Hellobee Boards

I quit at 4 months with my first. I think we got off to a bad start. I tried to get her on a schedule too early, and I also had to evacuate for a hurricane when she was less than 3 weeks, so I think the stress tanked my supply. It felt like I was doing it the first time again with my second, but it came a lot more naturally since I relaxed and just went with the flow. I also reminded myself that my DD did great on formula, so it was no big deal if it didn't work out.

I just have the one LO but my situation was a lot like yours. I'm not going to attempt with LO #2 (if we are lucky enough to have one.) I know I have supply issues due to PCOS, and since DH works opposite schedule to me (nights) it was incredibly difficult to pump all the time with a newborn around. Cannot imagine doing so with a new born and toddler. I felt so much stress relief when our BF/EP journey ended that I know I won't be attempting again. I have a lot of anxiety issues though so I think that's more important for me.

@swurlygurl: I struggled a lot with that I *SHOULD* be able to somehow make it work, because in primitive times, that's the only option. So they had to make it work. I struggled with that my body should have been doing it. Not to mention that LO had latch issues... never got even a 1/2 ounce at weighed feedings. Ever. Even though two LC's said her latch was perfect. Ugh. I get PTSD just thinking about it. Never again. I was exclusively FF and I'm fine. A happy mom is more imporant IMO.

@swurlygurl: I obviously do not know your situation and this is not a diagnosis of any sort, but pumping for 5 hours per day and getting 4oz, if you did this consistently, with no increased results, may be a sign of insufficient glandular tissue (IGT). Maybe something to peak at.

@swurlygurl: I'm breastfeeding my first but this post came to mind on the issue and I thought you might like it. She explains what happened with her first and second http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/2013/08/why-i-didnt-hate-breastfeeding-second.html

@swurlygurl: well if you were able to make 18oz at one point, then it probably isn't IGT.

@kodybear: There is definitely a learning curve the second time around, and I tried to just go with the flow. I had nothing to lose by trying. DS2 latched after a few tries and was a lazy sucker at first. I kept at it and had him eat every 2 hours around the clock for the first few days. My milk came in by the end of the second day, and he became better at feeding. I felt like I didn't experience a lot of the usual struggles that I had with my first. I took it one feeding at a time and tried my best not to stress out.