Don't Want to Give up Breast Feeding

You have gotten tons of great advice already. I just wanted to add a great link about infant poop! It is called the Color of the Day, and is very informative in regards to "normal" poops vs. poops that need to be investigated. :)

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/poop.asp

Good luck!

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Hi there
I breastfed both my daughters for 6 months and until they were taking good amounts of solid food, their BMs were very runny. That's normal for a breastfed baby, and they were both very healthy babies. My first child used to scream a lot and not settle well for the first three months, and I did wonder if breastfeeding was the problem and should I put her on formula. But I kept nursing, she grew well, and at three months suddenly she settled, was happy and slept through the night - no change to feeding required. It was just an age thing. It is very disheartening and I found it hard to believe I was doing the right thing when she cried so much, but breastfeeding is the right thing for you if you feel that's what you and she both want. Good luck!

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Hi!
I've read the other advice and I have to agree with everybody else: If she is putting on weight I cannot imagine why they would want her on formula. BM will look watery and will be sweet - smelling. My son had the BM green and bad smelling when I had a cold. If she wants to nurse - let her. It is the best thing you can do. Good luck and keep up posted.

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Hi R., I can't speak to your daughters dietary condition and I'm not a certified expert on breastfeeding. That said, I can tell you that I breastfed my daughter for 3 1/2 years and my son for 3. The stools will be mustard yellow in color and somewhat oatmeal-like in consistency; however that may be true if their only intake is breastmilk. Please, please check with a lactation specialist. You can ask your pediatrician to recommend one, ask the hospital where your daughter was born, or check out La Leche League (I am not affiliated with them). They will be enormously helpful! Bests to you and your daughter! D. H.

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i say keep breast feeding. when she cries try to nurse her. as to her BM's my daughter (now 5 months, nursed or breast milk bottle only) they changed all the time, no matter what I ate, they can be runny some days and some days not. she had smelly BM's from day 1. Your daughter sounds totally normal to me... and even if you give you nursing she will still need you and your bond with her wont diminish if you don't want it to. cause your her mother. I would just say speak to your Dr, cause as long as your OK with changing a yucky diaper I cant see the Dr telling you not to nurse your baby... or even try a different doctor.

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Hi R.,

I am a mother of two boys. My first son was severely disabled/seizures etc from 2 months of age. He was breastfed for 18 months despite Drs opinion. I probably would have continued to breastfed, but a lot of people (family) were putting pressure on me to wean etc. The only way i could get him to drink anything out of the bottle was to put a hole in the nipple so he could get something out. He got so used to it that he did not want to nurse anymore.

Despite his development he was very healthy and was within a normal weight range till I stopped breastfeeding! Once I stopped breastfeeding his weight dropped. He always had a lot of stomach issues and allergies run in the family. There is also a history of celiac in the family and it is assumed that he probably had celiac (gluten intolerance). So we kept him on a gluten free diet.

Once my second son was born almost 7 years later I had more knowledge from experience and confidence in my beliefs. My second son was born healthy, I breastfed right away and he breastfed for over 3 years. We had started to wean before he was 3 and then we all went through a rough period, when my older son died, which was a week after the younger ones 3rd birthday. So the breastfeeding was the least of my setbacks.
We also keep him on a gluten free, bc he has had signs of celiac disease, when he has had something with gluten.

As far as breastfeeding if it feels right and you can I would do it for as long as possible. With both boys I tried to delay solid food for at least 6 months of age, bc of the allergies in our family. They also say that if you breastfeed for at least 6 months you lower chances of having allergies. Also not only does breastfeeding lower your chances of breast cancer, but also for your daughter.

As far as the gluten, if she was born this past december, I would say it is too early to start wheatin general. From my experience if you want to give solids I would recommend brown rice cerea, that is easily accessible. It is much easier on the stomach then wheat. Amaranth and millet are other gluten free alternatives if you can make your own. Babies also love bananas and avocado.

As far as dairy, I have always tried to do things like almond milk and various other nut milk concoctions (almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds etc), that seemed to be the best for his system. My younger son does have dairy, but I also do soy and other things. Yogurt seems to be okay with both of them even though it is dairy. I do only buy organic milk and European cheese.

Sorry to ramble on. I myself have been on the gluten free diet for over 6 years, if anyone has questions about it or need a recommendation on a pediatric doctor I have met some really nice understanding doctors along the way.

Best of luck,
A.

BTW, I am sure other mothers will agree don't worry about the consistency of Delanie's BMs. As long as she is gaining weight she is fine. Breastmilk can also be very efficient.

