Breastfeeding/Supplementing: HELP

Hi M.

I breastfed until my som was about 10 months old, but did have to supplement when I returned to work. I am a teacher and was not able to pump as often as necessary to keep up with his needs. I do agree though that you should not supplement if at all possible at first. Your body needs to build up its supply. On that note, however, my milk was slow to come in and my pediatrician told me to breast feed first and then use a bottle until my milk came in when by day 4 it still was not there (didn't come in until day 6) so I am glad I had some for backup.

Talk with your ped. or the hospital though. I was lucky that a family friend was a lactation consultant, so she helped me with the pump and all that fun stuff. I don't know why it didn't work for you last time, but maybe they can help. If it help, I will say that the physical needs to drop off quickly, although I remember how exhaustign it is when nobody could help with those middle of the night feedings! IT does get better!!!!

Bottom line, do what is right for you. Yes, brestfeeding is the best nutritionally, but many of us were raised on formula and turned out just fine. IF you want to breastfeed though, don't be afraid to ask for help. THat is what they are there for. Good luck and keep us updated!

M.-I had trouble with my first daughter at the beginning too. I found that by reading a book that gave step by step instructions on how to position the baby helped tremendously. After lactation consultants helped me in the hospital, I was at a loss when at home. My sister gave me her book about breast feeding and I followed the steps. My little girl latched on right away. It was so exciting. Whenever we starting have trouble, I'd go into another room where it was completely quiet & I'd open the book again. Eventually, we both got good at it. I breast fed both my girls until they were 13 months. Another suggestion is pump. Even if you only get a few sips, it will help. In the hospital they put the few drops I was able to pump into a medicine cup (similar to the kind that comes with cough meds). They sat the baby upright & put the cup near her lips. She slurped the liquid in. We continued that at home to keep her from getting too hungry while we worked on the breast feeding. Remember, newborns have VERY small stomachs. They don't need much food per feeding, so don't worry so much that they're not getting enough. All that worry will only stress you both & make it more difficult. Drink LOTS of water, eat healthy and take your vitamins. That will keep your milk supply going. Also, with 2nd pregnancies your body will produce more milk.
GOOD LUCK!

DO NOT SUPPLEMENT!!!!

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. Nurse the baby more often have her drink more milk and your body will make more milk.

See the lactation consultant in the hospital. If you are having trouble see the consultatnt several times.

If you are having trouble at home go back to the hospital and see the lactaton consultant again.

Breastfeeding is very hard in the beginning.. but it gets so much easier so fast..

My daughter was difficult to nurse my son was easier.

My son got no formula at all. my daughter got some formula after 10 months..

supplementing actually will harm the breastfeeding - seriously

I tried (I thought) with my first two - but I was DETERMINED with my third and you know what after a few days its super easy!! he is 10 months and never had formula.

you have to say I WILL ONLY BREASTFEED.

then have a person to support you with all your questions about BF. I had no money but the hospital helped some for free and so did my doula.

this is a gret source here too - if you really want to make it work get an email from someone like myself that can and is willing to support you for the first few weeks and you will be there!

I work fulltime so supplementing is never needed with a nice pump!

GOOD LUCK!

Hi M. - I applaud your desire to make breastfeeding work. It is such a healthy, easy way to nourish that bambino/a! If you go into it thinking you are going to need to supplement you are shooting yourself in the foot a little bit from the start. For most women there is not a need to do that, truly, it is a self regulating system. You might contact the hospital where you are going to deliver now and talk with their lactation consultant/nurse. LaLeche League probably has a chapter nearby, but they can be a little over the top about breastfeeding being the only way...and for some people it isn't a good choice and it's right to accept that. However, since you're going for it (I did and it was great once we got relaxed about is he getting enough - only way to tell is if he slept awhile, seemed content, grew fine - he's now 6'5" tall and almost 20!) finding a kindred soul who has been successful will be a great thing, I hope you can do that. All the best - let me know if I can be of any help. B.

If you would like to be able to drink your vitamins, instead of the pills, I can help you with that. Isotonix are great and offer 95% absorbsion in 5-10 minutes!

S.
____@____.com

First of all, Good for you for trying again! Sometimes it's easier the 2nd time around b/c you're not as stressed as you are w/the first baby. A couple things: first, get a good support b/f you even start breastfeeding (e.g. mom, sister, friend, etc. who did it successfully). You will need encouragement b/c it's not ususally easy for anyone at first. But it will become one of the easiest parts of your day as a mom (in my opinion. I'm still nursing my almost 11 mth. old). That being said, if you don't have a support i can give you my # so you have someone to call for questions/help.
Secondly, I would recommend not supplementing at ALL until after 6 weeks--you can do this. :) It's really important to wait until after that b/c this is the average time it takes for a mom and baby to get all the kinks worked out of nursing. Even moms who have successfully nursed a first child need to give themselves that much flex time b/c each baby is different. They've obviously never done this b/f and sometimes there are things to work through w/each child.
Third, a great book to read is called "So That's What They're For!" It's very informative but funny at the same time. I found it to be very helpful.
Fourth, and probably the most important and helpful is to just have the mindset that you are going to do this no matter what. Honestly, this will be your biggest ali b/c unfortunately, most nurses at hospitals and well meaning friends/family try to convince you to use a bottle especially b/c you'll be so tired at first. But, you can do this if you make up your mind to do so. Trust me, when it's 2 in the a.m. it's much easier to nurse your little one than go heat up a bottle, mix formula, etc.
Nursing has been one of the best decisions i've ever made in regards to my children. Like I said, it can take some time and even be hard at first, but just b/c somethings hard doesn't mean it's not awesome! :) Again, I seriously commend you for giving this a try again. I hope it goes great for you this time around. Like I said, if you need to call me, just contact me through this and i'll give you my #. :)Also, not sure what are you are from??

