https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 00:49:43 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2494080 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 10:10:01 +0000 nwm 2494080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You are definitely not alone! Sounds very similar to the problems I've been having with my LO, who's 4 weeks old tomorrow. Seeing a lactation consultant really helped reassure me that supplementing wasn't going to destroy my supply, and it has definitely steadily been increasing. Frankly, I have come around to being happy we're supplementing, as it takes a lot of pressure off that he'll take the bottle and I know he'll always get what he needs somehow! But take heart--I've definitely been able to increase my supply over the last few weeks while supplementing, and he's generally gotten to be a much better feeder even over a short time, so it doesn't feel like he just wants to spend endless time nursing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2494047 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:42:07 +0000 snowjewelz 2494047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Hang in there! Those first weeks are SO hard. You are not alone! I cried and cried and cried (out of pain, out of uncertainty, out of lack of sleep...). It really does get better and you will fall into a better routine soon! :heart: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2494044 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:38:21 +0000 Mrs D 2494044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: totally cried last night when she had a big spit up.. Oh the hormones...DH was so sad that he just couldn't help...he finally was the one that just said I needed to give her a bottle!</p> <p>I'm going to make her nurse ever 2 hours during the day today to just encourage things a bit...fingers crossed!</p> <p>@snowjewelz: I liked the LC at the hospital but I'm sure given my area I could find something nearby...that's a good idea. I have two friends who are BF "experts" I could call in too! I am hoping this is just a hump to get over before we settle in... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493996 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:01:01 +0000 avivoca 2493996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: I would also let her cluster feed even if you can't get anything out. It's so hard. I remember one time that H was cluster feeding all night and my boobs felt so empty. Then she spit up all that milk on me and started screaming for more and I just started crying while feeding her. I had started pumping a bit to relieve my engorgement, so I had a bit in a bottle she could have, but if I hadn't I would have sent T to the store for some formula.</p> <p>Hugs. It's so hard when they are cluster feeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493994 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 09:00:59 +0000 snowjewelz 2493994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Can you see if there is another local LC? Maybe ped can offer a referral? Is there a LLL in your area? Some of them are volunteers and would come to your house! I didn't really like the LC at the hospital; she was in a rush and just kinda dumped all this info on me that I didn't know what to do with! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493988 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 08:57:33 +0000 Mrs D 2493988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I meant to say that too... I saw the Lc in the hospital and I liked her. If it doesn't get better this week or if I get more frustrated I'll call her. I can go in and see her too but it's a bit of a ways away ... Towards the end of the week I may be up for driving that far... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493968 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 08:44:07 +0000 snowjewelz 2493968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Congrats btw!!! </p> <p>I would just press on, let her cluster feed, pretty much put aside your logic of "but there's nothing when I squeeze, she still seems hungry, etc" and just keep going!! </p> <p>I'd also see if you can see an LC also. There is one associated with our ped, we saw her and realized DD had a slight tongue tie. She also helped us get a nipple shield in the beginning, etc.c </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493929 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 08:06:18 +0000 Mrs D 2493929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh - my posts are all getting eaten!!!!</p> <p>Thank you ladies so much for the support and encouragement!!!</p> <p>I did a lot of reading on Kelly mom and have plans for today (beer, milk maker tea, calmer nursing environment in evenings, giving her more time when fussing) hoping it helps!</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I think it's good and she is generally super chill. 1.5-2 hr naps during the day and 2 hours start to start of nursing sessions...seems similar to what I recall from dd1! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493756 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 22:06:21 +0000 Foodnerd81 2493756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both my LOs acted like that in the evenings in the very early days. I would be almost in tears saying there can't be more milk in there! But my motto was this is establishing my supply. Even with my second when I had an oversupply in the beginning I still had nights like that. Have you tried everything to soothe her besides nursing- like having your SO rock her, bounce her, so you can take a short break and your breasts get a short break? And I don't think a few ounces of formula will hurt your supply long term either way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493726 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:38:33 +0000 catomd00 2493726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd call a lactation consultant. It sounds normal as far as cluster feeding/crying in the evenings goes and I wouldn't jump to the conclusion is low supply. You kind of need to fight through that though and put baby on the breast all the time to get yor supply up. The more you supplement, the less you're going to produce, which might wind up sabotaging things for you in the long run. I definitely don't think