Breastfeeding trouble!
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Here for advice also, i noticed my son eating more and my supply started to dip. Trying to increase my supply but im not seeing much change.
My baby is almost 3 months and in 22 days he did not gain even 1/2 an lb. I was shocked since he’s nursing all the time and has a good latch. My doctor, pediatrician , lactation support all said continue nursing every 2-3 hours especially if you’re doing longer sleep stretches at night and don’t worry so much about it. Your baby is obviously not starving and stressing will hurt more than help. Since then I’ve just nursed and nursed , spent a few days naked with the baby and nursing in bed and he’s gaining ! If you have a weekend to be skin to skin and just focus on nursing like in those new new newborn days, it may be as simple as that.
Alot of days we only breastfeed at wake up or bedtime. I'm an undersupplier and found it too much to do both feeding and pumping. So I do either or. I stopped stressing and accepted that we combo fed and probably always will. We do half and half. My ped is very generous with samples so I haven't had to buy any yet.
I tried eating alot more and drinking more and honestly praying for my body to do what I needed. I noticed I wasn’t eating enough and that helped
Stress plays a really big part on your supply which is really surprising, I struggled for a minute with not producing enough bc I was stressing a lot from family issues which caused my supply to dip HARD went from producing 7/8 oz from one boob to dropping to barely 2 oz out of each boob together, which caused me to stress more, I power pumped and ate big meals but I feel like the biggest thing that helped was relaxing, putting earphones in not worrying about me pumping and reading a book it took me 3/4 days but I actually make more than what I was making before 9/10 oz out of one boob now but if I’m not sitting and relaxing I’ll drop an oz or two sometimes
First of all, you’re not failing as a mom. I wanted to tell you that first and foremost. You are killin it with everything you’re doing. I know it was already mentioned but stress is a big factor. I know it’s hard to just “de-stress” but however you can take the edge off (exercising, baths or whatever) try doing that. Drinking a ton of water helped me along with making sure you’re eating enough protein rich foods. Protein bars, chicken, steak… whatever you want. I tried to eat protein with every meal/snack. Lastly, check to see if there is a Facebook group that is strictly for people asking for breast milk or to donate it in your area. I know that sounds sketchy but if you get to that point, you might want to take a look.
I honestly do both. I pump like I normally would and I breastfeed her whenever she wants. I.e in between bottles, if she's still hungry after a 4 ounce bottle, at night if I'm too lazy to warm up a bottle. Don't get discouraged it's a beautiful yet challenging journey. You're doing great.
Make sure ur getting enough protein/ try out some protein shakes
I feel your pain. My baby is 3 months old and has stopped taking the breast one day after my birthday. It makes me so sad.😔
First of all you are doing great! Please remember fed is best, so please dont put pressure on yourself to breastfeed, although I am very proud of you for trying. I remember when I needed to increase my supply I tried a hand held pump and that seemed to work so you can try that
Has LC weighed your baby before and after a feed to determine how many oz she drinks? I used to feel that I was behind on her demand and power pumped then supplemented w formula after breastfeeding. Is she fully awake during feedings too? Sometimes babies fall asleep at the breast b/c it’s so comfy but I’m assuming at 3 months she is. Oh and after I pumped I also spent a few minutes hand expeessing w my hand to empty out and bump up supply.
Also I’m doing liquid gold and pumping princess, taking brewers yeast, mommy’s milk tea, chamomile tea and lactation cookies! Body armors and staying hydrated, I don’t know what else to do!