I've been to the LC 3 times in 6 days. I'm not producing enough milk. Just a couple cc's from each side. I'm pumping, drinking tea, taking supplements, feeding him, etc.
Today she tells me to stop BF and just pump all weekend. I pump for my first time after the appointment and get nothing from my right breast despite it being 3 hours since his last feeding. Just dribbles from my left.
I'm heart broken. I didn't know how sad I would be over this. My poor baby deserves breast milk and I'm not able to provide it right now.
Its ok. Things happen. And sometimes things don't happen the way we want them to. I know it's hard. Can you feed your baby formula? The answer is yes. Will your baby thrive and grow just the same on the formula? Yes. Don't be so hard on yourself. Being a mom is hard enough. I'm sorry it's been so difficult for you. big hugs. You'll get through.
SIGGY WARNING//TICKER WARNING//PAIF
Long of the Short:
TTC since April 2013 DH 42 y/o I'm 30 Dh had vasectomy reversal Feb 2013 after 3 months developed scar tissue
First Re appt was September 2013 OOP for everything minus meds
DH's TESE surgery December 2013
First cycle was February 2014 BFN none to freeze
Second cycle was April 2014 BFP ending in Chemical Pregnancy none to freeze
Third cycle June 2014 BFN none to freez
Fourth cycle October 30th 28 retrieved, 13 mature and 12 fertilized
PICSI, assisted hatching and fresh sperm from my DH's TESE surgery used
5 FROZEN from a freeze all cycle!
FET completed on DECEMBER 9TH!!!
Beta #1 13dp5dt BFP!! 800
Beta #2 15dp5dt 2100
Beta #3 17dp5dt 3600
First Scan January 5th! Everything looks great! Heart rate of 121!
Second Scan January 20th. Baby Justone13 looks amazing. Heart rate of 175!
Baby Girl is due August 27th
Liv Annmarie born 8/25 7lbs 6oz 21 1/2 inches long
How old is LO? It took me over 3 months to get my supply up to where it should be. I pumped after every feeding, took Moringa, ate oatmeal every morning. I think Goats Rue kickstarted it too
He's only 11 days old. He lost too much weight and the doctor wanted me supplementing with formula. I did that and I didn't know at first that it would decrease my supply. Plus he had a tongue tie and I have flat nipples. It's just a perfect storm. Knowing it can take as long as 3 months helps me. I can stick with it knowing it may not be a quick process.
11 days is nothing! The milk is just beginning to come in. Keep pumping, keep baby fed with pumped milk and formula, and keep baby close. Do plenty of skin to skin time and I would keep letting baby nurse for comfort if he will. Are they going to clip the tongue tie?
They did fix the tongue tie. I've also tried nipple shields but with my large breasts and "lots of tissue" as the LC said, it's very cumbersome and he still doesn't get a good latch. Hearing 11 days is nothing is also reassuring.
I'm on the bigger side myself and I need to squeeze my boob to get a good latch or else he would have to mash his whole face in to get to the nipple. When he was a newborn I had to squeeze myself the entire time. I believe they call it the boob sandwich.
Have you reached out to your local La Leche group? They helped me tremendously. They also told me that your supply doesn't stabilize until 12 weeks, so you have plenty of time!
In the meantime, you can always use donated breastmilk. Some states have banks, but where I live we don't. We do, however, have organizations where people milk share. I like Human Milk 4 Human Babies the best, they even have a local Facebook page here. There's also Eats on Feets. They also have a Facebook page, but I've never used them myself.
I was feeling the exact same way as you and I was crying all the time feeling so disappointed. I'm now supplementing my baby with formula and still nursing him. Still drinking teas and taking supplements. So far I have seen a slight increase in supply and he is 4 weeks old. I'm actually starting to like supplementing because it gives me a little break and let's other people feed the baby. I still love nursing and plan to keep going but it is nice to have a way to keep the baby full since I'm not producing enough. I'm just trying to focus on keeping the baby full and helping him grow. M
I just put this on the birth- 3 month board but I should update this post too.
Today I went back to the lactation consultant clinic for the 5th time in 11 days. Their goal is always to help mothers breastfeed when possible. I trust their advice. They have some of the best success rates and highest breast feeding rates in the country (Swedish Hospital, Lytle Center- Seattle.)
So I get there and tell her that over a 24 hour period I pumped 1 oz from each breast. Low milk supply is actually considered under 11 oz so I am very very low.
On Friday the RN recommended a boobie Boot camp this weekend to increase my supply. We didn't go anywhere or do anything. Breast milk was the #1 focus. On Saturday I pumped and breastfed. Sunday I followed the RNs advice and just pumped. Both days I pumped around the clock, even in the middle of the night. I pumped slightly more on Sunday, probably because I didn't breastfeed but it wasn't a lot more. Maybe 10 ml. This makes sense since at his before/after feeding weigh in on Friday he was getting 2 ml, which would nearly correlate with a day's worth of feelings.
