4.9.09

i'm losin' it

Losing the baby weight? No. My mind? Only a little. I'm affraid it's much worse. I am losing my milk and I am stressing out about it like crazy (which probably isn't helping the problem).

I am back on Fenugreek and pumping during naps and drinking as much water as I can but really, nothing seems to make a permanent difference. It is so frustrating that I fought so hard to stick with nursing through all of the hard colicky stuff and now here I am, losing my milk. Ugh!

I am getting close to waking up in the night so that I can pump which really is ridiculous! I shouldn't have to do that! I wish I knew why this was happening and I wish Violet's pediatrician had better advice then, "drink a beer before you go to bed." Um yeah, not gonna happen.

If any of you have advice on how to get your milk back then let me know. Or if you have tricks to get a baby to instantly start loving the taste of formula I would be glad to hear those too. I am crossing my fingers that there is a veteran nurser out there who can steer me down a path of success.

13 comments:

Maureen said...

Have you tried a lactation consultant? I've heard they're fabulous. All I can say is hang in there. Jacob and Sophia didn't seem to get very much, but some how they eventually got what they needed. I definitely let them "prime the pump" by letting them suckle longer on each side. I always thought I was drying up, but from my friends doctor says "if they were in Africa-they'd have to suck to get it-they'll get what they need". Is she getting wet diapers? Hope it all goes okay! You can call me anytime!
Maureen

Camille said...

I'd say talk to a lactation consultant too. I think they're free at St. Joseph's where you delivered. Or maybe just their breastfeeding support group is free and that's probably led by a certified lactation consultant. Sorry this happening, it is SO stressful! Even if it doesn't turn out the way you want it to, you have definitely done all you can.

The Ensign's said...

That's funny. I was gonna say try a lactation consultant too, but it looks like you've already got that advice twice. Good luck!!!

{lindy baker cakes} said...

My worst nightmare!!!

Kayla R. said...

I am so sorry:(

Heather B said...

Are you pregnant? Just kidding. But I know what you're going through. My milk dried up when I was 3-4 months pregnant. Kalia hated formula for awhile. But I hade time to mix 75% breastmilk, 25% formula, then 50/50 (a few days later) then 25/75, then full on formula. It only took about 2 weeks til she would fully take formula. And she loved it so much, she had a hard time going to cows milk when she got older! I'm sorry though, breastfeeding is so nice, I miss it. The only other thing you could try is to eat more calories. Maybe you're burning too many?!?

Salime said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Salime said...

I hate to tell you, but actually waking up to pump might work. I had way too much milk, but wanted less because I was engorged 90% of the time and getting mastitis... too painful. The doctor told me that the reason was because I was pumping too often... every 2 hours including at night!!! yes, I woke up every 2 hours to pump (new mom, didn't know better plus if I didn't it hurt). Now you know why I was going crazy with the lack of sleep and why I hated breastfeeding. I was over doing it. But pumping that often definitely gave me a plethora of milk. you will have milk, but then you will definitely lose your mind (and maybe even your marriage). So maybe just relax and let things be... if it is formula, then let formula be. Violet might reject it 3 or 4 times, but then she will get used to it. They all do. Another advice that you might hate and works too... eating more fatty foods. I noticed that when I ate half a pizza (or more), I produced more milk... lots more. And that's why it took me 9 months to get back to my normal weight. So either way, it kind of sucks. sorry. Formula is not that bad. Other than being expensive, it is ok. I was not breastfed and I have the best immune system ever. I only breastfed Jimmy for 3 months and he never got sick for the first year of life... nothing, not even diaper rash. Jimmy my husband was breastfed and he gets sick all the time. Breastmilk is best, but formula is ok too.

Jana said...

How do you know you're losing it? Is your baby not gaining enough weight? Or you just can't pump as much as before?

I go through phases with nursing where I can't pump much, but babies are able to get a lot more milk out than a pump can. I only think you need to give her formula if she's losing weight.

KaSs MiLeS said...

i had no idea that could happen. my milk never came in at all. i'm cursed with the anderson boobies. nice pediatrician by the way... :) you're not in utah anymore i guess.

Bridget said...

Yeah, babies can suck much more efficiently than a pump, so if you're pumping less it doesn't necessarily mean there's less milk in there.

With fenugreek, you have to take tons of it. Two or three pills three times a day, every day. It might take a few days for you to see a result.

Also, remember that as babies get older, they are more efficient at feeding so she might not be nursing as long as she used to.

Good luck! That is all the advice I have for you. I've breastfed for 3 years of my life (and counting) so I have lots to say, sorry :).

Our EyreLife said...

All great advice. And I agree with most all of it.

But one thing you need to consider is the fact that you're SOSOSO anxious to lose the baby weight that perhaps your body is focusing more on itself adjusting to your workouts than on producing milk.

It has happened to tons of my friends. The baby weight will come off WAY easier if you are nursing...so maybe, if you're sweating to the oldies as much as possible, you may want to relax a little so that your milk can burn you a few calories.

Just a thought...

Hugs and loves!

Annie said...

I agree with Jessie...I have heard that if you are exercising too much or too hard and not eating enough, you will dry up, and from the looks of some of your posts...you have been into losing your weight fast and working out hard. Good luck, I know it will work out for the best, and the Lord will make up the difference for Violet...don't stress, formula fed babies are smart too. Oh, and I have been pumping for 7 months and i have been gaining weight. Sucks.