Pediatricians, as we've experienced, are quick to tell Moms that they must be having problems because they aren't making enough milk and jump at the chance to tell them to supplement with formula. Did you now that only 5% of moms are literally not able to make the milk? That means 95% of women can make the milk their baby needs, but their doctors tell them otherwise.
Lucky for me, I had a uber-supportive husband and I went to the support group at the hospital until I was finally told that they couldn't help me, we needed private help. Now, instead of sitting in a group of women, whipping my boob out to show everyone how my daughter screams, I got to pay someone to sit and watch me
At first I was hesitant to get help, due to the sheer cost. It didn't come cheap. But it was the best decision we could've ever made. Not only was it the help with nursing, but it was someone to tell me that it's okay to give my daughter breastmilk from a bottle, how to increase my supply but most importantly to teach me that it's not a battle of the wills, she is just a baby who is trying to eat. Feeding times are no longer anxiety-ridden, tear filled endless boughts of despair. Things aren't fixed, by any means, but we're making more progress and Gwyneth is finally gaining weight.
There were and still are times when I think I should throw in the towel and just give her the formula. I was a formula-fed baby and, all things considered, I think I turned out alright. So what is it that keeps me on this path of time consuming, life altering hard work? To begin with, we hadn't planned on formula. It seemed silly to buy something that my body can provide free of cost, pre-mixed and pre-warmed. It made sense back when it seemed so easy. Now it is more a preference. We've given her formula once or twice and to be honest, it stinks, stains her clothes and she seems to have issues the next day. So to make her tiny, precious life a little easier, I will sit with a crazy human milking machine for eight 10 minute sessions out of my day to give her what she needs. Until then, we will practice and who knows, maybe she'll finally learn how to nurse.
Links for help:
Starfish Lactation
La Leche League
3 comments:
Believe me, I know exactly what you're going through. My daughter never latched, no matter how hard we tried. We went to every consultant we could. So in order to appease her, and make sure she eats, I've been pumping my breast milk for all the seven months she's been alive. Its time consuming and frustrating and difficult, but I'm doing my best to make it to a year. Some days are easier than others. I can only hope my body will continue to produce the nutrients she needs.
Thanks for sharing! And good luck to you! Lord knows, we'll make it somehow.
Glad you are feeling a little better Lauren. I know first hand how time consuming it can be to pump and bottle feed. I've been doing it almost three months and going strong! I still sometimes think about formula and then think to my self...I'm crazy to want to buy food for my child when I can giver everything she needs myself. Sometimes it's just me being selfish because, pumping 24-7 can be a chore (Sometimes I feel like a cow at the dairy farm LOL). As the months go on and I feel more comfortable about pumping and bottle feeding, feeding times have been less of a fight and more of a bonding, enjoyable time.
@ Sistahssoul
It's nice to know that their are moms out their still pumping and bottle feeding past a few months. This makes me motivated to keep at it! I hope that you can make it to a year! Wish you luck!
Wow! Just popped over from the comments you left over at Aley Creations (thanks so much btw!). I had every breast feeding issue known to woman. It was awful. I loved the bonding time with my girl, but it was a battle each and every time. I stopped producing at 4.5 months which was a sad day. I had the same thoughts too about formula...too expensive. Turns out my girls needs one of the most expensive formulas on the market (ugh). Kudos to you and the other commenters for persevering. You have a great blog here! Will definitely follow!
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