I've continued the mothers milk tea, the fenugreek, the Guinness, the oatmeal, the lactation cookies and tons of water. I've taken every bit of advice given to me. We fed him for several days through a tube and syringe connected to my breast before switching to a Dr. Brown's preemie bottle. I've pumped and pumped. My supply just hasn't increased in over a week. I'm at the two week mark now and that's the end of the most critical time for building supply.
She said I don't have much of a chance of increasing my supply enough to exclusively breastfeed, or even feed him enough to nourish him by pumping and bottle feeding. I can feed him enough to comfort him, provide some antibodies, and bond. Today I did have an increase to 6 ml with the before/after weigh in but that's definitely not enough to nourish him. An average feeding would be 60-90 ml. (2-2.5 oz)
I could see an acupuncturist, a naturopath, or someone who does cranial sacral work (my good friend does this and did two sessions with him already and one with me.) If I didn't have a history of depression (which I do) there's an RX (reglan) my doctor could prescribe, or I could order an RX (Domperidone) that's not FDA approved in the US but can be bought online from Australia. She said even with any of those remedies the likelihood of developing a full supply is small. I might do any one of those things but will wait until Friday when I get a second opinion from my favorite lactation consultant whom I have another appointment with (I've seen four different ones not counting the two who came to our hospital room before we were discharged.)
This is why she thinks my supply is so low: He was tongue tied and it didn't get corrected for 6 days. This impacted my ability to produce milk during the most critical time. My milk didn't even come in until after it was corrected, which is quite late- it was day 7. Everyone, including two lactation nurses at the hospital said he had a great latch. His lips do look good and look like they are latching well but he wasn't sucking the right way to produce milk.
On top of that my pediatrician put us on formula (it was necessary) but I wasn't told to pump in addition. He lost 11% of his birthweight in his first 4 days of life. So I lost some supply for those two days- the first two days my milk came in.
I'm also going to talk to my MD because I read that pre diabetes or diabetes can impact supply, and I had GD. They took me off insulin at the hospital but I wonder if I'm one of the rare ones who still has it after delivery.
After crying for two weeks it's actually a relief to have someone be blunt and straightforward with me. She said I had a lot stacked against me. I know I can handle formula since it's the only way my little one will get what he needs to grow.
It's sad and I know the breastfeeding advocates are going to say I am giving up. But if the lactation experts are saying this, I'm going with it. I know their ultimate goal is to help moms breastfeed and they wouldn't let me "give up" if it were possible to get a full supply. When I told her how much I had pumped over the weekend her response was "oh, honey... I'm so sorry."
Tonight I put him on my breast for comfort before bed. I know he didn't get more than a few drops of milk but it was the most relaxed and most precious feeding session I've had since he was born. I'm looking forward to giving him what I can and having that sweet experience of seeing him fall asleep on me every night as long as I can.
You are amazing! Sounds like you are doing what's best for you and your little one. The best advice I have gotten is to do what you need to do to keep you sane. A sane mommy makes for a happy baby. Breastfeeding is amazing but thankfully not the only way to nourish our babes!
Please don't feel like you're giving up. I didn't care for any of the lactation consultants I saw at the hospital and the nurse who delivered my baby, the first thing she told me was that my nipples were bad!
I use my local La Leche League now and am much happier. They even have meetings and play dates.
What's really important, no matter how you feed him, is that you do what's best for him and there's no doubt you are. You could be stubborn and refuse to give him formula, but you're not and he's getting what he needs. It sounds like you feel like you're missing out on the bonding time, but I think you're doing a great job. I'm sure he feels more connected to you regardless of the milk if you're focused on him as opposed to most of us who watch T.V. and play on our phones while we breastfeed. I think you're doing great and I bet he's happy as can be. If your concern is the actual breastmilk, then you could always get donor milk, but it sounds like formula's working for him.
Seriously, keep trying different supplements. Moringa took me two weeks to see a change. I was ridiculously low and used a ton of donor milk at first. I did see an acupuncturist which helped as well. Stress will impact feeding. In the end I believe my perseverance is what worked though. Even the LCs were surprised I was still pumping after every feed and I think they'd given up on me. I remember when I was so excited to be making half of what he needed and now I only supplement 2 oz a day. Every little increase a long the way counts. We had a tie too that got fixed at 9 days. He also had a retruded jaw that made nursing harder for him. You can do this!!
Please remember that stress plays a big role in milk supply. Take a break- you've been through a lot. Drink some water, spend a few days in bed enjoying your new baby, and put away the pump for alittle while. Skin to skin contact is very important both for your baby and milk supply. Give your baby formula for the time being and try to just soak in these precious moments with your newborn. Skin to skin is great to help regulate their little body's temperature and if he tries to nurse- let him but don't worry if he's getting enough because the formula will be there.
