self doubt (x post)

markswife · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2006, 03:42 PM

All right you guys. I am sick of having self doubt and formula in the same household. I broke down and started trying to supplement a few weeks ago. I was pumping and not getting very much so I assumed neither was DS. Well, I was pumping after and on top of feeding DS, so of course I was not getting much. Finally, one night, DH gave DS a bottle of formula in place of a regular feeding and I pumped a ton of milk. I could not really get DS to take much formula either. Also, many times he will pull away when nursing and have milk dribbling out of his mouth. So after 5 days of this with the combination of fenugreek (stopped taking b/c I read that the effects on babies has not been fully studied), I decided it is not a supply issue. However, DS fusses after apporximately half of his feedings. Any ideas as to the cause? I busted out the formula again today. He played with the nipple on the bottle and swallowed a bit, but spit most of it out. I just am constantly questioning whether or not his fussyness is b/c of my milk (or lack of?). Anyhow, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pierce only nurses for 10-15 minutes total. I try to relatch him but he gets mad. When I pump afterward I only get a small amount so I really think he is draining me. Should I make him nurse longer? Is it something I am eating? I feel awful when he cries. I want to help him sooooooooo bad, but I am at a loss of what to do. I have read numerous books and tried multiple strategies. I appreciate any help?! I am so mad at myself for giving him formula (be it only a slight amount)

arosas · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2006, 05:34 PM

Hmm..I'm noooo expert..and just got the hang of this w/my ds...but have you tried burping him a few times during your nursing session? ( If you don't already)...maybe that's it...?? I really doubt it is anything you are eating ( although, the thought crossed my mind w/ds, too)...I hope others jump in w/their suggestions..that was my little one. hth- good luck- but definitely put the formula up...I know that won't help...your supply is perfect- especially if you can still get some out after ds is full.

ScorpiosThree · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2006, 09:44 PM

Don't worry, Momma, he is getting enough milk. If you were able to pump a ton for that missed feeding you have enough because babies are much more efficient than the pump so he's getting more than that. Babies' digestive systems are immature and sometimes they just spit up a lot, it can have nothing to do with what you eat. It's probably nothing more than colic, not that colic is nothing! Colic is a real thing and will go away around his 3rd or 4th month. His little digestive system needs to mature and he will get better as he gets older. Vivian was a real spitter until she was about 4 months old and now she rarely spits up at all.

You could try examining your diet to see if something you're eating is affecting him. I know tons of raw onion will bug Vivian, but that's about it for us. Check out http://www.kellymom.com - it is a great resource about breastfeeding and it dispells many myths of breastfeeding.

Hang in there and nurse on demand. He will tell you when he's hungry an that will help your supply more than anything else will.

markswife · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 10:57 AM

Okay, so I called Pierce's ped today. She said it did not sound like a supply issue at all but I could bring him in for a weight check for peace of mind. She thinks he has reflux? I question this b/c he rarely spits up. She said that he doesn't have to spit up for it to burn. So she gave us a prescription for Zantac. She said it doesn't sound at all like a dairy allergy or even colic. I think I am still going to try a few things out over the next few days with my diet before trying the medicine route. I eat a lot of spicy food. I appreciate all of your suggestions and support. We had several really good days in a row, and I was kind of thinking he was growing out of it. Then yesterday felt like a step backward. I was bawling on the phone with my DH before I posted. We just got home and you guys were right. Not a supply issue. My little guy is 10 pounds 5.5 ounces. His ped said to get rid of the formula. Do you all really think it could be reflux?

ScorpiosThree · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 01:46 PM

Yup - reflux is a possibility. Try the Zantac out and see if it helps. Babies can have silent reflux where they don't spit up. I agree with your ped - just get rid of the formula, donate it or trash it. You're doing great!

For what it's worth, we tried Zantac with Vivian. She hated the minty flavor, and it didn't seem to make a difference. It was just a phase she was going through that she grew out of.

runnerkim · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2006, 04:41 PM

I just wanted to say you are describing what I am going through and my LLL leader told me a few mins ago that it is nipple confusion. I am now in a downward spiral because DD flat out refuses the breast all the time. I'm so mad for listening to them and giving her a pumped bottle of milk. Now she has forgotten how to latch on correctly at the breast and refuses it every time.

mom2tig99Nroo03 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006, 05:45 PM

it could be lots of things, something as simple as needing to burp (especially if he only does it at some feeds), it could be gas, could be reflux, could be earpain, could be the aim upsetting his tummy a little, could be teethign already (yes, even at 2 months old- even though it is unlikely.

mom2tig99Nroo03 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2006, 05:47 PM

i agree wqith angela and kara's first posts above. :yes

Originally Posted by markswife

Okay, so I called Pierce's ped today. She said it did not sound like a supply issue at all but I could bring him in for a weight check for peace of mind. She thinks he has reflux? I question this b/c he rarely spits up. She said that he doesn't have to spit up for it to burn. So she gave us a prescription for Zantac. She said it doesn't sound at all like a dairy allergy or even colic. I think I am still going to try a few things out over the next few days with my diet before trying the medicine route. I eat a lot of spicy food. I appreciate all of your suggestions and support. We had several really good days in a row, and I was kind of thinking he was growing out of it. Then yesterday felt like a step backward. I was bawling on the phone with my DH before I posted. We just got home and you guys were right. Not a supply issue. My little guy is 10 pounds 5.5 ounces. His ped said to get rid of the formula. Do you all really think it could be reflux?

sounds like this ped really know her stuff as far as being bf friendly. yes, it could be relux, even without spitting up. does the baby nurse REALLY frequently? a baby with reflx usually nurses tons, because the milk going down (the first time) is very soothing.

Jescafa · #9 (**permalink**) 08-04-2006, 07:57 AM

Going on a plain-Jane diet may be worth a try. Never made a difference for me, but it can't hurt. Also be sure you're burping him a lot. Also be sure he's getting plenty of sleep. My daughter had colic and I'm convinced it was about overstimulation. She too would fuss shortly after feedings, and it took me a long time to realize she wasn't hungry again, she was just crazy tired and wasn't one of those babies who would just drop off to sleep on her own. Sounds like your supply is a-OK so ditch that formula!