Breastfeeding

My daughter is 9 weeks - I was breastfeeding exclusively for the first two weeks, but she lost 1.5 lbs (her birthweight was 9lbs 1oz). Finally my dr. said I would have to supplement with formula. I attended bf clinics, saw lactation consultants to get help, but I was either not producing enough milk or my daughter was not sucking long enough - she would eat voraciously for 2-3 minutes then doze off. I had her on the breast constantly in those first 2-3 weeks. When I started supplementing my milk supply lessened and now I am at the point where I am giving her maybe 10% breastmilk if that. I am so mad at myself and disappointed. I want to try again. Is it too late? If I put her on the breast again will my milk supply increase? I still have to supplement her though - she is nearly 13lbs at 9 weeks. Anyone who can help I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[blondie72]

I have a great friend who is a LaLeche League leader let me ask her for you and I will get back tomorrow or so.  I would think if she goes back to nursing you will increase your supply again.  Good Luck and I will get back to you.

[karen23]

Thanks!

[momttc]

yes, your milk supply will increase.  I had trouble producing enough milk as well, but now I think it was more because i didn't drink enough water.  Are you drinking at minimum 80 oz a day?  I know that sounds crazy, but it takes  a lot to create milk.  if you increase your nursing and your water you should increase within the week.

Good luck!

[blondie72]

Karen here is what my LLL leader friend had suggested.  I really hope this helps.  Good Luck

She needs to find a LLL Leader in her area. She needs to see if she's nursing correctly. There is a problem with latch-on or suck. The lactation consultant should have determined that, unfortunately, not all of them are up to par. If she puts the baby at the breast, she can re-lactate, but she needs to nurse the baby often and offer the breast before the bottle. She could also try to pump in between to increase her supply. She does not have to continue supplements if she can determine the suck problem/latch on problem.

[karen23]

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions.  The lac. consult. did identify a problem with Sarah's latch, but we corrected it!  I am so frustrated over this, but I will contact LLL in my area.  I was seeing someone at a local hospital.
Thanks for your support!  I am going to try my best to get her back on the breast full time!!

[kck]

I had the same problem with my now 6 month old.  In the first few weeks, she would latch on, suck for 2-3 minutes, and doze off.  My doctor told me I needed to supplement with formula, but I refused.  Instead I pumped overtime to build up a supply of breastmilk.  I offered the breast at every feeding, and then offered bottles of breastmilk.  If she didn't empty my breast, I pumped the rest out to keep up my milk supply.  After several weeks of this, she started to stay awake longer and nurse longer.  I tried to feed her when she was not tired in order to avoid the dozing off.  Now at 6 months, she would nurse exclusively if I didn't work.  Since I work, she gets bottles, but she has never had to have a drop of formula.  DON'T GIVE UP!  You can make it work, it just takes patience and time.  I suggest you get a nice breast pump (such as the Pump in Style or rent a hospital grade one) and pump as much as possible.  Even if you don't produce enough milk to feed only breastmilk, your baby will still get benefits from having some.  Pumping often will eventually make your breasts produce more milk.  Always offer the breast...as days go by, your baby will stay awake longer and not doze off.  Some babies need more training and time to breastfeed.  Just for the record, I have two other friends who went through something similar with a positive ending.  Good luck!  I know how heartbreaking it is to think you can't successfully breastfeed.