https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:27:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2198360 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:56:37 +0000 irene 2198360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say try lactation cookies (they really work!), papaya, papaya juice, fenugreek, and that More Milk Plus supplement. I had lactation cookies that a friend made and boy. I usually pumped 7-8 oz total in the first pump in the morning and that morning after the lactation cookies I think I got 12-13 oz, I was shocked and I had to switch bottles mid-pump hahaha! </p> <p>If that works for you then you just eat lactation cookies every day for breakfast! hehe :)</p> <p>If your baby is now nursing well you have won half the battle! Don't feel bad if you can't breastfeed and nourish him only with your breastmilk. Now we are 3.5 years old and looking back, it was really a very small part of the whole picture and they seriously all grow up the same. The difference is you tried your best to give your baby the best you can give him. That is an abundance of love and accomplishment. xoxo :heart: :heart: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2198229 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:30:26 +0000 lilyofthewest 2198229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: I know this is an old thread, but I hope this might still be helpful. Rather than pumping after offering both breasts, you might try pumping one while feeding on the other. Then you can offer what you pumped (plus formula as needed) from a bottle afterwards. Even accounting for pump setup and cleaning it might take less time than what you're doing now. You can switch to pumping on the side your LO already fed from as you bottle feed him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2198199 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:19:56 +0000 macintosh 2198199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to give an update. Last week we saw a LC at the hospital and did and weighed feed. DS nursed like a champ, but only transferred 20cc :bummed: </p> <p>My midwife agreed to prescribe the domperidone, which had to be filled at a compounding pharmacy. It will be here on Saturday. I hope it helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2198198 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:17:02 +0000 macintosh 2198198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Charm54: wow, that's awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190187 Wed, 27 May 2015 04:56:58 +0000 Charm54 2190187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: I started taking it and within 2 days my supply increased , enough that I only had to<br /> supplement 3-4 oz a day (compared to 10-12 before).</p> <p>I see @Banana330: is also from Canada...so maybe it's a Canadian thing? It's pretty common here, a lot of my mama friends were on it also. Worth an ask to your Dr though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190156 Wed, 27 May 2015 01:21:00 +0000 Banana330 2190156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: It's an off label use, which is why she maybe never hear of it. I was started on a really low dose and it started working within a few days. </p> <p><a href="http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-DGS" rel="nofollow">http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-DGS</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190129 Tue, 26 May 2015 23:33:58 +0000 macintosh 2190129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shortcake: thanks. I am constantly thirsty as well as hungry, so I think I'm drinking enough :silly: </p> <p>@Trailmix: wow, I never imagined I could still be building a supply at 10 weeks! I'll try to remain hopeful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190128 Tue, 26 May 2015 23:31:42 +0000 macintosh 2190128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyG: good advice :happy: </p> <p>@nana87: :heart: </p> <p>@Charm54, @Banana330: I'm really interested since both of you mentioned domperidone. I asked one of the peds about prescription meds for milk supply last week and she said she'd never heard of any :bummed: </p> <p>@Kemma: :heart: :heart: :heart: </p> <p>@jhd: thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190126 Tue, 26 May 2015 23:24:59 +0000 macintosh 2190126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Waffles: good to hear another success story.</p> <p>@babynumber1: I went to take my supplement tonight and what do you know, it does smell like maple syrup!</p> <p>@blackbird: ugh, I hate pumping so much especially because I get practically nothing out. If I had to EP, I think I would have given up already.</p> <p>@catomd00: thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190039 Tue, 26 May 2015 21:21:39 +0000 Trailmix 2190039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to be on magnesium sulfate for 36 hours after my babies were born, which means I wasn't allowed to try to nurse them until after I was off it. Mine were supplemented from Day 1 because I had no other choice, and are doing great at almost 2 years old :) I was also able to have a successful EBFing relationship with my two for a full year. It took until almost 10 weeks to have a full supply establish.ed Hang in there!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190022 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:56:13 +0000 shortcake 2190022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any amount of breastmilk is great so don't beat yourself up. You are going great. I know it seems trivial but make sure you drink tons of water. Take care of yourself, don't stress and enjoy the ride. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190006 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:39:39 +0000 macintosh 2190006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: thank you, and thanks for the website suggestions.