worried i wont be able to keep up

[MomPepperdine]

With bf. I was only able to do if for 3 mo with the girls always had to add formula because they weren't gaining enough. Well we can not afford any formula at all none and if I can't do it idk what ill do :/

 

[Lownthwaite]

I would recommend you research breastfeeding. Growth spurts, cluster feeding and normal newborn feeding behavior. Learn what to expect in regards to milk supply etc. I'm a big believer in knowledge is power and if you know what to expect you will be better prepared to deal with it.

Feel free to pop over to the breastfeeding threads - there are lots of experienced mummies over there who'll be more than happy to support and help you.

 

[alisha_t]

Can you get WIC? It supplies free formula to those not BF and nutritional food to those who are. It would also give extra food for your older 2, I think.

 

[MomPepperdine]

We don't qualify for any help right now. Dh is making ok $ but we moved and the house were renting is putting us in the hole its just a bunch of things after another. Thankful for family or wed be in a lot more trouble.

I have the knowledge of bf but its harrd for me. Also I have a hard time with it because I hate the feeling the needle/ burning feeling during feeding it doesn't ever easy up. Its almost like my body doesn't make enough. I know my body produces what baby needs but doesn't seem to work that way

 

[rowleypolie]

Burning feeling? Wonder what causes that? Have you talked to a lactation consultant? I had my fair share of trouble, I have flat nipple o latching was awful. Also when it's cold my nipples burn. But I will tell you a secret-if you can make it though the hardest part (the first 3 months) it gets so much easier. But I never had a burning/needle feel during feeds. I would get a big dose of hormone that would make me sleepy

 

[MomPepperdine]

It would be threw my whole breast from what I've read is that its you're milk being let down. Most ladies only have it the first few mins of bf but I have it the whole time

 

[rowleypolie]

Interesting, my let down feels like a flush of emotion from the hormones

 

[MomPepperdine]

Idk but I really don't like it lol

 

[mrs_park]

Some women do feel let down like that as you describe. I didn't feel a thing and that made me worry

If you're concerned about lo not gaining enough, there are things that you can do to increase your milk supply. Oats are awesome. As is oat milk. Drink LOTS of water. Nursing mothers herbal tea is great. Skin to skin helps. But importantly feed, feed, feed.

 

[Lownthwaite]

The sensation you mention could be let down but from the way you're describing it I would imagine it's more probable that you were feeling the effects of an infection. The sensation felt at let down is felt at just that - let down, once the milk is flowing the feeling usually stops.

I would sometimes (in the early months) feel the tingling in the nipples of let down but not through the entire breast and it wasn't a burning.

What you describe though does sound similar to when I had a thrush infection. The burning pain upon latching was toe curling and the drawing pain through the feed and after was awful. This cleared up after a good course of antifungal treatment and I carried on feeding.

Did you have any support when feeding your other LO's?
Were you on antibiotics by any chance when or shortly prior to you having the burning?

 

[MomPepperdine]

With my first I did not with my 2nd I did have antibiotics. Had the feeling with both I swear they were on me like 24/7 and tthe drs wwere still not happy about the weight. I was taking something the 2nd time to help my milk but I had gallstones at the time and it made it much worse.

I have an app on Tuesday hopefully ill remember and bring it up with my dr

 

[CatherineK]

Is your doc very breastfeeding friendly? It often perfectly normal for a breastfeeding baby to gain slowly, and many more things can be tried befor supplementing. My first pediatrician told me My son was gaining to slow and i needed to supplelement, i switched docs and my new one told me baby was perfectly fine. As soon as you supplement, the baby is less hungry, nurses less, and your production goes down, which creates a vicious cycle. Yes, it an be exhausting, but if you are worried about weight, just put the baby to breast as often as possible, no pacifier, no bottles, no supplements. Eat plenty, things such as oats can help. Don't freak if baby nurses constantly, this is normal sometimes! It's natures way to build supply.

 

[d_b]

I never had the needle feeling just general unbearable pain for the first month or so! Doctor suggested I supplement as it took LO 3 weeks to get back to his birth weight but instead I pumped at the end of each feed and tried to give LO that milk at the end of the next feed.. this is supposed to make you produce your milk.

Oatmeal and fenugreek are supposed to be good as well, and drinking gallons of water!

 

[MomPepperdine]

I did the fenugreek with my 2nd gave me the worse heart burn! It made me so sick could try it aging since last time I had the gallstones too