!

superToots · June 2014

My first was pretty much exactly like you described. And my second was soooo much better. And he's now 14 months and still nursing

I went into my second pregnancy feeling more prepared and knowledgeable about bfing. And also that it would be ok if I had to supplement, and it wouldn't make me feel like such a failure like I did last time. I credit the success to babywearing (it was the only way I got anything done with 2, and it helped my supply because he could nurse easily and constantly) and literally putting him on the boob all.the.time in the beginning (rather than pumping to increase supply). I did supplement with a few oz a day of formula pretty often for the first 6 months, but I didn't let that ruin it. Bfing doesn't have to be all or nothing. I think the stress of it all hurt me a lot with my first. Relax. It will all be fine!

jesselayne8 · June 2014

My first child had just enough and constantly felt insecure about my supply. My second kid nursed constantly. If he was awake he was on the boob. He gained 4.5lb in one month. I was also able to pump an extra 4-6oz a day to put in my freezer stash.

Lipstick&LeopardPrint · June 2014

Thanks ladies. Formula isn't the end of the world, but I felt so strongly about breastfeeding (and still do) that it was devastating when I couldn't make it happen last time. I needed the encouragement!

bumpuser260585 · June 2014

My first was just like yours. I had to stop bf by 8 weeks because he was not gaining weight. This time is so much better. DS2 is only 6 weeks but he eats well and gained over 2 lbs in his first month.

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