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I nursed all four of my babies about a year and a half so I have a pretty good idea of what is found in the diaper of a nursing baby. Stools were loose, sometimes grainy and mustard colored. Can you contact a La Leche Leaugue in your area for some help with these issues? I would have also hated to give up breast feeding. I am sure they can help you.

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I agree 100% with Tara's suggestion and think she is well on the way to helping you with the breastfeeding issue! It is very good that you haven't just given up b/c her ped said she needs to be on a certain formula. It really could be as simple as Tara has said with the foremilk. My little one had this problem on occassion and most times I even had to allow her to nurse off one breast all day long (sometimes meant I looked lopsided) and then the other breast at nighttime. It didn't matter how I looked, just that she was getting all the proper nutrition provided in the foremilk and the hindmilk. Definitely nurse as often as Delanie chooses to and just try to make sure your breast is completely empty before offering the other one! If she wants to nurse, there really is no reason why she should have to be bottle fed formula, unless your lifestyle demands it.

For what it is worth, unless you know or suspect celiac disease or a gluten allergy runs in your family and you know Delanie may be at risk of having the condition, there shouldn't be any need for you to reduce your diet to a gluten-free one. If you suspect that a gluten allergy may be the issue, speak with a ped you trust and also your doctor as this can be tested and they normally require you to continue on a gluten diet during the testing process to get accurate results!

If Delanie is gaining weight then she is getting nutrition and it could be as simple as her not getting enough of the hindmilk :).

{{{HUGS}}} to you! Breastfeeding issues can be difficult and it is nice to hear that you are determined to stick it out and do what is best for you and baby Delanie!

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Hi R.,

I just wanted to add that it seems everyone these days thinks their 3 month old is lactose intolerant or has reflux, etc. In a very real sense, their digestive systems are just incredibly immature and sensitive. I think you'll find a big difference just with time--4-5 months is a real turning point in so many ways. Certainly have your baby tested for whatever your ped thinks she should be tested for, but I wouldn't stop nursing. Eliminate whatever you need to, but breastmilk protects them from so much and has so many ingredients doctors don't even fully understand. As for the bowel movements, they can be pasty, watery, yellowish, orangy, etc etc--they will not be solid until solids are introduced. They will on occasion be watery. That sensitive system again. I would also find a good lactation consultant in your area and schedule an appt with her (insurance usually covers this)--they are very keyed into these kinds of issues and can help you determine what is common and what needs more investigation. Good luck!

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I agree with Tara... could be a foremilk/hindmilk (often called oversupply) issue that can be easily fixed by adjusting the way you approach breastfeeding: for example, by "finishing the first side first", no arbitrary timing at the breast, going back to the same side if the baby is hungry again soon, etc. Tara has asked a lot of good questions and should be able to guide you!

Good luck!

You could also search the oversupply topic at www.lalecheleague.org. Seems to me I remember a great (quite long) informational article on the topic. Sorry I don't have the link!

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Have you considered switching to another pediatrician?

I'd change that before changing from breastmilk to formula. What a difference a good pediatrician can make. Best of luck. You're already doing a great job by questioning this decision.

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If you don't want to give up breast feeding, then don't! You don't have to and don't feel pressured by your pediatrician. Your daughter is very young and her nervous system is not completely mature so she will experience some discomfort, yes and cry, but that's normal. If you resorted to nursing her because that was the only thing that would calm her then that's a clue that you should continue-she wants to, too. Remember, though, that she will feel your anxiety, so try to relax and nurse her in a comfortable and quiet place.
It's exhausting to nurse in the beginning because young infants cry often, so you need to nurse often. That's ok. Try to use that time to rest yourself as well. As they get older, nursing becomes much easier and they cry less (and every baby is different, some are colicky, some aren't). Just be patient-it'll work out. Oh, and their poops are watery when they are breastfed, that is true. I remember the poops smelling a little bit like butterscotch. When they start eating solids it will change. Anyway, that's great that you are breastfeeding-hang in there! I nursed my first for 18 months and am still nursing my toddler. It's the best-for them and us-don't give up! And I ate pretty much anything (except spicy foods). My second was colicky but that passed after a few months (I didn't really change my diet) I don't think that was the problem. I think if anything, breastmilk is probably the easiest digested food for the baby, no matter what your diet is. I would aim for a variety of mild foods. Good luck!
-M.

