I think my milk is drying up what do I do? Today I gave my son formula and he seams happy now and he hasn’t lately because of not getting much milk from me. somehow I feel like I failed because I couldn’t go the whole year, but I did 5 months and my husband says that’s better than some women do. So should I call the doc and see if he can help or should I let him use formula if so what are the best bottles. When did most of you dry up thanks?
2007-02-09 16:11:58 · 11 answers · asked by sexy mama 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
He eats cereal and all the 1st baby foods docs’ orders I think that’s why I have lessened
2007-02-09 16:35:35 · update #1
Don't beat yourself up about not breastfeeding the whole year, I agree with your husband, 5 months is awesome!
...I had one child that nursed for ten months and my last baby was only able to nurse for 3 months because I got some sort of raging infection that could be only be treated with these drugs that were not approved for nursing mothers...I was heartsick!
If it were me, I would do what I felt the strongest impulse to do...
If he seems happy on the formula, hey, that works...and by no means are you a failure!
If you feel like trying to nurse again, call your doctor or better yet, a Doula or Midwife, La Leche League or your Public Health Nurse...they would be able to offer a different approach to this issue than some doctors might...
It took about 3-5 months to completely dry up after my oldest stopped nursing...and about a week and a half with my youngest because of the meds...
Try not to worry, trust your instincts as a mom and it should all flow from there...
You have to do what works for you!
2007-02-09 16:34:40 · answer #1 · answered by nackawicbean 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been in your situation, my milk started to dry up around 6 months (my son is 8 months and I'm still breastfeeding). I thought, well I need to switch to formula. But, the price kept me from it, and also the fact that I was planning on breastfeeding for a year. I bought a better pump (I had the Medela occasional pump and bought the Medela Pump In Style) and pumped all the time to increase my milk supply. I still wonder sometimes if he's getting enough, but he's gaining weight really well and is a happy baby. So, anyway, do what's best for you and your baby. You have breastfed for a long time and I don't think it will affect your baby in the long run to go to formula. I just think it costs a whole lot more. But, good luck.
2007-02-10 00:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you would like to still feed your son breast milk, have you tried the pump? I had always assumed that the amount of milk produced was based on how much the child takes in. The more you feed, the more milk is produced. Call a lactation specialist and see if there is a latching problem.
Or perhaps it's your son's way of telling you that he's hungry and wants to eat more foods. You didn't mention if he's already started on eating cereal.
2007-02-10 00:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by moorephotospls 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YOU HAVE NOT FAILED!!! I was in the SAME SITUATION as you are in. . 5 months old, baby eating some ceral and formula. It's ok to let him ween off now, if that's ok with you. If you really want to keep nursing, pick a time each day to nurse him and pump a few times through the day to keep the milk going. Freeze the breast milk you pump. But it's ok if he's weaned now. You did a GREAT job!!!
2007-02-10 01:38:44 · answer #4 · answered by misskenjr 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Five months is great. I was lucky enough to be able to breast feed my three for nine months each. They were ready then and I was too. If you are drying up I think I would just go with the formula and give yourself a break. Your body is telling you that is enough, you may be too stressed or tired to keep going. You haven't failed, it is true that many women don't get to five months, and some won't breast feed at all. I personally was weaned at 6 weeks because my mother thought it would be more convenient when travelling. Turned out it wasn't. I can't help you with advice about bottles, I think the NUK style teats are good, but you have to get them the right way up. At five months your baby can probably feed him/herself. Your baby has had a great start and will be just fine. Best wishes.
2007-02-10 00:31:02 · answer #5 · answered by Ripplediane 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My doc suggested a SNS (supplemental nursing system), which I bought at a local pharmacy that sold medical supplies. It had a bottle with a string, that hung around my neck, filled with baby formula. Hanging from the bottom of the tube, there were two really small tubes that went down to my nipples, and were taped onto my breasts with medical tape. As the baby sucked on my nipple, she got formula mixed with my breast milk. That way, she got the supplemental formula that she needed to feel satisfied, and her sucking on my breasts increased my milk supply.
2007-02-10 00:27:24 · answer #6 · answered by sacanda_trina 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would encourage you to talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant if you have access to one. I went to see a lactation consultant and it was really helpful. She can give you techniques to increase your milk flow. You can also check with La Leche League to see if they can assist you
I increased my production when I went back to work when you usually lose milk capacity. In a nutshell, she told me to make sure I am taking my prenatal vitamins, eating healthfully, and most importantly - invest in a high quality breast pump. I pump after I nurse to get the left overs out, pump before I go to bed, and of course during the work day.
They also make teas for lactating women that supposedly increase milk. Check with you doctor about one of those.
Also remember to relax about the nursing process, stressing about it makes it difficult.
Also remember combining breast feeding with formula feeding still benefits the child more than using straight formula. If you want to continue to nurse or if it is time to wean then wean.
I use a Medela Pump in Style and Playtext bottles to feed her expressed milk.
2007-02-10 00:37:02 · answer #7 · answered by Gaby 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you want to do. If you'd like to continue nursing, talk to your doctor, call your local La Leche League chapter, talk to a lactation consultant.
On the other hand, if you've had enough, you're happier not nursing, you think the benefits have been delivered, then let it go.
Nobody needs to tell you that breast is best and recommended for the first year, but you don't need to feel guilty about discontinuing either. And don't listen to any "nursing nazis" that equate formula to crack...it's just ridiculous. Do what's right for you.
2007-02-10 00:24:19 · answer #8 · answered by a heart so big 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
In Aust. you can get medication to help milk supply. I think its called domperidone or something.
5 months is an awesome effort. I tried everything (I think my doc and lactation consultant got sick of seeing me) and I only lasted 6 weeks.
2007-02-10 00:32:36 · answer #9 · answered by silphil 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could do both for a while. Sounds like you're already starting to taper off. Five months of nursing is reasonable anyway.
2007-02-10 00:21:51 · answer #10 · answered by waia2000 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