breastfeeding problem?

Question

My daughter is a month old, and I started giving her a bottle about 2 weeks ago, because I didnt think she was getting enough milk from my breasts. I still breastfeed her, but only once or twice a day. (the rest of the time I bottlefeed her) She does fine for the first few minutes then she acts like she can't hold on right, and gets frustrated so I end up giving her a bottle. Is there any way that I can get her used to breastfeeding again so I can stop giving her a bottle? Also... I know I'm still producing milk, but how do I tell if I am producing enough??

Answer 1

I actually had a bit of a similar problem when my son was just a few weeks old. We supplemented him for the first bit because my milk wasn't coming yet, but my lactation consultant said that we should only do this when it's absolutely necessary because the more you feed baby formula, the less your milk is going to come out because baby is full and doesn't provide you with the necessary suction to get the flow going. She also said that if I intended to continue breastfeeding but must supplement for a bit, it's best to cup feed him instead of giving a bottle because feeding a bottle will just create nipple confusion. Baby will also end up not liking the breast since he can get a good flow from the bottle and will start getting frustrated if not getting anything from the breast.

Remember also that in the first little while, it's hard to get the milk flow going, the way I solved mine was to massage my breast during and everytime I nursed him, I tried to nurse him as often as possible too for like half an hour on each side (it almost appeared as if I was nursing him for like 24hours a day) sometimes he wouldn't latch on because it's dry so you need to express tiny bit until some milk comes out.

There's also the supply and demand thing, if your baby is full from formula, he would not need as much milk from you; then your supply would decrease and this is bad for especially when your milk flow hasn't even been properly established. I know the feeling of wanting to bottlefeed but that just makes it worse.

If your baby gets fussy because he is not getting much out, try to hand express (not with a pump because you won't get much out) some in a cup and feed it to him instead of formula, that way, you are helping your milk flow and at the same time, your baby still gets the nutrition he needs. Sometimes, you also think that baby is not getting enough, but at that age their stomach is so tiny and he is getting enough if he gets at least 6 wet heavy diapers in a 24 hour time. A good sign also is that he doesn't fuss too much. It's hard work but you'll get there, good luck, don't give up and if you still have a problem, try to speak with a lactation consultant.

Answer 2

She gets frustrated because of the difference in how the breast and the bottle work. With a bottle, she must work to STOP the flow of milk, otherwise it just drips right into her mouth. With the breast, she must work to keep the milk coming....if she doesn't suck then nothing happens. The differences in flow are most likely what is causing her reaction.

Start cutting back on bottles and offering the breast more. You may want to pump some as well to help boost your supply. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. The more you nurse or pump, the more milk you will make.

If your baby is getting enough milk, she will have plenty of wet and dirty diapers. She'll seem content after nursing. She'll be gaining weight. (The link below will help.)

Someone else mentioned fenugreek. This is a good option for some moms. (REMEMBER: if you aren't nursing enough, then nothing will work! Supply and demand first...then add supplements!) The typical dosage is 3-4 capsules 3x per day. PLEASE NOTE: some people should not take fenugreek. Read the link below for more info!

Answer 3

start using a bottle that has a more natural nipple on it and then slowly start breastfeeding more often. This will transition her more easily. If this fails you can always pump your breasts which will allow your baby to have the benefits of breast milk and keep you producing but will allow you baby to feed easily. P.S. my son (3 1/2 months) didn't get the hang of breastfeeding until he was about 1 1/2 months so hang in there and good luck

Answer 4

you will know that baby is getting enough by making sure that is having 4-6 very wet diapers a day, and that she seems satisifed after a feeding, usually for 2-3 hours.

if you want to get back to solely breastfeeding (good for you!), keep at it. when your baby comes off you, try expressing some milk (with your hand or with a pump). if nothing comes out, she may be coming off because she's not getting anything. if you are able to express milk, the problem may be her latch.

the bottom line is, breastfeeding is best. talk to a lactation consultant who can help tease out the issues. you can find one at www.laleche.org.

good luck!

Answer 5

Some babies can't suck long enough to get the "hind" milk. Express the first ounce then try again ~ if you intend to breastfeed for the first 6 months at least, two feeds per day will see your supply dwindle. Breast milk tends to only supply to meet the demand. Many first mothers are never told that at various stages of feeding during the first 12 months, your baby will for a few days feed up to 10 times a day! It sounds disheartening, but only lasts a few days. If you can spare the time and your sanity it truly is worthwhile! It feels like a backward step.....it's just the baby giving you a nudge to get ready for the next couple of months. This for me seemed to happen every few months up to about 9 months. Luck and enjoy your baby!

Answer 6

Breastfeeding is supply and demand. Babies will get frustrated with the breast when they also have bottles because they have to wait for your let down and bottles gives them immediate satisfaction. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will make. Bottles can lead to a downward spiral in production because your body doesn't think your baby needs as much.

There are only 2 amounts of breastmilk. Enough, and not enough. As long as she's growing and wetting her diapers, she has enough and you have to trust that. If you want to end the bottles, get comfy and get ready for a nursing marathon. She is the best one to up your supply, and you can pump in between to trick your body into more.

Also, you can take fenugreek to naturally boost your milk supply, and drink TONS of water.

Good luck.. as long as you are making milk you can keep up with her!

Answer 7

Milk comes a lot faster from a bottle than the breast so it's normal for her to get frustrated because it is slower. It's hard to tell but I'm sure they get enough with the breast or half of us wouldn't be around today. I had good luck with the playtex nurser as it was more like the breast. I think they still make it. Hang in there with the breast but the bottle is nice so you can share the job with hubby or someone else. I felt trapped sometimes always with my boob in their mouth so the bottle was nice for a break sometimes. The more you nurse, the more milk you have.

Answer 8

your baby needs to feed from you in order for you to keep the milk production going. if you are down to once or twice a day feedings, she may not be getting enough milk. what i would suggest is use a breast pump and purchase bottles so that you can put your extra milk in them. just the fact that you are taking milk out of your breasts will stimulate more milk production for your daughter. to anwer your last question, does your baby have alot of wet diapers? if she does, you are producing enough milk.

Answer 9

Not sure why you gave her the bottle 2 weeks ago. The baby doesn;t have to work hard when sucking a bottle, it is instant gratification whereas the breast does not flow until the let down reflex happens and that could be why she is not wanting it. If you want to continue to breast feed to have to stick with it and not use the bottle.

Drink lots of fluids, have a glass of water when you breastfeed, The more your baby nurses the more milk you produce.

Answer 10

You can pump some, but if you just pump or pump more than you are putting the baby to the breast you will dry up. Your body knows the difference between the baby and the pump and you will stop producing milk.