I have had to supplement since my baby was born. I had an emergency c-section (not sure if this had anything to do with it) but it took my milk almost 2 full weeks to come in and even then it was never enough to satisfy her. I was very emotional at first in having to give formula but have come to terms, especially since my daughter lost almost a pound the first week due to not knowing she wasn't getting enough. She has begun to prefer the bottle, making it extremely difficult to breastfeed unless she is very tired or starts with a couple ounces of formula. Im fine with supplementation but at times when she goes to the breast she just screams. I want to give her the best and have tried to pump however am unsuccessful, getting from nothing to almost an ounce when my breasts are extremely full. I feel horrible, like I am doing something wrong and when I talk to friends who have lots of milk, can pump 5 to 8 ounces, I feel very inferior and like Im failing as a mother. Any suggestions?
2007-10-26 13:12:18 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
First, you are not a horrible mom. Not at all. You have so much going on right now. This could be long- so get ready. You didn't say how old your baby is now and i hope you will add this.
1. Before pumping, warm your breasts. It will help to hasten the let-down. Before nursing, do the same. Same effect.
2. Your pump is not an indicator of how much milk you have. I work and when I pump I will get only an ounce when I am completely full.
3. Your baby is prefering the bottle because it is less work- they have to work on drawing the milk from the breast. So, as I said, before you nurse, warm your breasts, and self express so that the milk is there at the nipple already. I personally would pretend to lose the bottle and see what happens- just nurse. Offer it every time to get the baby on. The more the baby nurses the more milk you will have.
Offer the breast first after doing all of the things listed. Eat oatmeal as is has been shown to help to increase breastmilk.
Have you seen a lactation consultant? You can also consult with your OB/GYN about meds to take to increase breastmilk. I didn't use them, but my friend did and it helped so much.
I wish you well, and I mean this. You need to try to give yourself a break. Maybe it won't work with the breastfeeding after all of this, but nobody can say that you didn't give it your very best shot.
Good luck!
2007-10-26 13:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by NY_Attitude 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do what you want and screw what other people have to say because people will always criticize you no matter what you do. If you were to take the weaker BC, and somehow ended up pregnant again, are any of those other people who keep advocating breastfeeding going to help you take care of that baby? NO! They will just sit on the side and tell you that's your problem woman! Using formula doesn't make you the worst mom ever. Just because a woman breastfeeds doesn't make her a great mom. But if you're really feeling that bad then go ahead and keep breastfeeding for a bit even after you start working next month and see how that goes.
2016-04-10 08:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop giving her bottles. I'm not saying you have to stop supplementing but the breastmilk or formula doesn't have to be in a bottle. There are many other methods of giving her milk. These other methods won't meet her need to suck (except supplemental nursing systems and finger feeding).
Then she will have to meet her need to suck at the breast.
Alternative Feeding Methods
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html
I'm not pumping enough milk. What can I do?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
Help -- My Baby Won't Nurse!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html
Nipple Confusion
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/concerns/pacifier.html#confusion
2007-10-26 13:27:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
could be your diet, certain foods will make your milk sour and so does smoking. that may be why she prefers the bottle. pump mpre often, every couple of hours or so. massage your breast to get them started.
2007-10-26 13:21:40 · answer #4 · answered by womanofghostbear 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Lactation consultant-- ask your doctor for a referral ASAP.
You can fix this with her help.
2007-10-26 13:39:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe its your pump...try expressing by hand...
2007-10-26 13:20:43 · answer #6 · answered by kelly 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