Keep giving him the breast. It doesn't make sense to me for a mother to be told to stop breastfeeding. Why mess with nature. Pumping does not replace baby and mother's natural stimulation to produce mik. Pumping is only to supplement. My daughter had trouble latching but once she learned to suck, the milk came. The baby takes a while to learn to do it right too.
You are NOT giving up! You seriously have done a ton. I nursed my first 2 with no issues, I did think I was getting low when pumping around 5m ( pumping 2-3oz instead of 4-5oz on each Breast at work). My boys pediatrician got me regelan (sp?) it increased my supply a ton! Like 8oz on on side a ton! Although I wasn't able to with my third. We didn't discover he wasn't nursing correctly the first week and a half even after loosing weight. My milk didn't come in fully because of it. I wish I would have figured it out sooner. My 3rd LO just never figured it out and I lost my milk. I only tried half of what you did, I saw a LC, did fenugreek, beer, pumping (had a hard time getting 1-2oz each side and it just kept going down) I think there was one other thing to. It was devastating and I cried but I ended up formula feeding. I had to remind myself to not take it to personal. Luckily with my 4th things are going great! Keep your head up momma and know you are doing your best! Sounds like you are on the right track!
I also didn't develop enough milk for,my little one. It was devastating to me too. I ended up learning I had insufficient tissue in my breasts to develop and store milk. You are brave and a great mom. Keep feeding your baby.
If you would like to continue breastfeeding, keep doing it! Don't feel like a failure if you have to supplement during this time. It happens.
That being said, I can't believe a LC told you to 'stop breastfeeding' and only pump. That is so irresponsible of them! You CAN build your milk supply up to support your baby and it will take a lot of pumping, BUT you need to pump AFTER nursing sessions. Here is a summary of the best advice I got when I was in your shoes:
1. Nurse nurse nurse nurse. Get rid of any binkie and put your nipple in
LOs mouth on demand. Nurse every 2-3 hours during the day, and four
hours at night. Never skip a feeding. Never offer a bottle in place of
breast. 2. This is going to suck, but for three days pump after
every.single.feeding. Even the overnight ones. Do this once a week if
you can. 3. Pump EVERY time you give LO a supplement. If your SO
can bottle feed, you pump while SO does that. If you are home solo, pump
after the bottle supplement. 4. ALWAYS nurse before supplementing.
Always always always. It seems like it would be easier to skip the boob
and just give the supplement, don't. 5. Nurse in this manner: 10 min first side, 10 min second side, then 5 min first side, 5 min second side.
6. Power pump ANYTIME you have 30-60 minutes free. During commutes, naps, before bed, etc. 7. TRUST YOUR BODY. Give it the
nutrients (food, water, and sleep) it needs and IT WILL give you the
milk you need. You CAN come back from low supply. It's HARD but
possible. GOOD LUCK!!!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
I'm just not seeing the "breastfeed at all costs" benefit here. You've tried everything the professionals have suggested and you're still having to supplement. This happened to 2 of my gf's with their babies. They ended up switching over to exclusive formula when they went back to work. Both kids are at the top of their class and very healthy. Your baby will thrive, just feed him any way you can and he'll do great. Besides, he's getting breast milk, so he's gotten the antibodies and other benefits already, even a little bit counts. But formula isn't the devil. Lots of kids are formula fed for a variety of reasons and they all grow up just fine. You're a great mom, keep up the good work.
Re: Devastated
In the meantime, you can always use donated breastmilk. Some states have banks, but where I live we don't. We do, however, have organizations where people milk share. I like Human Milk 4 Human Babies the best, they even have a local Facebook page here. There's also Eats on Feets. They also have a Facebook page, but I've never used them myself.
Today I went back to the lactation consultant clinic for the 5th time in 11 days. Their goal is always to help mothers breastfeed when possible. I trust their advice. They have some of the best success rates and highest breast feeding rates in the country (Swedish Hospital, Lytle Center- Seattle.)
So I get there and tell her that over a 24 hour period I pumped 1 oz from each breast. Low milk supply is actually considered under 11 oz so I am very very low.
On Friday the RN recommended a boobie Boot camp this weekend to increase my supply. We didn't go anywhere or do anything. Breast milk was the #1 focus. On Saturday I pumped and breastfed. Sunday I followed the RNs advice and just pumped. Both days I pumped around the clock, even in the middle of the night. I pumped slightly more on Sunday, probably because I didn't breastfeed but it wasn't a lot more. Maybe 10 ml. This makes sense since at his before/after feeding weigh in on Friday he was getting 2 ml, which would nearly correlate with a day's worth of feelings.
