Remind me please?

[cristeen]

Why I'm going to all this trouble and expense?

He's apparently reacting to my BM. I'm having to pump every few hours for almost no return, and he spits it up immediately. I'm renting a hospital grade pump, have bought a bunch of herbs to increase supply, and am contemplating buying a LactAid with 3 months worth of supplies. And I'm contemplating hiring an LC to help us out. I think he's having latch issues, which are not helping, I'm sure, not to mention the learning curve with the LA. I've lined up about half a dozen donors, and am having to clean out the freezers to make room for all the BM.

I'm feeling incredibly frustrated and I'm just not even sure it's worth it at this point. Someone remind me why I'm doing this, please?

[boobs4milk]

hugs cristeen! it will all be worth it and any time you spend nursing him or making milk for him will be a wondeful bonding experience. it's flu season and even though we are struggling, i keep telling myself that it will be worth all the struggles to know that bm made her healthy.

and why do we do all that we do??? because we are moms. all that 'walk through fire and die for you stuff' includes but is not limited to struggling with breastfeeding issues to give us peace of mind knowing our babies get the best!!!

s

[Latte Mama]

The first weeks are the hardest and YES, get some help! If you hire an LC, make sure she is an IBCLC, there is a difference. Many times we think we should be able to overcome breastfeeding difficulties on our own and it is ok to ask for help.

There are breastfeeding solutions for most breastfeeding problems, I assure you. I was a complete uneducated novice when I started my journey, I thought I had done enough research. HA! I have learned so much in the past year and it was some hard work and a little luck that caused me to have the awesome breastfeeding relationship that I have today. But most of all it was determination.

Hang in there.

[KristaDJ]

Forgive me if there is more to this story that I do not know but why are you pumping (do you need to return to work?) and have you tried diet changes? A total elimination diet will help you pinpoint what is bothering him and if you don't have to work there is no need to pump. I've never pumped a drop for my babies. Pumping is great if you can do it (I can't) but it's an added stress that can make breastfeeding more a of hassle if you are having trouble so if you don't have to do it I say drop that for a while and focus on just you and babe boob time. I'm sorry I don't have advice about pumping if you need to do that but definitely try adjusting your diet. Dairy, eggs, soy, chocolate and wheat are the most common causes of upset tummy in infants. It WILL get better and it is SO worth it. Breastmilk provides your baby with just the right amount of everything they need and gives antibodies that are invaluable to a tiny baby. Besides that, once you've gotten the hang of it, breastfeeding your baby is the most intimate thing you will ever do with anyone ever in your whole life.