anyone here can tell you if its supply or just normal and I wouldn't want to advise you to do anything that may end up harming your baby, hence why I'd call a LC. As long as diapers are good and weight gain is good, I'd say supply is fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493708 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:09:42 +0000 ShootingStar 2493708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One thing you could try is using an SND system while she's cluster feeding. That way baby gets fed and doesn't melt down, and your body gets the memo that more milk is needed. Plus, as other have said there's always *some* milk there, so she'll get that too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493706 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 21:02:30 +0000 Ms.Badger 2493706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to chime in a say this sounds a lot like me with J. We would cluster feed and eventually I was sure I was empty, he wouldn't stay latched on either side and I've done this before with L, I knew when I was drained. At first I objected to supplementing having heard it will affect my supply, but my DH read articles that said it's really all based on supply and demand and if there's no supply, letting him suck wasn't helping anything. I gave him formula (1-2 oz, just a few times) in the first couple days and eventually he just didn't need it anymore. DH even went out and bought more formula and we never used it, I just donated it to a shelter. I'm still breastfeeding and pumping at work at 10.5 months with no problems with my supply, I know that he'll be on breastmilk until WCM. Maybe I'm an anamoly, but not everyone who supplements due to baby's hunger has supply problems because I didn't. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493680 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:37:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2493680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: how's sleeping going? My kids would act like this when they were really just over tired. Want to nurse to relax but so tired they would just get mad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493651 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:19:22 +0000 gingerbebe 2493651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had low supply (I never made more than 24oz in a day and my son needed like 30oz at his peak with his weight issues) and we supplemented with a bottle of formula everyday until I weaned at 10 months. For me, my supply didn't really start kicking in until 6 weeks and it wasn't fully established at 12 weeks. I pumped for hours 3-4 a day and let my son clusterfeed but yeah it just wasn't enough and I made peace with supplementation being part of our journey. I'd rather have a baby that's happy and full and not stress about my supply than try to get some EBF goal. He still got 90% breastmilk for 10 months and he never had issues with breast or bottle, BM or formula, and it was great to have others help feed him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493638 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:14:27 +0000 Mrs D 2493638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Trailmix: totally forgot about beer.... Totally having a beer midday tomorrow...</p> <p>@JoyfulKiwi: that's s good point...I will do some reading on it tonight...</p> <p>Just such a different experience than I had with k - it was super easy from day 1 - so this has just thrown me for a loop... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493632 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:06:42 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2493632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe you have a slow let-down and she's fussy because it takes a while for the milk to come out. Kellymom.com has some good information about helping with let-down. Seeing a lactation consultant would be a good idea too. I agree with everyone who said to pump if you give formula. It's not about getting milk out, it's about telling your body you need more milk. In fact, you could add in pumping after she's had a good feed and that should boost your supply as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493631 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:06:14 +0000 Trailmix 2493631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In hindsight, BFing is so easy to overthink but like others have said, the best thing you can do is put baby on the breast whenever she's hungry. Even if you don't see milk from hand expressing, she's probably getting some. Also, a bit of formula here and there will not hurt your supply, even one bottle a day! I nursed my twins but they got usually one bottle of formula per day as well, and we had a successful nursing relationship until I weaned at one year.<br /> To boost milk supply, I had a daily regimen of wheat beer, oatmeal, fenugreek and blessed thistle supplements, and lots and lots of water, I think it all helped a bit so you could try those, and/or lactation cookies! Good luck, the beginning is all so unknown and intense, it will get so much better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493627 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 20:02:15 +0000 Mrs D 2493627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So it seems when I put her to breast she latches takes a few sips then pulls back and fusses...never really settling in...and eventually the fussing turns into a full on meltdown.</p> <p>It's at the meltdown point that I have given the formula...bc I don't know what else to do and I don't want her just being hysterical... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493622 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:57:09 +0000 schubr03 2493622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also recommend seeing a lactation consultant. But pump after nursing. Each time, then after you try nursing and you supplement, pump. Even if you think you are empty. You are going to tell your body that you need milk at that time and then it will heighten your supply. It really helped my supply to pump after each feeding, no matter what. You're doing great! It will get easier and less stressful, I promise. