A true low milk supply-(a little long)

After 9 weeks of BFing with constant issues as some of you may remember(soreness, cracking, not pumping enough), I was officially told that I am an "undersupplier". The doctor said I should at least be getting 4 oz. per pumping session-the most I will get is 2.5 and that's after sleeping in the middle of the night. Daytime is about 1.5 oz. (on Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea).

This hurts me in ways that I cannot even put into words. Before I had DD, I always said if BFing didn't workout, at least I gave it a try. So WHY is it so hard for me to let go????? I literally BF sometimes constantly. And it's a given that come 5pm, we nurse all the way until bedtime because she comes off the breast hungry. It should be a no brainer that I should give formula but I just can't let go...she's still so little. We do supplement a bottle right before bedtime and she sleeps for 6 hours so I guess my constant nursing pays off but I don't think it's fair to her. I just really wanted this to work.

What would you all do? Would you continue to BF and just supplement and pump more to keep up supply or would you just stop altogether? I knew it would have to end some time, just not because I couldn't produce. Now I really feel pathetic.

Sorry for venting and my pity party but I just don't understand........ Thanks for listening.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Do what you truly want to do and CAN do. I thankfully had no problem with supply, and EBF my DD for 10 weeks... I then started supplementing w/formula b/c I was returning to work at 12 weeks and could only pump once a day at work. DD is now 5 months old and is nursed once in the morning, and last thing at night, and she's given a pumped bottle of BM during the day- the rest of the time, she gets formula. It's worked out really well for us. I worry that my supply won't keep up with her growing appetite, and it would make me very sad to stop. I completely understand that feeling, it's a special & important thing to you. I'd say do what you feel comfortable with and what you can do...if you still want to nurse but definitely can't produce fully for your DD, then supplement. But if you'd prefer to just fully switch to formula, that's a fine decision too. Your DD will continue to thrive regardless.

Good luck. Your feelings are perfectly normal and understandable

Message edited 11/26/2007 6:38:00 PM.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I was an undersupplier as well and just got tired of the babies being hungry and me feeling like a food machine.

I know that I did my best and that is all that matters. My babies and I are a lot happier now!

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I know its hard to supplement when you want to EBF but know that some BM is better than no BM if thats important to you.

You say she's little-is she not gaining as much as the Dr wants ??? or is she just little in the general term-I too though DD wasnt getting enough but she was growing-I just couldnt tell. If she is fussy/hungry dont feel bad about supplementing with formula-you are doing your best

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Have you worked with a lactation consultant -- if not, please give it a try. Honestly, I'm always a bit skeptical of the "undersupplier" label and it's possible the latch just isn't right (you mentioned sore and cracked nipples) and so your not getting enough stimulation to produce milk (baby is sucking, but not correctly).

I don't want to be preachy or tell you what to do, but most doctors are not well informed about breastfeeding issues and I would seek out an expert. Have you tried contacting a La Leche League group? Try posting on Kellymom.com -- there are some really knowledgable women on that site.

As for what I would do, personally, I would do anything to keep my son exclusively breastfed for as long as possible. Good luck.

ETA: There's nothing wrong with supplmenting with formula if you feel that's what she needs, but I would also continue to breastfeed.

Message edited 11/26/2007 7:35:22 PM.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I honestly feel that you have tried very hard and did your best to give your DD as much BM as you possibly could. With that said, if you're tired of it (the constant pumping and not getting enough) then stop. I mean you BF during the most crucial early weeks and I think thats the most important time.

I am going on 3 months of BF and pumping and to be honest with you, even though my supply is pretty good, I am getting tired of the pumping myself. I will be returning to work in January and even though I am planning on pumping, I doubt I will go past 4 months...its very demanding and tiring. So I can only imagine what you're going through.

Please don't be too hard on yourself...I think you've done great thus far!

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

If it is truly important to BF I would supplement with formula and then pump so she still gets some of your BM. I am sorry that you are going thru this. BF is not as easy as some people think - it can be very frustrating. You should be proud that you worked so hard to get this far. You are a great mother

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I totally understand the feeling of starting BFing with the attitude that I'd be okay with it if it did not work out, then when it did not work out, I was so upset and I am still not over it. I won't get into my details now, but feel free to FM me.

During the difficult process, my pediatrician said one thing that stuck with me. She told me that the goal is plain and simple-- to feed the baby. She meant many things by saying that and now that I know her better, I understand. I took it to mean that getting nutrients to your baby is more important than sticking to a principle about breastfeeding. I know I may be bashed for saying that. Most of the time, I still feel horrible I had to stop but what the ped, said really helped me.

I am NOT telling you to stop, though. In your situation, I'd supplement with formula and continue to give as much BM as you can. Do what you can to increase your supply even though supplementing can hurt it.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I am sorry that you are feeling pathetic, low milk supply is nothing to be ashamed or guilty about!!! If a woman doesn't make enough insulin and is diabetic, it doesn't mean she is a failure! That said, I know it is very disappointing when you do everything you can and don't get the experience you want.

I also have low milk supply, and have given my daughter formula supplements since she was born. We are lucky to live in a world where there are so many safe, healthy, balanced formulas available. Many women don't or can't breastfeed, and their babies are fine!

If you enjoy breastfeeding (or would without the stresses attached to low supply), I would say to continue to breastfeed, and offer a bottle after. That way, you can rest assured that your baby won't go hungry, and can still have the benefit of your breastmilk.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I think you sound like such a wonderful mom.

