I don't. My milk supply went way down when I was taking the antibiotics for mastitis. I was taking fenugreek once a day and it went up a little but not enough for how much she needs. Then, I started taking two a day and it went up a tad bit more but I noticed that she was getting tummy aches and really "soupy" (sorry) poo so I've stopped taking it. It still never went up enough for how much she eats, so I've had to supplement with formula. Now that I've stopped taking it all together, I can hardly even get 4 ounces out total (and that was after about 5 hours since I last pumped). I'm having to give her alot of formula and I'm wondering if it's even worth it to keep pumping the small amounts of milk that I can get out. I can't bring myself to just give up on giving her breastmilk. I'll feel so guilty if I just strictly formula feed her! I'm not saying that formula feeding is horrible, but I so badly wanted to breastfeed Avery until atleast 6 months. When she stopped feeding at the breast, I was glad that atleast I could pump it for her, but now I can't even do that for her! Does anyone have any suggestions for bringing up my supply? I'm desperate!
Here a few pictures of my sweet pea from today:
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Hello Sweetie!!
ReplyDeleteI have heard that pumping even though nothing is coming out helps! it's the sucking motion that will get your body making more milk. Also lots of skin on skin time. If you have a wrap wear her in just her diaper and you without a top! sounds crazy but it gets the milk flowing. Also eat rolled oats every morning will help as well. If you want it to work it is possible but it will take some work on your part.
Also Jack Newman's website is helpful too http://www.drjacknewman.com/ and kellymom.com
I hope it gets better for you, I know formula isn't the end of the world but breast feeding is about a lot more then just the milk and it is a wonderful experience once you really get it to work for you.
Good luck!
Laura
I would just keep trying to feed/pump as much as possible. I would pump and feed at the same time..that helped me get my supply up quickly! I wanted to breastfeed till 6 months too but I fell short at 5 1/2 months. Whatever you can do helps. I can say that I miss the closeness of nursing her! :( but I am happy that I got this far.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went back to work and had to pump for most of the day my supply decreased too. Its hard to keep it up - I felt like I had to pump every 2 hours just to get a feeding. So I just gave up the pump and started to only nurse in the morning and at night. That lasted about 2 weeks until she didnt want the breast anymore...I think I dried up completely. :(
Just keep it up, but know that you did a good job so far...good luck!!
GOSH She is soooo cute!!! im sorry you are having trouble with your milk supply- honestly pumping is not like nursing... you will get more if she nurses- are you still not able to get her to nurse?? they make pumps to imitate nursing but its still not the same- pumping takes alot of practice and skill... also check out this site- http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html i was sooo surprised at how many you needed to take- i was taking 6-8 a day!!! you will be amazed at how much milk you get. also its good to pump first thing in the a.m b.c you have the most milk then. after doing this for 3 months i stopped cold turkey b.c i got mastitis... and she did start wanting to nurse again every couple hours but i wouldnt limit her nursing time. just let her eat as often and as long as she wants- not that shes on solids things are MUCH easier. GOOD LUCK!! and let me know if you have any questions!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for the awesome advice!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteJust came across your site from the Pile Family blog and had to comment because I wrote a post back in June with the exact same title! http://sunviandantarababy.blogspot.com/2010/06/got-milk.html
lol...Anyways don't be sad about how the whole breastfeeding thing went...At least you tried and that matters...and now you've learned from your first experience too...take care!