Breastfeeding Problems

[nolemom]

I agree with all the information given above, but after trying everything available (La Leche, lactation consultant, etc), I was never able to nurse exclusively. I had a very laid back doctor with my first child and he kept telling me not to worry about the lack of weight gain. At one month, we went to a different doctor for a second opinion. To make a long story short my son was almost labeled failure to thrive which can lead to social services involvement. We started supplementing immediately and he quickly gained weight and then stabilized his weight. I was slightly more successful with my following two, but both required supplements. I definitely would continue to nurse as long as possible even if you have to supplement since you are providing important nutrients and immunity to your child. It was very difficult not to view this as a failure, but even my friends at the La Leche mothers group agreed it was the only responsible decision. It is a good thing I was not a pioneering woman - three c-sections, gestational diabetes and unsuccessful breastfeeding would have been very difficult to overcome without modern medicine. Good luck!

[maillotpois]

I nursed exclusively for about a year and a half, then supplemented with food for another 2 years, but she never ate much real food til I cut her off completely. I felt like a milk cow. Anyway, since I worked full time, I pumped, and I found that pumping really increased my supply. I would pump during off times when she wasn't hungry. Pretty soon I'd built up a huge reserve supply. I know it's weird but it was almost like exercising - I conditioned my body to produce more than we ended up needing.

Good luck!

[channlluv]

I used fenugreek, too, in the form of a tea called Mother's Milk that you can get at healthfood stores. I bought mine at a place called Henry's. I nursed my daughter for two years and loved every minute. I never felt more goddess-like than when I was nursing her. (Probably the oxytocin that nursing produces to help you forget about the sharp little teeth gnowing into your tender nipples, but still.)

Good luck to you on this one.

Roxy

[txred9876]

I breastfed 4 months with my first and almost a year with my second.

I found my girls would start to fall asleep during feeding then would be hungry very soon. I found Changing diaper or ticking toes helped keep them awake, thus fuller tummies ect.....

If mine could just stay latched they would have.....thus came the binky to sooth so they ate when they were really hungry and not just for comfort.

Maybe you could use the last meal before bed to supplement so you both can get more sleep. This helps both of you.... your more rested....so is baby and baby may nurse longer and harder. This will help you make more milk ect....


Congrats on your new baby!

Tina

[Biciclista]

what wonderful advice you guys are giving!
I don't need to say a word except Doctors always seem to give advice that makes it harder to breastfeed. Listen to the TE gals. They know what for.

[spindizzy]

Limewave-

Are you rested? Are you running around trying to keep young ones entertained, meals on the table and a clean house? Stressed? (other than the breast feeding thing).

It really is an art- it took me a month to get our son latched properly as he was given a bottle after he was born (despite my strict instructions not to!) One side he would latch on fine, the other side- he sucked my nipple like it like a bottle nipple - it was so painful.

I agree, frequent (though when he goes through growth spurts he will naturally want to feed more- if I remember correctly 2-3 weeks is the first one, 5-6 weeks is the 2nd and 3 months is another.) Pumping, lots of fluids and calories and rest.

Sorry for the pun but "He's as hungry as a Bear!"

[Marissa]

The importance of fluids cannot be overstated. Have a water bottle with you constantly. Every time you sit down to nurse, drink a glass of water. I do hope you've contacted your local LLL, and best wishes.