If you haven't spoken with a LC, get in touch with one.

I think supplementing would be great. The stress is gone, but your baby is still getting BM.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Thanks alot everyone I'm beside myself over this, I feel like I'm being ridiculous but at the same time, I think you all understand. At her visit tonight, she is up 1.5 lb. and grew an inch so my marathon nursing is doing something. But there are times when she is just miserable until I give her a bottle and I don't want her to be like that just because I want to nurse her. I will add another supplemented bottle or two tomorrow and see how she does. I seriously hate pumping but if I have to keep doing it, that's fine. I just want her to have the BM.

I saw a LC once and worked with her over e-mail (because she was expensive) and even went to a LaLeche meeting to get help but still have had these problems. If anyone knows of a good LC that is reasonably priced, PLEASE FM me, I will keep trying until I'm blue.

I wasn't a breastfed baby and come from a family of nonbelievers (except for my DH) so your support does wonders for me. Thanks so much.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Posted by Mrs. Patticakes

I wasn't a breastfed baby and come from a family of nonbelievers (except for my DH) so your support does wonders for me. Thanks so much.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Posted by Janice

Posted by Mrs. Patticakes

I wasn't a breastfed baby and come from a family of nonbelievers (except for my DH) so your support does wonders for me. Thanks so much.

My LC( I am in NC)took my insurance, I just had to pay a co-pay.

Believe me, I know the rollercoaster. Twice I was faced with the possible need to stop and it brought out emotions I never knew I had.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I never had enough to feed my boys, not even for one of them. Nothing I tried helped, and I tried everything. I just gave them what I could and the rest was formula. I just didn't want them to be hungry and since they never latched I had to give them what I could pump.

It was hard for me, but you have to do what you have to do, and there are worse things then formula. If this has become a constant marathon of feeding and trying to build your supply, if you just accept the supply you have, you will have so much free time to spend with your child, just enjoying them that in a little bit the undersupply will not matter.

Good Luck, it is very hard, but you gave it a good try, and that is all you can ask of yourself.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Posted by Dragonfly75

Have you worked with a lactation consultant -- if not, please give it a try. Honestly, I'm always a bit skeptical of the "undersupplier" label and it's possible the latch just isn't right (you mentioned sore and cracked nipples) and so your not getting enough stimulation to produce milk (baby is sucking, but not correctly).

I don't want to be preachy or tell you what to do, but most doctors are not well informed about breastfeeding issues and I would seek out an expert. Have you tried contacting a La Leche League group? Try posting on Kellymom.com -- there are some really knowledgable women on that site.

As for what I would do, personally, I would do anything to keep my son exclusively breastfed for as long as possible. Good luck.

ETA: There's nothing wrong with supplmenting with formula if you feel that's what she needs, but I would also continue to breastfeed.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I'd definitely agree about speaking with an LC before you give up and also recommend the website kellymom that the AP mentioned. Also, if BFing is really important to you then why not stop BFing if it's not working (this is coming from someone who was in just about the same boat as you) and just express BF. Strictly pump only and pump often and bottle feed. This was you'll know the baby is getting the best possible nutrition and you can spare yourself the pain, agony and frustration you've been going through. After 3 months of excrutiating pain and low supply I went to pumping and was much happier. Sometimes it just doesn't work no matter how much we want it to. Unfortunately for something that's supposed to be natural it doesn't always work if you don't get off to the right start (i.e. latch, supply) b/c the situation just gets worse if the problem is not addressed. For me I felt like I was always behind the 8 ball b/c even once I boosted my supply it was never enough b/c she just kept growing and needing even more ounces. But at least I was able to keep giving her BM along with the formula and got some of my sanity back. I applaud you for putting up with the suffering in the name of doing something amazing for your child. Any amount of BM you were able to give DC is better than none. Best of luck whatever you decide and fm me if you need a recommendation for an LC.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Oh I know this is sad for you- I felt the same way but really in looking back I tried the best I could!
I never got a full supply either and had to realize I tried my best and there was nothing more I could do about it. I also did the pumping, the tea, LC's.... nothing worked so we did it for about a month so I would feel like at least I got some of the immunities in DS and then we went to formula (we did supplement all along though).
We are both very happy people now because of the change. I no longer cry my eyes out everyday feeling incompetent and feeling like I have a hungry child. Believe me- here we are over a year later and all is just fabulous!
You did your best and gave all you could don't feel bad. By BF only a little while you still gave your baby an excellent start in life with good nutrients, immunities and quality time-don't beat yourself up over it- you need to concentrate on being a happy mommy for the baby that will reap tons of rewards later!
Best of luck.

Message edited 11/26/2007 10:34:19 PM.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Thank you all so much. I don't know what I would do without you all. I feel a little better today but not much. I am not going to give up just yet and I will keep you all posted.

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

you have FM

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I am a bit confused Dana. At that age my DS gained one pound and one inch in a month. Didn't you say the baby gained mor e than that?

DS was always doing that angry til I would give in and give him a bottle thing. When you give the bottle is it all eaten? Have you introduced a pacifier? The pediatrician is concerned with the weight gain? Is your pediatrician a doctor that is really for breastfeeding?

I can understand your frustration of feeding all the time. You need to be happy and not feel like you are now. I'm sorry I missed this post originally. I am here for you no matter what you decide!!!!!

Re: A true low milk supply-(a little long)

I sent you FM too