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493616 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:51:30 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2493616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please see an ibclc! She should be able to help you sort this out and do a weighed feed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493607 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:38:08 +0000 JerricaBenton 2493607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could never hand express more than a few sad drops but there was definitely milk. I also remember nursing allllll day in the first few weeks. As long as diapers are normal I'd keep nursing on demand. That's how you regulate supply. It got a lot easier by 2 weeks. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493605 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:37:48 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2493605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is she freaking out when at your breast and you're thinking they're empty? I went through a bit of cluster feeding in the early weeks and thinking I was empty and maybe I was, but I would just keep alternating to each breast when I thought they were empty or getting there so that she was helping my body figure out they needed to make more milk. </p> <p>For the most part I pushed feeding stop be at least every 1.5 hours (but not until she was probably at least two or more weeks older, I don't exactly remember) so I could feel like she was actually hungry and the breastmilk had digested and also so my breasts could catch up. Then for the cluster feeding periods from 4-7 for me, I didn't mind her eating more often. She was never really upset though so I am not sure what to do if she is angry and not soothed by being at your breast and suckling even if very little is coming out. Your supply should catch up to her needs though if you keep her there. It might take a day or two of cluster feeding at those times which can feel stressful! There will always be a little coming out that the baby can get at better than you can or a pump can. You could try helping get more milk by doing breast compressions when the suckling has slowed down and you feel you're emptier and are using both breasts. I still do that to try and help her get as much milk, especially hindmilk, out as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493601 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:32:18 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2493601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: the only thing you should be strict about is feeding on demand right now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493600 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:31:39 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2493600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just because you can't express doesn't mean you don't have milk. </p> <p>Cluster feeding is normal and that's natures way of stimulating to establish your milk supply. </p> <p>I'm not saying don't supplement but it sounds like everything is going normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493598 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:29:50 +0000 Run2shore 2493598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It may seem you at empty, but as long as the baby is at the breast eating, there is milk. Hand expressing/pumping is not always a good indication of what your supply is. The baby is the best way to remove milk from your breast. I agree with what everyone has said above, keep putting baby to breast - it's almost constant at that age! Don't go by clock, go by hunger cues, even if it seems like it's a lot. If there are multiple wet diapers she is getting fed. And definitely look into lactation consultant! </p> <p>You are doing great- it will get better. you're just starting out and it can take some time to get the hang of it, but you will :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493589 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:22:46 +0000 JenGirl 2493589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At that age I just let my son nurse as long as he wanted, as often as he wanted. The more stimulation your boobs get, the better your supply. So if you're going to suppliment, try to do it after nursing, rather than instead of nursing. And maybe consider talking to a lactation consultant, they can be super helpful. But, try not to stress, it'll work out one way or another. As long as baby is having good diapers, I wouldn't be too worried. You got this mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493584 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:17:42 +0000 Mrs D 2493584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought about pumping but honestly when she freaks out and I have to supplement I think they are empty and pumping would be for nothing...</p> <p>Should I shift to a stricter 2 hour cycle tomorrow? Will that help my supply?!</p> <p>@Alba4: I think I am eating enough. I made some lactation bars and have been munching them along w the tea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493578 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:11:35 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2493578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As long as she has enough wet and poopy diapers I wouldn't worry! That's the best indication for whether or not she's getting enough. If you don't want to supplement long term I would pump anytime you give formula. If you do want to supplement that's ok too! All that matters is that baby gets fed. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493575 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:06:22 +0000 Alba4 2493575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you keeping up with your own eating? Try eating some lactation cookies. I took a supplement called Mother's Milk a couple of times a day to try to help with my supply too. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/supplementingneed-encouragement#post-2493574 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 18:59:46 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2493574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think cluster feeding is normal for that age for sure..</p> <p>Giving formula and not pumping is going to decrease supply. If she is gaining ok keep putting her to your breast. Good luck! </p>