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R. , you are a fantastic mom, and you do NOT have to stop nursing! your ped is like so many ill-informed peds that don't know anything about nursing; it's very hard to find ones that support it, but it can be done.

if i were you i would stop the formula right now; if the baby doesn't like it she shouldn't have it, she knows what's best, and breast is best. please google La Leche League Intl for your are and call the chapter leader right away; LLL is the most up to date, helpful, best informed resource on nursing and infant nutrition that there is.

BOTH my children had some really watery, nasty bms and BOTH my children were exclusively breast fed for many months. i have NEVER used formula. my kids started food early, about 5 months, and i am very much against the use of formula; theeres no medical reason in the world why this would help your baby. your instincts are right, please trust yourself and go with your heart.

talk to moms in your area and especially at LLL about finding a better pediatrician. if you are in my area, Queens NY or Nassau, i could give you my ped's number. more peds are getting better about learning about nursing so i'm sure you will find someone soon. really, contact LLL right away.

meanwhile, you are a first time mom who is bound to be nervous and have a lot of questions; babies simply sometimes have really gross poops, it could be totally normal and absolutely nothing. KEEP NURSING no matter what, because the most important thing is to keep your supply up and not let the baby dehydrate.

and of course the only thing that makes her happy is nursing! that's where she belongs. who would want a yukky plastic bottle stuck in thier face when they could have thier mommy's warm booby and her sweet face looking down? you know your baby belongs next to you on the breast, so stick with that and hang in there.

much love,
J.

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Hi R.. You're breastfed baby's stool might look to you like diarrhea, but it is not. A breast-fed baby's stool will look quite soft and can vary in color from bright yellow to dark green. I might even look watery. It doesnt mean anything is wrong and it is not a reason to give her formula. Her stool will not be solid until she eats solid food regularly.
I think you are on the right track by keeping an eye on your diet and continuing to give her breastmilk. Have you tried to eliminate citrus fruits? One of my babies was even sensitive to chicken if I ate it too often.
Good luck!

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Please don't give it up. Go see a naturopath or D.O, some alternative therapist. I am a Lactation specialist and a La Leche League Leader and you need help!!!!! Please understand that formula is NEVER the superior infant food!!! Get help from breastfeeding experts now--don't wait another minute!!!

good Luck

I am a (almost 40) year old mother of 7, doula, lactation specialist, LLL leader and childbirth educator.

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Hi R.,

Good for you for wanting to keep breastfeeding. It is absolutely true that the stools will be soft until she starts solid foods. Breastmilk is a natural laxative and is totally digestible so there is no solid matter to dispose of. Breastmilk stools usually smell better than formula stools because of their digestibility, but they are still poops. If it is really foul smelling there is probably something in your diet. Have you eliminated the "gassy" foods? peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Also some babies are sensitive to dairy. That is very common culprit. If you elimiate diary from you diet please give it at least a week before you evaluate it in your baby's BM.

My oldest son was senstive to iron, that was hard to figure out, but once we did we had a beautiful 2 year nursing relationship. It's worth the trouble.

Please let me know if I can be of any more help. I am a certified doula and have helped many women birth and feed their babies naturally and I am happy to help.

Good Luck
J.

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Hi I have been breastfeeding my son since he was born (he is 6 months)and the BM's will be watery and the color of seedy mustard sometimes with a green tint to it as long as he is only breastfeeding can't help you with the formula though we've never done it. Good Luck

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Her BM's should be yellow, watery and have "seeds" in them. Her stool should smell sweet like maple syrup. The only time her stool will be solid is when you use formula, or introduce solids, which shouldnt be until 6 months or later, so don't expect solid stool anytime soon! How is her weight gain? How long does she nurse? I ask because is it possible she is getting too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk? Many times when a baby gets too much foremilk their stool is greenish brown, mucousy and smells. If this is the case, it's an easy fix! Message me back with the answers to these questions. I commend you for continuing to nurse. Its the very best thing and no formula will ever match your milk. We just have to pinpoint why she's having trouble and VOILA! Problem solved. Kudos for not giving up...you are stronger than most women!

I need to know:
Her weights (since birth to current)
How often and how long she nurses
When formula was introduced
When and if her stool was yellow and seedy
When her stool stopped being yellow and seedy (if ever)
If she has eaten anything but breastmilk and formula
What you have eliminated from your diet and how long you did it for
Any medications her or you are taking
If you pump and bottlefeed

If I have this info, I can help a little more. Hang in there...you're doing just great and I'm so proud of you! You're doing the right thing!

~Tara Breastfeeding Counselor Buffalo NY

*EDITED to add: Someone mentioned oversupply or overactive letdown but didnt have a link about it. Well, here ya go!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html
http://www.llli.org//FAQ/oversupply.html

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