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Very sad about low supply! Need advice!

Tarebear17Tarebear17 member
in Breastfeeding
Crying because im scared I wont be able tofeed my daughter. I pump all the time and cannot produce enough to keep her happy. She has started taking about 3oz at six weeks, any less and she cries. I am going to try breast feeding some more to see if that helps, but she doesn't latch well, my nipples become destroyed, and im forced to only pump. I'm on the verge of having to give formula which has me in tears. I feel like a failure. Why won't my milk go up? I don't have very much extra time to go see a consultant when my baby is constantly crying. She cries a lot! She has tummy troubles and gas al the time. To top it off, I just accidentally spilled a bottle of milk in the middle of the night because I am so tired. Literally crying over spilled milk. Help! I feel so sad.
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Re: Very sad about low supply! Need advice!

  • etayisloveetayislove member
    You really need to go see a lactation consultant dear, they understand about crying babies, truly they do. You could also contact your local La Leche League leaders, they can help you over the phone.
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  • ldmwldmw member
    I'm a low producer who pumps and feeds my pumped milk supplemented with formula. I've tried every thing possible to increase my milk supply. I'm still a low producer but what I have found that made a difference in my supply is power pumping and acupuncture. I tried all of the foods, drinks, and supplements but didn't see a difference in supply.

    Please know that however your baby gets fed you are a great mom. Don't be upset if you have to supplement with formula. I know from experience it's hard to come to terms with, but now that I made that decision four weeks ago I'm feeling so much better knowing my baby gets as much milk as I can produce and formula. She's happy and healthy and that's what matters
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  • marijaa333marijaa333 member
    Have you tried pumping? I also recommend seeing a lactation consultant as soon as you can. All isn't lost! However, even if you don't have enough milk, it is NOT uncommon, it is NOT any sort of failure, and you are doing great. In the old days, you would have just had a wet nurse (a woman who naturally produces a ton of milk) help you out. Today, there is nothing wrong with supplementing with formula!

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  • nursej519nursej519 member
    It sounds like your LO might be crying all the time because she is hungry. How has her weight gain been? I had the same problem and ultimately decided to give up pumping because it was so stressful. Stress can decrease your supply as well. I would say try fenugreek, oatmeal, eating a well balanced diet, trying to get enough sleep (even if that means your SO needs to take a feed whole you pump), and decrease your stress. I totally understand where you are coming fr and how you want to do what is best for your LO and that is give them breast milk. But honestly, if you aren't taking care of yourself, then your body won't produce enough milk (which is why I quit. I was struggling to take care of myself AND continue the routine I was in).

    Some moms have to do half formula, half breast milk because their supply never increases and that is OKAY. Your LO is still getting that great nutrition and antibodies from you. You really should make an appointment with a lactation consultant though. They offer great advice about more than just breast feeding.
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  • bjackson0524bjackson0524 member
    I'm so sorry to read this :( decreased milk supply is the most frustrating thing I've dealt with ever. It's just stressful. Anyway, here's some helpful tips: try mother's milk tea. It's not delicious, but it should help. Also visit the website www.thebreastcookieever.com for lactation cookies! They will help you! The website has a FAQ link as well! Good luck!
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  • FunnyGal18FunnyGal18 member
    Sometimes it happens. Try nipple shields! I wish that I had thought of it when I was breastfeeding bc my nipples were just like yours and the pain was ridiculous. My dh convinced me to start pumping and using bottles. I still regret that decision but you do the best you can.

    Drink more water, try to rest, and eat some protein. Big hugs! Hang in there.


    If you have to give formula, it's ok.
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