M.,

I agree. Don't supplement. Your body will produce an on demand supply that will meet your babies needs.

Keep in mind that for the first few weeks the baby will still be learning how to nurse just as you are. When the baby gets to be a few months old she will know how to latch on without much help from you. Trust me, nursing is much easier than bottle feeding. My daughter wouldn't nurse so I pumped for a year and gave it to her in a bottle. When my son was born I was determined to get it right. He was nursing well before we left the hospital (where there are plenty of people to help you). I nursed him for the first year (returned to work at 3 months) and pumped for him during the day.

Nursing acts as a wonderful bond between you and your child. Don't miss this beautiful opportunity. If you need support don't hesitate to reach out to your friends here.

Congratulations!

Hi M.,

I definitely struggeled with breastfeeding my daughter at the beginning. It was more my issues than hers for sure. I was always concerned that she wasn't getting enough, that she was doing it wrong... I went to see a lactation consultant several times and they were incredibly helpful and supportive. I stuck with it and breastfead my daughter for 6 months even after I had returned to work. Good for you for wanting to try again. Stick with it and it will work out great. Best of luck to you and congratulations!

The biggest key I found is to RELAX!

If you have to, get all distraction out of the room but you and baby. It is a natural process and most babies seem to know what to do, just may have trouble latching on.

Drink plenty of fluids and rest with her or when you can as you have a second.

Contact your local breastfeeding support line (some hospitals offer this such as Beaumont.)

Know you can and will do it and see yourself succeeding.

If it is a manner of your supply going low; there are natural ways to increase it. (drinking fluids is a big one.)

You will 'know' when to supplement. When the baby is not gaining or is always feeding (every two hours).

Good luck~

Hi M.,
I agree with the other 2 ladies here.. don't supplement.. it will make any problems worse!!

Also, get support and help from La Leche League. (wwww.lll.org) You can call other moms that have extensive training (FOR FREE) and attend meeting and get help and support. I have a friend that just finished training and she's in Rochester Hills if you want me to get you her number PM me. There is a local chapter in Troy and also one in Lake Orion.. I'd recommend visiting before you have your baby. Every meeting is prefaced with.. take whatever works for you...so there's no expectation or pressure there...

Dr's often don't have the tools to help with breastfeeding so contact a lactation consultant if you would like more advice. If you pay one to meet with you a couple times it will be cheaper than paying for formula.

You're also welcome to call me if you want support.. I live in RHills so not far either.. I'm nursing our son still who is 17 months.

I had major problems the first 2-3 weeks... we had an incredible dr, Dr. Park-Davis in W. Bloomfield that helped us through the challenges, a lact. consultant that we met with one time and lots and lots of support from friends and La Leche League.

You CAN do it!!! : )

Congratulations on you upcomming addition to the family! I think its wonderful that you are determined to breastfeed your daughter.

I agree with all of the other wonderful advice. DO NOT SUPPLEMENT. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. If she is not nursing and you're not pumping then your body will not know that it needs to make more breastmilk. I think if you make it through the first few weeks the rest will probably be smooth sailing. The first couple weeks can be tough but it is totally worth it. Your body is providing the best and perfect nutrition for your little one. Plus all the benefits I already read from the other replies. There are so many resorces out there for support. Just be determined to breastfeed. Keep formula out of the house so you aren't tempted to supplement in a moment of desperation. You CAN do it!! =)

Hi M.,

I am happy that you are reaching out for support! I encourage you to go to http://www.llli.org/ and search out a La Leche meeting in your area. I teach childbirth education and have 1 child still breastfeeding and I have attended meetings of a couple of local groups, Lake Orion and Lapeer. Both of which I found fun, connective and extremely welcoming and supportive. You will find all of the support that you need at these meetings. Breastfeeding is a passion for the leaders of these groups. If you are interested in HypnoBirthing childbirth classes (never too late to take classes, I once taught someone 2 wks before her due date!!) be in touch. www.YourPeacefulBirthing.com

I don't understand why you are planning to supplement. Many times supplementing is the reason breastfeeding is unsuccessful. Since you are able to stay home with your sweeties, why not breastfeed only? Breastfeeding is THE BEST thing for you and your baby. Your supply of milk is determined by the demand of the baby. If you supplement, there is less demand=less milk=frustrated confused baby=frustrated mama=breastfeeding ends. Alot of doctors do not understand this and say that supplementing won't effect anything...since most are men, or women who have never had a baby. It's so wonderful you really want to breastfeed your baby! How about planning to breastfeed for a year? That is what is recommended. I nursed one of mine til 15 months (she weaned herself suddenly) then the other I nursed til she was 3. Since you still have some time before #2 arrives, you could contact Le Leche League. They are a wonderful group of experienced breastfeeding moms who welcome ANY questions and offer much encouragment. The book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", which is written by Le Leche League moms, can be your breastfeeding "bible". It has excellent advise, answers to most questions and there is even a section for new daddies!
There are so many benefits to breastfeeding...just a few for YOU...your uterus goes back to its original size and shape, there are studies out there suggesting that breastfeeding for at least 6 months is almost like a vaccine against breast cancer, baby's food is always ready, the right temperature, no bottles to mess with, it boosts baby's immune system, fewer tummy troubles for baby, you have great cleavage (ha-ha). Baby will get off to a great start with food that is made especially for her, it's nature's way to be with mom ALOT, (daddy can give her a bath and change her pants, which are also less yucky with a breastfed baby) I could go on and on, as you can see. Any more concerns, please feel free to email me. I'd love to help!