</p> <p>@gentlelunette: thanks for the support. I am taking a supplement. I do think my supply has gotten a little better in the past week or 2.</p> <p>@oliviaoblivia: I like what you said about formula giving us time. He's been such a slow eater that appreciate the ability to hand off the baby to DH to give him a bottle. I'd like to do more skin to skin but I'm a little reluctant since my nipples tend to leak milk all the time (so annoying that I have that and low supply!). I'm eating oatmeal every morning. Weight gain has been good ever since we started supplementing. He was over birth weight around 2.5 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2190001 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:32:20 +0000 jhd 2190001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: big hugs :heart: PP have already said it better than I could but just wanted you to know that I understand how disappointed you feel. Try not to stress and remember that any amount of breast milk is wonderful for your baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189990 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:21:49 +0000 Kemma 2189990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: repeat after me "I am amazing and I am enough!!"</p> <p>Please don't feel guilty or inadequate, you're doing your best and that's what matters! And you've had a rough start so be gentle with yourself :-)</p> <p>And fwiw, every mum has a "thing" that makes them feel inadequate - be it sleep, feeding, working etc, we all have our own crosses to bear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189979 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:08:30 +0000 Banana330 2189979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I couldn't take fenugreek etc due to intestinal discomfort. LO had slow weight gain and and I had low supply. We still occasionally supplement and I started domperidrone which has helped my supply a ton. </p> <p>From weeks 2.5-4.5 she was a slow gainer only gaining 0.5oz per day. The next week she was up to 1oz per day gains. I had started feeding every 2hrs and waking her at night, plus supplementing, pumping and started the domperidrone. </p> <p>I'm only really still doing the domperidrone so we'll have to see what her gain is this week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189939 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:22:12 +0000 Charm54 2189939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please don't beat yourself up. We struggled too, I ended up supplementing and EPing and it was a great balance for me. At 6 months I was sick of pumping so switched to formula only. My daughter is a healthy, intelligent, and very bonded toddler.</p> <p>I also recommend the Fearless Formula Feeder...she is a great resource!</p> <p> :heart:</p> <p>EtA: if you're interested in boosting your supply, ask about a prescription for domperidone...it did wonders for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189933 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:20:04 +0000 nana87 2189933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>:heart: I was so, so heartbroken when I had to start supplementing but it was so the best thing for us! I supplemented from 2-12 months (when we dropped formula for cows milk), and lo will be 14 months next week and we still have such a strong breastfeeding relationship. I ended up feeling like the formula took the pressure off of me-- esp when I wasn't sure if she was hungry: I didn't care about throwing away a bottle of formula if she wasn't actually hungry. Now that she's a toddler she definitely is very clear about loving nursing and I'm so thankful that supplementing allowed her to thrive and continue nursing as well. I tried for a couple months to pump after feeds and when she was sleeping but it was too hard, after a couple months I only pumped when she was at daycare </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189932 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:19:34 +0000 JennyG 2189932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was able to breastfeed fairly easy, but the absolute best advice I got about having a newborn came from a stranger on a plane about breastfeeding. "It's f****** 2013 and they make formula for a reason. Please do not feel guilty, beat yourself up, or make yourself crazy trying to breastfeed." Hugs!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189918 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:07:53 +0000 catomd00 2189918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't beat yourself up, mama! You are only 3.5 weeks in to your journey! A lot can change. But, if it doesn't end up going according to plan that's okay! You have a lot on your plate and some unique challenges that not everyone experiences. I honestly can't imagine having a baby and having to care for my husband as well. Let alone dealing with nursing!! You're amazing! Breastfeeding is not easy and it's very time consuming. Some breast milk is better then none! You're doing great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189915 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:02:14 +0000 blackbird 2189915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also ditto fearless formula feeder!</p> <p>Also-you have a LOT more on your plate than most of us have. Don't minimize your own challenges! </p> <p>I'll also echo that my regret with E was putting so much pressure on myself to eP and provide the magical brrastmilk. What happened is that it stressed me out, made me feel crappy, and I never got any rest because all the times I could have napped were spent pumping. If I had taken the path of least resistance, I would've been able to enjoy my time with her more. Cut yourself some slack, whatever that looks like. Brrastmilk is not the end all. You're doing a great job and your battle is uphill! </p> <p>The ones who have it easy are a minority! