Hello! I am unable to produce as much breastmilk as Daphne needs to satisfy her more than ample appetite. Does anyone know of places where people donate unwanted/extra milk to familes like ours? I have considered formula, however I really feel strongly that "breast is best" and do not want to switch to formula just yet. Thanks!
The issue isn't just "supply and demand"...I actually have a congenital duct and nipple condition that limits the amount of milk I can produce. Herbs or suppliments won't work, at least according to my OB/GYN
I'd agree with LL to check with the La Leche League to see where they may guide you.
Good luck.
I'd agree with your OB/GYN's recommendation regarding herbs/supplements. There's little concrete scientific evidence to support they actually increase breast milk volume. If you can get your child to suckle more frequently, that usually has a profound effect, but if you have a medical condition that limits it, you may not see the results.
(I posted this in your other thread but I thought I'd put it here as well just in case you didn't see it there.)
Here is a mother to mother milkshare forum...
http://milkshare.forumotion.com/
I'm not sure how you are planning on supplementing but I would suggest getting a SNS devices so that you can supplement at the breast. That way you are still getting the stimulation you need to continue to produce what milk you can yourself and your LO will still be getting what she needs. You can do this with either donated BM or with formula if you have to go that route. If you just supplement with a bottle you will risk loosing what precious little supple you already have left.
You are doing such a wonderful thing for your daughter. Keeping on trying and don't give up! You could also consider trying any of the other lactogenic ideas that the other mothers suggested. It will help keep up the supply you do have and if by some miracle it helps you produce more than it was worth the try!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-supply.html#increase
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America has milk banks in various locations throughout the country (http://www.hmbana.org/). They mostly serve families of babies who have health problems or formula intolerances, but you can at least talk to them and to your doctor to see if you can buy milk from them. Good luck!
Check with your local La Leche League, they should be able to help you out. Also, you might try contacting some local lactation consultants to see if they know. You might also want to consider a second opinion from a lactation consultant or lactation nurse. Many OBs are just not that knowledgeable. Yours may be perfectly fine (mine was), but many are oddly uninformed.
If you can produce some breast milk, that's fabulous and even that small amount gives your child that much more than formula. I had to supplement as well so I understand the desire to give your child the best. I actually ended up nursing for way past the US norm, so if you want to bf, don't give up because of a low supply. Good luck! Oh and check out these links: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/donor-milk.html
there is a milk bank. it's really pricey... because of the pasteurization and shipping process it's around $8 per bottle.
why not try some herbs, it won't hurt!! the organic mother's milk tea is really yummy.
keep nursing as much as you can!! good for you!
Milkshare is awesome and free! Good luck mama!
