Thanks for the comments on the previous post about breastfeeding. My saga is not over yet.
In answer to questions/statements from the previous post -
Martha - Thanks for commenting. I love to get feedback!
Lau - I have missed you, girlfriend! Hope you are doing well! I did try the breast pads for the lanolin - AFTER I ruined my favorite T-shirt and they work fantastically. I just want that T-shirt back.
Alie-Yes there is a medication for increasing milk production. It is called Reglan and is often used to treat pediatric digestive issues. I haven't seen much increase (i.e. the doubling that was suggested), but it was worth the try. It apparently works very well on people with hormonal issues with milk production.
Ellie - So glad you posted. I have thought of you many times during my dramatic ordeal and knowing you made it through has made me feel like I can too. You are my BFing hero.
EOE - Thanks so much for the supportive comments!
And now the second installment - where did I leave off...Oh yes, I got the prescription and was hoping for increased milk production.
Prior to starting the medication, my OBs office had me pump every 2 hours on that side. I am not sure if the increased pumping or the medication made the difference, but shortly after beginning the meds, I was back at the level of production I was seeing prior to the drop. By day 3 or 4 on the meds, I was up slightly from that mark. Is the medication helping? I don't know. But I wouldn't have NOT tried it.
The most recent and most AWESOME development? Due to a BFing session yesterday morning (which was because I was so damned tired that I didn't feel like getting up to warm the bottle or pump afterwards) with an incorrect latch, I now have blisters on my right nipple. You read that right. Blisters. As in hurts like a mo-fo. And looks pretty rank, too.
I have consulted Dr. Google with how to treat this and then verified with my OB office. I am also going to meet with my favorite LC from the hospital tomorrow regarding my difficulty getting a correct latch. And before anyone says it - I know that a correct latch shouldn't hurt. But EVERY latch hurts me. And from what one LC told me, this is probably due to the reduction. So, yeah, great.
So now I am not BFing at all, just pumping. And it may just stay that way. My friend Ellie did it and she made out just fine. And, even though I have been saying for days now that switching to formula wouldn't be a cop out, I am beginning to buy what I was selling and I am coming more to terms with the fact that breastfeeding may not work out for me. (You must be wondering what kind of a bumbling idiot I am to just now be coming to this realization...)
3 comments:
I am sooooo right there with you!!! I couldn't get a latch with my my little one that didn't hurt either (I really believe it was due to the reduction!). I would BF for 40+ minutes and she would still want/ need a bottle so I am strictly bottle feeding and pumping as much as possible. I tried the medicine too however I didn't see a HUGE increase in my milk production like I thought. I am pumping and giving her as much breast milk as possible but having to supplement with formula. I unfortunatly cannot pump as much as they would like, and I am sure that this would help- however I am at home with no help with three kiddos, and I cannot leave our baby girl out of my sight for one second because our son cannot be trusted (we have had some issues and scary situations when I left the room just to go to the bathroom etc...). So needless to say I am coming to terms with the fact that very soon I too will probably not be making nearly enough to keep up with her needs and will mostly be formula feeding. This is hard for me to come to terms but I know I gave it my best and at least she did get some breast milk. Hang in there I am right there with you:)
There are a lot of exclusive pumpers out there. I was one of them for a week. If that is the plan that works best for all of you, then that's great! I know there are some hands free apparatuses you can use to pump out there, if your pump isn't one. You might might want to check them out.
I don't think you're a bumbling idiot for taking time to come to the conclusion that's best for you! I tried to EBF Kennedy for weeks and my supply issues just made it so difficult. When I decided to start supplementing with formula, she rejected me completely. I was in tears for months and still feel guilt when I remember it. I hope you don't experience any of that guilt and find peace and happiness in your BFing journey, wherever it takes you :)
Post a Comment