I've continued the mothers milk tea, the fenugreek, the Guinness, the oatmeal, the lactation cookies and tons of water. I've taken every bit of advice given to me. We fed him for several days through a tube and syringe connected to my breast before switching to a Dr. Brown's preemie bottle. I've pumped and pumped. My supply just hasn't increased in over a week. I'm at the two week mark now and that's the end of the most critical time for building supply.
She said I don't have much of a chance of increasing my supply enough to exclusively breastfeed, or even feed him enough to nourish him by pumping and bottle feeding. I can feed him enough to comfort him, provide some antibodies, and bond. Today I did have an increase to 6 ml with the before/after weigh in but that's definitely not enough to nourish him. An average feeding would be 60-90 ml. (2-2.5 oz)
I could see an acupuncturist, a naturopath, or someone who does cranial sacral work (my good friend does this and did two sessions with him already and one with me.) If I didn't have a history of depression (which I do) there's an RX (reglan) my doctor could prescribe, or I could order an RX (Domperidone) that's not FDA approved in the US but can be bought online from Australia. She said even with any of those remedies the likelihood of developing a full supply is small. I might do any one of those things but will wait until Friday when I get a second opinion from my favorite lactation consultant whom I have another appointment with (I've seen four different ones not counting the two who came to our hospital room before we were discharged.)
This is why she thinks my supply is so low:
He was tongue tied and it didn't get corrected for 6 days. This impacted my ability to produce milk during the most critical time. My milk didn't even come in until after it was corrected, which is quite late- it was day 7. Everyone, including two lactation nurses at the hospital said he had a great latch. His lips do look good and look like they are latching well but he wasn't sucking the right way to produce milk.
On top of that my pediatrician put us on formula (it was necessary) but I wasn't told to pump in addition. He lost 11% of his birthweight in his first 4 days of life. So I lost some supply for those two days- the first two days my milk came in.
I'm also going to talk to my MD because I read that pre diabetes or diabetes can impact supply, and I had GD. They took me off insulin at the hospital but I wonder if I'm one of the rare ones who still has it after delivery.
After crying for two weeks it's actually a relief to have someone be blunt and straightforward with me. She said I had a lot stacked against me. I know I can handle formula since it's the only way my little one will get what he needs to grow.
It's sad and I know the breastfeeding advocates are going to say I am giving up. But if the lactation experts are saying this, I'm going with it. I know their ultimate goal is to help moms breastfeed and they wouldn't let me "give up" if it were possible to get a full supply. When I told her how much I had pumped over the weekend her response was "oh, honey... I'm so sorry."
Tonight I put him on my breast for comfort before bed. I know he didn't get more than a few drops of milk but it was the most relaxed and most precious feeding session I've had since he was born. I'm looking forward to giving him what I can and having that sweet experience of seeing him fall asleep on me every night as long as I can.
I use my local La Leche League now and am much happier. They even have meetings and play dates.
What's really important, no matter how you feed him, is that you do what's best for him and there's no doubt you are. You could be stubborn and refuse to give him formula, but you're not and he's getting what he needs. It sounds like you feel like you're missing out on the bonding time, but I think you're doing a great job. I'm sure he feels more connected to you regardless of the milk if you're focused on him as opposed to most of us who watch T.V. and play on our phones while we breastfeed. I think you're doing great and I bet he's happy as can be. If your concern is the actual breastmilk, then you could always get donor milk, but it sounds like formula's working for him.
That being said, I can't believe a LC told you to 'stop breastfeeding' and only pump. That is so irresponsible of them! You CAN build your milk supply up to support your baby and it will take a lot of pumping, BUT you need to pump AFTER nursing sessions. Here is a summary of the best advice I got when I was in your shoes:
1. Nurse nurse nurse nurse. Get rid of any binkie and put your nipple in LOs mouth on demand. Nurse every 2-3 hours during the day, and four hours at night. Never skip a feeding. Never offer a bottle in place of breast.
2. This is going to suck, but for three days pump after every.single.feeding. Even the overnight ones. Do this once a week if you can.
3. Pump EVERY time you give LO a supplement. If your SO can bottle feed, you pump while SO does that. If you are home solo, pump after the bottle supplement.
4. ALWAYS nurse before supplementing. Always always always. It seems like it would be easier to skip the boob and just give the supplement, don't.
5. Nurse in this manner: 10 min first side, 10 min second side, then 5 min first side, 5 min second side.
6. Power pump ANYTIME you have 30-60 minutes free. During commutes, naps, before bed, etc.
7. TRUST YOUR BODY. Give it the nutrients (food, water, and sleep) it needs and IT WILL give you the milk you need. You CAN come back from low supply. It's HARD but possible.
GOOD LUCK!!!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016