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We had a number of problems which did cause some supply issues (not to the level that you are discussing). My son was MSPI but I didn't know and we ended up going to scheduled feedings at 2 weeks old so he could have his Zantac and wouldn't hurt. Somehow, we did make it to 2 years old with supplementation at 9 months old.

I hate the pump as well, but I think that it may be a good fit. One thing that may help is not to let him just languish on the boob because he isn't being affective (and it isn't helping). Limit him to maybe 15 min per side and then offer it again a short time later (maybe 30 min). So you offer often, BUT he has to get what he wants as soon as possible. I'm not a LC and this is a stab in the dark. But if you limit his time and pump immediately after, that may help.

One thing I found useful was to pump the side he wasn't feeding on initially. This could help you get more pumped milk for supplementing and it did demand. Then I put him on that side after I pumped.

If you do want to FF you can and there are some women who have been very successful just breastfeeding when together and FF when away.

i had supply issues at the beginning because LO was not an efficient nurser and would fall asleep constantly during a feeding. it wasn't creating enough of a demand. my pediatrician also mentioned that nursing for long periods of time may be counterproductive if the act of it burns more calories than the baby is getting. not sure if that is true or not, anyway, this is what my lactation consultant told me to do for 2 weeks, and it worked:

nurse on each side for 15 minutes
give LO a bottle of pumped milk or formula
pump both sides afterwards for 10-15 minutes

this was easier when my husband was at home with me because he could give LO the supplemental bottle while i pumped.

hope this is helpful, i'm sorry it's been difficult--breastfeeding has so many intricacies and complications!

I intentionally decided to become a combination feeder (both breast milk and formula) and we've been successfully doing that for almost 8 months now. Just remember it isn't all or nothing.

I supposed I could have pressed on harder, but choosing to let it go meant that I was finally able to just enjoy my time with my newborn, still nurse, but she was getting enough nutrients and calories to be healthy and thrive.

It has provided us with a lot of flexibility in terms of nursing when able and willing and giving a bottle other times, and it has worked out great for us. I have periods of guilt that I could never EBF, but I'm proud to have given her breast milk for this long, and while my supply was never enough to do it exclusively, she has gotten breast milk every day of her life and my supply has slowly increased over the last several months since being at work means that i stay on a regular pumping schedule and don't have to deal with LO not latching, sucking, or being disinterested.

Anyway, hang in there. It is hard to deal with but there are plenty of ways to handle it and you just have to find what works best for you and your family.

@Espion: I tried just about everything and the only thing that worked was Domperidone. There are a million and one things you can try and HB is AWESOME for all of those suggestions, many helped us out. Try not to stress yourself out or beat yourself up over it, your LO loves you no matter what

@Espion: Yes, it is often easier said than done :). You will get to a point that works for you and that is all that you can do.

We coslept starting at 6 months to get more food into the kid. Nothing like all night access.

@Espion: I took it for two months. It was $199 for a month's supply. It was prescribed from my lactation consultant and I got it at a compounding pharmacy. I also have fantastic insurance and was shocked it wasn't covered.

If you're comfortable with it, there was some on the classifieds section here.

And I totally get you on the the "I wish the internet had more unbiased information and less "you are a terrible mom" or "you will automatically kill your supply forever" - part.
I was incredibly depressed over my situation. If there's one thing I wish I could change, I wish I could go back and tell myself to relax, everything will work out, you're a good mom. Because moms need to be told that, and really believe it.

@Espion: I have some Domperidone as well if you are interested.

@Espion: I think if you write a script you can order from Canada.

@Espion: I took both Reglan and Domperidon. I didn't see an increase with either, but I have heard of a lot of people who have had success with Dom. If you are going to get Dom you can get it from inhousepharmacy.biz it is much cheaper than going to a compounding pharmacy.

I know it can be so stressful to not make enough milk. Using an SNS is hard and, for me, took away the natural feeling of breastfeeding. Don't worry about using bottles in the meantime. Try Dom, hopefully it will work. Good luck and give yourself a break! Also, drink a beer, it's good for supply

@Espion: Awesome!!! Thanks for the shoutout.

I checked my bottle of domperidone at home and it only has like maybe 10-15 pills in there. You are welcome to them if you want them, but it isn't all that many.

@Espion: Yay! Glad it works for you!