Community› The Bump Month Clubs› November 2014 Moms
November 2014 Moms
New Discussion

Breastfeeding struggles

alysonmhalysonmh member
in November 2014 Moms
Breastfeeding is so important to me so I'm pretty frustrated with the issues I'm having. I had no issues when breastfeeding my daughter 10 years ago, I had more milk than I knew what to do with so I thought it would be the same this time around but I was wrong. I just don't seem to be producing quite enough and was hoping to get tips from other moms who may have experienced similar issues.

My son is now 10 days old.  For the first 3-4 days I breastfed exclusively but my son lost 14% of his body weight so the pediatrician recommended we supplement with formula until my milk came in. I cried for an hour after the appointment because I was so disappointed in myself for not producing enough and for having to give him formula. So after breast feedings we began giving our son 2 ounces of formula to help fill him up and gain some weight back. Today, 6 days later he is now only taking 1 ounce of supplemented formula after I breastfeed him maybe 3 times a day, he doesn't need the supplemented formula for every feeding. So I know my supply is increasing but I thought by now (10 days after birth) he wouldn't be needing any formula what so ever. I've tried fenugreek and I will let him nurse for over an hour back an forth between breasts before I will offer the ounce of formula to supplement.

My OB has prescribed Reglan to increase my supply but I haven't started taking it because of the potential side effects, I consider it more of a last resort. She also recommended pumping for 5-10 minutes after each feeding to create more of a demand but I feel like if I'm nursing him for at least an hour each time, how can an extra 5 minutes help? His latch is great, the only issue that he has is falling asleep at the breast a lot. I will change him between breasts, dress him down to his diaper and play with his hands/head to try and keep him awake.

Am I not doing something I could be? Does anyone have experience with how effective Reglan is and if so what side effects did you experience? Do you think the extra 5-10 minutes of pumping could really make a difference if I'm already nursing so long? Did your milk increase even after 10 days after birth? Any other tips?

I just want to say I know formula isn't the devil and giving him a few ounces a day isn't the end of the world but I really want to exclusively breastfeed. I'm also concerned that if I don't get my supply up it will vanish after I return to work. As it is I can't get more than half an ounce when I pump if I'm lucky. Any tips and advice are greatly appreciated.
Report Reply to Post

Re: Breastfeeding struggles

  • alysonmhalysonmh member
    No I haven't tried those yet but I definitely will!
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • moroccojademoroccojade member
    Motherlove makes some tinctures that are pretty potent.  

    Domperidone is also a drug that can really help.  Different side effects than Reglan...   but you might "prefer" them over Reglan's.  
    Daisypath Happy Birthday tickers
    Lilypie - (C6hS)

    Report Reply
  • wildflower75wildflower75 member
    Brewers Yeast pills helped me and I do believe that pumping will also help!
    Lilypie First Birthday tickers image     Lilypie Second Birthday tickers  imageDaisypath Anniversary tickers  image


    Report Reply
  • thedjinn88thedjinn88 member
    My cousin was having the same problem, she feeds her daughter both sides and then pumps after. She says her supply has increased so much. She is able to keep her well fed now. So I would try the extra pumping and see if it helps. She also is able to feed her the pumped breastmilk instead of formula so she likes that part as well.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"