Confused and Upset

I had issues breastfeeding too. When I would pump I would not even get 1/2 ounce total from both breasts. I would breastfeed my daughter then supplement. I did this for 2 months and then she started getting really fussy at the breast and only really happy and satisfied when I gave her a bottle, so that is when I switched. I didn't want to and it was hard, yes I cried about it, but I was happy I could breastfeed at least what I did, my first I couldn't at all. I ended up stopping the pumping after about 2 weeks cause like you said it was too time consuming and it really didn't do much of anything. I know it's not fair that some women have even an over abundance of breast milk and we don't. I wish I was one of those too. With this baby, I plan on doing the same thing except, not pumping, I'm not even going to bother myself with that, it was such a hassle and time consuming. I will just breastfeed and then supplement as needed.

I haven't given up complete hope....but thinking supplmenting will be part of my routine.  I'm getting around an ounce at each pumping.  I've found that the fenugreek and blessed thistle along with the mothers milk tea have helped my supply somewhat as like you, I never could pump out that much with my other babies......so maybe you can try that as well!  I also was like you with my last son....I quite after about 2 weeks because it was difficult....this time around I'm being more stubborn.  The only thing I can think of to do is wake him up more frequently to nurse and pump...but honestly I have a hard time waking the baby and don't want to do every 2 hours during the night....so I might try doing it just during the day and around 3 hours at night.

Margaret was exclusively breasted from about 2 weeks until I went back to work at 6 weeks. I couldn't pump enough for the next day even though I was pumping 3 times a day just at work and 1-2 times in the evening! I work in daycare with infants and its hard to watch those that can keep it going when I couldn't. She still nurses once in the morning (i feel like that will probably end soon though) and takes bottles the rest of the day.
I know it sucks, but it will be ok. You are doing everything you can! Good luck! I hope your supply comes up! But if it doesn't, I'm sorry.

Thanks for your kind words!  I always feel like I could do better and question if I'm doing the right thing.  But I know that a well fed, healthy baby is the most important!

sorry you're struggling!  You might want to consider contacting a certified lactation consultant... most larger hospitals have them on staff.  That's you're best bet for really good advice!  (if you choose to keep nursing)  Bottom line though, choose what's best for you!

I had such a hard time with my dtr. in the beginning.  Had my GB out 3 days after her birth and had to 'pump and dump' for almost 3 days so the anesthesia would get out of my system.  Also had to use a nipple shield because she didn't latch well.  The lactation people got me through it though and I'm glad they did.  She's almost 7 now and has only been on antibiotics twice in her life!!  The immunoprotection they get ever from some breast feeding is really beneficial.

Hope things get better!  And, if it doesn't work out, or you choose to stop, DON'T let anyone give you a hard time!!!  ( I know WIC counselors who used to give people all sorts of grief... so I alwys used to warn my patients!!

Good luck to you!!

Thanks for your advice.  I will see what happens when I go to the WIC office on Wednesday.....so far they've been nice and helpful......but if the breastfeeding don't work.....I wont let them put that extra guilt on me!

It's hard. You will be emotional and upset even if you do decide to keep going with the pumping. You have a right to be. I still get abit emotional about it and Liam is 5 1/2 months. I never got him to latch on. My nipples are useless. Plus when I pumped I got very little out just like you. I was not enjoying my baby and what should have been a great bonding moment so I decided pumping just was going to be for me after a month. My breakdown is somewhere on the boards around mid june to july if you want to read it. It helped having so many people give support.

Some positive things about bottle feedings:
Other people can feed the baby!! This means you can catch a nap now and again!!! YAY!
Bonding can take place for daddy and/or grandparents. I am sure there are loved ones in you life who wish to help out. Now they can.
You know exactly how much baby is taking in. No guessing about what 15 mins on the breast produced.

Just some highlights to help you when you feel frustrated. Do the best for you hun.

I remember your struggle and you right about the benefits to bottle feeding.....not to mention that if I need some time away outside the house, I don't have to worry about returning home within a certain amount of time to breastfeed!  I will continue what I'm doing for now and will find out what happens on Wednesday when I do a weigh, eat, weigh with him!

I BFed until I went back to work and then I pumped for a couple months. I got plenty through pumping, but I just couldn't take the stress of it. We ended up putting Lorelai on formula right around 4 months. My decision came because I thought the best thing I could do for her was to give her a less stressed out mommy. It became a million times easier once she was bottle fed and we have a WONDERFUL bond. She prefers me over anyone (at least for now). I did feel guilty at first because BFing is soooooo pushed everywhere you go. And it is a really good thing, but there is no shame in deciding to bottle feed. Giving your child a less stress filled home is one of the best things you can do. Anyway, that's just my 2 cents. BFing might be more important to you than it was to me and if that's the case, push for it as long as you can, but don't feel bad about using formula. You're baby can still be very healthy and have a great bond with you!

Let us know how it goes.

Tina

Your right and I have to keep that in mind once I decide what I need and want to do!  Thanks for your kind words!