Yup...still at it! Barely. Still trying to figure out what in the world will help me nurse my child! Maybe I'm a fool for trying for this long. I don't know. Along with what I wrote about in the previous blog post about my breastfeeding struggles, I am now taking 9 pills of Fenugreek seed per day, 9 pills of Blessed Thistle and drinking a little bit of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea.It was beginning to help some (not nearly enough to sustain Jaden...but enough to make trying worth it), and then yesterday I noticed that my supply was dwindling again! Not to mention that there is a major difference in the amount of milk each breast produces! What the heck? Seriously! If my left breast makes about 2 oz, my right breast might give me 2/3 of an oz! Hardly worth the effort and discomfort it takes to get that 2/3 of an oz.I told the midwife about my issues and she seems to think no meds are necessary, that I should just keep trying...and the last time I was able to get ahold of the lactation nurse she had said I've tried everything natural already, that I could ask the midwife for meds?!
Hang in there, hopefully your supply is just going through a spurt and it will be back soon!
ReplyDeleteFirst let me start off by saying that I enjoy reading your blog. I came across it through another friends.
ReplyDeleteSecond you are doing a great job Mama! Good for you to keep working at it. I seem to have the same problem. I'm lucky if I can get 2 oz out of one side when I pump. Just know that the baby gets more out of his sucking than you will get out of the breast pump. I've also noticed when I eat a real heavy meal, I tend to produce a better supply. Is eating more helping you at all?
I also tried the Fenugreek and Mothers Milk Tea, not so sure they really help but it can't hurt. It always upset me when people would say you must nurse and that if you are having a difficult time then you are doing something wrong. I believe that everyone's body is different and it just doesn't come as easy to some (like us).
Keep working at it and I pray that things will go smoother for you and baby. And know that there isn't anything wrong with supplementing. Don't let others guilt you that there is.
Nadine, I'm seriously inspired and so impressed by how devoted you are to doing this. I was about to throw in the towel after one week! It's such a painful and long process for some of us! Even after my milk came in, Giada wanted nothing to do with my boobs, so I just gave up on that and decided to just pump. I randomly decided to try again a few days later and just like that she decided that she was going to start breastfeeding. We still struggle with it most days because she is not patient and gets annoyed if she has to work too hard, or if she gets too much milk at once. But I guess that perseverance does pay off after all. So I say keep doing it until you get some results or until you believe that it's better and more productive to go with another alternative. It's all about how much you can handle and what works best for you and Jaden.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why your midwife won't help you out with some meds. You've been trying for two months! I will keep on praying for you hun.
PS: I added you on facebook :-)
You are def not a fool for still trying! Props to you for not giving up! I agree with Ashlie... eating is important and hydrating. Also, have you tried pumping just until your let down and then putting Jaden on the breast that way he gets the 'reward' right away. He might not get as frustrated.
ReplyDeleteTo keep this from being a way too long post, I'm gonna email you. :)