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189914 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:00:59 +0000 babynumber1 2189914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fenugreek is amazing at increasing supple. And the added bonus of smelling like maple syrup all day. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189913 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:59:00 +0000 Mrs.Waffles 2189913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't get discouraged. I supplemented for the first month and a half. Sometimes it takes a little longer for one to establish a good supply. Breastfeeding is so hard sometimes. I almost gave up when I got a yeast infection on one of my breasts a couple weeks after giving birth, probably due to being put on antibiotics while in labor. My LO is 8 months now and I'm still breastfeeding, so it will get easier. Oatmeal is very good to help increase milk supply. Wishing you the best. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189912 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:58:32 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2189912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Breastfeeding can be the hardest thing in the world. Big hugs to you mama. You are still very much in the thick of breastfeeding difficulties. For many moms it doesn't get "easy" until 6-8 weeks.<br /> Finding an LC that's helpful can make such a difference.<br /> Supplementing does not make you a bad mom, it makes you an amazing mom that does what she has to do to take care of her family. Taking care of yourself is a big part of that too. If formula gives you time to enjoy your family that you'd otherwise spend pumping and miserable - feed formula! </p> <p>For recommendations I'd suggest keep up doing what you're doing if it's working but change it up if you need to. </p> <p>Spending some time skin to skin now will help your supply. Your supply isn't set at this point so you can still increase it now. There are never ending growth spurts around that time too. I've EBFed both my girls and from 1-6 weeks there were days when they were just attached constantly even though my boobs were totally empty. They'd go nuts for more after only 30-45 minutes. It's maddening but completely normal.</p> <p>Have you tried an SNS so you can feed formula but still give your breasts stimulation? </p> <p>Baby wearing can increase prolactin levels. Mothers milk tea, fenugreek, blessed thistle, oatmeal can all increase supply. Whenever I feel my supply is low I drink a ton of water and start the day with a bowl of oatmeal (it's what dairy farmers feed cows - and do those ladies ever produce milk!)</p> <p>How has his weight gain been lately? It's normal to lose some in the beginning. My first lost 12% and we had to stay in the hospital until after my milk came in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189894 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:27:39 +0000 gentlelunette 2189894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Breastfeeding is so hard. I don't have supply issues, but I we really struggled with latch, the point where I had a crack at the base of my nipple that was so big and so deep it took 8 weeks (and a lot of pain) to heal. I almost threw in the towel so many times. Now, at 9.5 weeks, it's finally starting to become "easy". Breastfeeding truly takes so much out of a mom, but you are doing an amazing job. There is no shame in supplementing- your babe is getting the benefits of breastfeeding! If you do want to try and EBF, have you looked into trying any herbal supplements to try to boost your supply? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189886 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:16:53 +0000 Applesandbananas 2189886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: hugs. Hang in there &lt;3 </p> <p>We had a lot of issues with breastfeeding until 10-11 weeks, including heavily supplementing until about 8 weeks and a little supplementing throughout his first year (I WOH FT and pumped but didn't always make enough for his daycare bottles so sometimes I kept some formula at daycare just in case). </p> <p>Fearless formula feeder is amazing, as is Scary Mommy, if you're looking for some formula feeding support. </p> <p>I went through a lot of emotions with supplementing and our breastfeeding struggles (guilt, anger, exhaustion, frustration, sadness) and I really regret that I was so consumed by all that in the beginning. </p> <p>Breastfeeding is great and all, but it's not the end all, be all of motherhood. Enjoy your sweet little boy, soak up the snuggles, and be kind to yourself. He doesn't care where his milk comes from, he just cares that mommy and daddy are snuggling him and loving him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-inadequate#post-2189879 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:08:03 +0000 macintosh 2189879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DS is 3.5 weeks old. We had a rough start with breastfeeding. He had meconium in his lungs so I didn't get to do skin to skin or feed in the first hour. He didn't feed well in the first few days due to a tongue tie. The tongue tie was clipped and his latch improved, but he lost too much weight and I had to start supplementing. </p> <p>I was told to pump at every feeding, but I just don't have time and enough help to manage that. I always nurse first and he nurses well now, but he's almost always hungry for more after finishing both breasts.</p> <p>I love being his mom, but the breastfeeding issues and low supply are still making me feel inadequate. I'm so jealous of moms who have an easy time breastfeeding, like my friend and SIL. I feel guilty that I have to give my baby formula.</p> <p>We have another LC appointment on Friday and I'm hoping they will have some suggestions. I'm sure others have felt this way. Any suggestions on dealing with it? Suggestions for reading material? </p>