I have a 2 mo. old son I was breastfeeding him for a while, now I have stopped. There has been alot of stress going on due to current living conditions and finacial reasons. Due to that my milk supply decreased and I was very uncomfortable feeding my baby feeling stressed. I still pump but there is only less than 1 oz. comming out from both breasts. My concern is that my baby will have some kind of detachment from me or have some kind of illness that he will never recover from by not getting the right nutrients and vitamins from my milk supply. What are the disadvantages from not breastfeeding for that long and what are the things that I can do to increase my milk supply again??? Im worried.........please help!!!
2006-09-18 11:51:57 · 10 answers · asked by bttf_85 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Breastmilk does help them get the best immune system. It will keep them from being allergic to all kinds of things and help them to fight infection better when they are sick. It also is best for their brain development. Kids who are breastfed tend to be smarter. It's what's best for you baby and if I were you I'd do everything possible to give it to him.
2006-09-18 11:56:04 · answer #1 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Ok first of all, you have enough to worry about. You're already stressedout as it is, you don't need any more stress. They say that the first 3 months of breastmilk contains most of the nutrients that are the best for your baby, so quit worrying. If you're having financial problems, breastfeeding would have been better off for you because breast milk is 100% free- but I'm not here to make you any more upset than you are. Your child is not going to get a life-threatening illness because you stopped breastfeeding, and you've already built up his immune system. I would advise you to continue pumping because you may be able to regain your milk supply. I think you should see a lactation consultant because they will be able to help you increase your milk supply again- there are techniques to use. Everything wil be okay, I wish you the best of luck.
Also, please read this article:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBMarApr94p43.html
2006-09-18 18:59:33 · answer #2 · answered by LiSa B 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you are putting more stress on yourself than you are already under. Please know that no matter what you can still have a close bond with your baby and I really don't think he will get an incurable illness from formula. I think in stressful situations moms tend to take their situations and think of worst case scenarios. Please don't do that to yourself. It sounds like you are doing the very best you can and that your son has a great mother.
If you would like to increase your supply I recommend calling your local hospital or La Leche League to get some advice and guidance from a lactation consultant. They are better equipped to help you monitor how much your baby is taking in (they have special scales) and they can guide you to the right foods and herbs to increase your supply. Pumping isn't always an accurate way to tell how much milk you are making because babies can take in more milk than a pump can get out.
My advice to you right now is to stop thinking about the "what ifs?" and focus on gathering support to help you increase your supply. The more you stress the less milk you will make. Easier said than done but I hate to hear you beat yourself up so much!
Good luck to you!
2006-09-18 19:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by wendysorangeblossoms 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While babies do better when they are breast fed, you have done the best you could. You have given him the best start in life. the milk you produce for the first few weeks is the healthiest, although you would have given him your immunities for longer if you had continued. Your baby won't feel any less close to you if you bottle feed him formula as opposed to bottle feed him breast milk. If you can't produce hemilk, you don't have it to give him, However, pumping, and not beastfeeding does reduce the amount you produce because thestimulation is different, so you may yet be able to nurse him if you start back up. simply by nursing him, and drinking more fluids.
2006-09-18 19:04:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your glands are what produces milk and they work on a supply and demand. The more the baby suck and the time he takes to to suck will determine how much milk you produce. Also, feeding time need to be in a relaxing place where you can take a vacation from stress (in your mind) Of course before the milk came in the baby drank a clear milky liquid called colostrum which had all the antibodies to protect him. Anyone can breast feed. They just have to have those milk gland activated enough. Since you are also having financial problems, you need to take care of yourself and take vitamins. You can't put a price on good health. Go to a health food store and talk with them. They even have herbs to increase your milk supply. Also the health department can help you with WIC. They give coupons for juice, milk and all the things you need to be healthy and pass on healthy milk. You were smart to breast feed since cows milk are for calf's and breast milk is for babies. There is no substitute. I commend you.
2006-09-18 19:11:20 · answer #5 · answered by Silk411 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is best, however your baby will still be okay with formula, don't feel guilty! Many nutrients are available through formula nowdays. I would say the biggest downside to formula is an upset tummy and no anti-bodies from momma to help baby stay more healthy.
But don't feel like you're being a bad mom if you can't breastfeed, it's okay to give your baby formula and your still a good mommy.
2006-09-18 19:02:27 · answer #6 · answered by GirlUdontKnow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
PUMP PUMP PUMP. ... if you want to continue. You have to increase the # of times your milk is used. Then your body will make more. You also need to eat! Eat richer foods. This will make the quality of the milk better. I know this sounds bad, but have a half can of beer. It will increase your milk output like 3 fold! I'm not even kidding.
Also, let me add, that whether you use breastmilk or formula, as long as you HOLD your baby, this will insure a lasting bond. I've seen mother's pump their milk and then stick a bottle propped up into their baby...now that's a shame.
I have to say after reading the other answers, they did not answer your question, but rather gave an opinon about intelligence and breastfed babies.
2006-09-18 18:58:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Breast feed! The more you offer him the breast the more milk you're body will make. Nursing you're baby is a win-win situation.
2006-09-18 19:20:32 · answer #8 · answered by jujub 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's cool don't sweat it. i wasn't breastfed and i turned out just fine. it doesn't make u dumber if u don't. i am a very smart person i have been getting all a's ever since pre-k 3 i also was inducted into national junior honor society. don't worry. good luck!
2006-09-18 19:03:07 · answer #9 · answered by Jelly 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Breastfeeding aids in intelligence.
2006-09-18 18:59:27 · answer #10 · answered by Answerer 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