Breastfeeding - end of my rope :(

Re: Breastfeeding - end of my rope :(

• AshleeDockter member

  December 2014

  I had to do it too! It was awful just keep going I promise it will get better. I was having to feed for 45 min then supplement then pump every 2-3 hours it was awful. Now I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and feeding her from a bottle till she back up to birth weight and then we going to try to get her back to breast. Try to keep with it if possible but keep yourself sane as well ebf is hard.

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• ssstephanie214 member

  December 2014 edited December 2014

  I had a baby with early weight gain problems too.
  
  I mistook my baby for cluster feeding when really her tongue tie prevented her from eating for very long. Instead she'd be up every 45 mins, hour, 2 hrs to eat for 10 mins on one side and then fall asleep. Couldn't get her to wake up to eat on the other side. Didn't have pinching or clicking so I didn't think her tongue tie was that big of a deal.
  
  First ped put me on the same supplementary pumping regimen as you and it sucked. We decided to wait out the frenulum clipping procedure to see if supplementing solved the problem.
  
  Second ped rated the severity of her tongue tie a 7 out of 10 (I asked her to rate it on a scale). We had it clipped and it made a huge difference in her consumption and gain. Something you might want to look into like amyg said--could be discreet latching problem.
  
  *also the thing with LCs I've learned is that every one has their own opinion so you can't really take anyone's word as bond. So much of this baby stuff is trial and error

  BABY GIRL, 11-11-14 

  
  

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• Stephaniegiboney member

  December 2014

  Also, if it ends up that you have to pump or even give formula, don't beat yourself up. I've been struggling with breastfeeding on and off for two months (some days better than others) and finally due to exhaustion and anxiety have begun supplementing with formula at times during the day/evening the last two days. It's like having a different baby. She's finally getting enough to eat, is in a better mood, is sleeping and taking naps. My mental health is already on the up. Do what is best for your whole family and try not to feel guilty.

  

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• jcom49 member

  December 2014

  I had a similar issue with my lo. He was gaining weight well, slow but well. My issue was with the nipple shield. While I'm grateful that it helped me breastfeed the quality of the feed was poor and my baby always seemed fussy and hungry afterward and would take 2-3 oz (he's 4wks and takes 4oz now). I've never seen a lc. I just continued to try to wean him off the nipple shield and do bottles if need be. Hes finally off the nipple shield now but if after 5 mintues into a feed he won't latch then I give him a bottle. Once he's eaten and satisfied I let him suck on the boob so he's used to the feel and usually he'll take it on the next feed.
  Its hard I wanted to give up so many times. Just keep trying, find new ways to feed that work for you and stick with that. Good luck hth.

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• AngelaL814 member

  December 2014

  I had an issue with producing enough milk for LO to gain weight. I felt horrible because she wouldn't latch on, she absolutely refuses unless I have a shield. Finally I started supplementing and taking fenugreek to increase my supply and she started gaining. She still hasn't hit 7lbs and she's almost a month old, but we are making progress. She was back to birth weight by 2 weeks so I consider that a win. I know the constant pumping sucks, but I told myself I had to do it for her. I'll say an extra prayer for you. Good luck!

                     
  

  
  

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• mamaluzi member

  December 2014

  Thanks, everyone. It's been a hard road. I have a consultation with an LC tonight, so we'll see what she says. I've been taking fenugreek all weekend and have noticed a bit of an increase, especially in the mornings, but I just hate that I can't tell how much she's getting. She'll eat for 20-40 minutes on both sides, but she's very sleepy and I can't tell if she's comfort sucking or not. I've been supplementing after some feedings with pumped milk/formula (under dr's orders) and she definitely seems more satisfied after those type of feeding sessions...I feel bad that she nurses for so long and then can still pack away 1-2.5oz of a bottle afterwards :-/ We'll see what happens...I feel better about this whole thing ATM, but I'm still not convinced that EBF is for me...last night I didn't supplement at all and she woke up every hour, and then all day today she barely napped and wanted to nurse all day - not typical, so perhaps a 2 week growth spurt? However, I can't help but think it might have to do with my supply :-/ Also, LOTS of wet diapers, but hasn't pooped in almost 2 days *sigh* Anyway, thanks...I'll keep everyone posted.

  ******************************
  October Challenge: How I feel about the 3rd trimester:
  
  
  Throwback: Hubby and I on our first date (Nov 2007), and then again on our wedding day (Nov 2012)
  
  
  

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• oklahomamom09 member

  December 2014

  aluzitano said:

  Thanks, everyone. It's been a hard road. I have a consultation with an LC tonight, so we'll see what she says. I've been taking fenugreek all weekend and have noticed a bit of an increase, especially in the mornings, but I just hate that I can't tell how much she's getting. She'll eat for 20-40 minutes on both sides, but she's very sleepy and I can't tell if she's comfort sucking or not. I've been supplementing after some feedings with pumped milk/formula (under dr's orders) and she definitely seems more satisfied after those type of feeding sessions...I feel bad that she nurses for so long and then can still pack away 1-2.5oz of a bottle afterwards :-/ We'll see what happens...I feel better about this whole thing ATM, but I'm still not convinced that EBF is for me...last night I didn't supplement at all and she woke up every hour, and then all day today she barely napped and wanted to nurse all day - not typical, so perhaps a 2 week growth spurt? However, I can't help but think it might have to do with my supply :-/ Also, LOTS of wet diapers, but hasn't pooped in almost 2 days *sigh* Anyway, thanks...I'll keep everyone posted.

  My LO woke up every hour last night to eat as well as not sleeping longer than 30 minutes today at a time. I think it is the 2 week growth spurt. Hopefully you'll get lucky like I did this morning and he gave me a 2 1/2 hour nap. Try to sleep when he sleeps and see if someone can come help out with chores and meals. Makes sure you stay hydrated. From what ice read this only lasts a few days and we can go back to 'normal' (what ever that is )

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