need hugs!

[someara]

Hi Everyone,

I have often visited this forum for info but have not posted before. I am just feeling really down tonight and frankly need some hugs and encouragement!

My daughter is 5.5 months old and still breastfeeding with heavy supplementation at the breast and bottles. She had a very slight tongue tie that took 2 months to be diagnosed. I have been pumping since she was tiny, taking every supplement known to God and been on Domperidone for months. Nothing really seems to help. I had a night tonight where she refused to breastfeed. She took the bottle ok, which hurt, but I know that sometimes she is just funky and will likely be better tomorrow. I do fear losing her to the bottle, as I am at work full-time and do not get to breastfeed as much as I like. I pump at work, but still the supply is so low as always. I use the Lact-Aid at breast supplementer, which I have found to be the best of all I have tried. I would give anything for an answer or a magical pill. We got off to a rough start and I have not been able to catch up. My three sisters have had HUGE milk supplies. I do not have any indications of IGT or anything like that. My thyroid is borderline low and we are treating that now, but they don't want me to hold out too much hope that that will turn things around.

I have seen a million different (and excellent specialists). I tried one acupuncturist with no luck and plan to try another just in case as I know it won't hurt.... even though the evidence that it helps is not great.

Anyone have any sucess stories this late in the game to share or just some encouragement and prayers? This has been so heart breaking. I have tried so hard and even just tried to chill out and not try so hard and still nothing! Any suggestions, advice, anything would be so greatly appreciated.

My primary doc has prescribed the Dom for me. I am currently on 120 mg/day. Anyone had any luck going up to 160? I see that is Jack Newman's highest recommended dosage. I have had no side effects whatsoever.

I know I have a beautiful and healthy daughter but the sweet little thing has always tried so hard to breastfeed since birth. I wish I could make more milk for her. When I am semi-full (which is as good as it gets), she is so happy.

Thanks in advance. Fiona's Mama

[tinybutterfly]

I don't have any advice or experience in this area, but wanted to give you a

I hope some moms who have good advice to give in this area will come and encourage you.

[mariposa77]

Ah Mama,

I am sorry to hear of your frustrations!
I can relate as I am a low supply mama myself.
I am having pretty good success(now I am supplementing 4-8ozs. per day) with taking 160 per day of dom with no side effects, I am planning to continue that dosage for at least til my son is 6 months(now he is 8 weeks).
I would do anything to have the milk supply my son needs, so I definitely feel your pain.
Also there is a yahoo group MOBI which you can join, and you will find many creative ideas to help production, and other low supply mamas. I find it to be very helpful and uplifting.
You are doing a great job so far!

Big hugs!

[someara]

Thanks for the hugs!

Yes, I would do ANYTHING to make more milk for my little one. I forgot to mention that she DID have her tongue clipped twice and she did gain mobility with her tongue but no increase in my supply. Also, glad to hear that others are upping to 160 mg. I feel it is safe but there is always that little voice in the back of my head that worries!

I have gone to MOBI many times but did not see that they have a forum.... I will have to look again to see how I can connect with the Moms there as I think it is definitely the place for me!

[mariposa77]

Its in yahoo groups, search for MOBI.
Hang in there!

[novten_eep]

I feel your pain

My baby had severe tongue tie and was diagnosed at 2 months. After laser surgery and 2 visits where the doctor tore it by hand (this did not please me) he is sucking so much better. He lost so much weight and it was not until after 2 months he returned to birth weight.

Now I have a horrible milk supply. I work full-time and can only pump less than half for what he needs. It's heartbreaking. I am soon to try the donperidone and I hope it works.

You are a successful breastfeeding mommy. Hugs!

[someara]

I feel your pain!

Lucas' Mommy,

I feel your pain. I hope the Dom works well for you. It works great for some. I just don't know where I would be at if I did not take it, as I am not willing to try stopping. I am making well less than half of her needs and have been pumping since she was tiny. It is all still so painful (emotionally). Best of luck to you and thanks for the hugs.

[novten_eep]

Thanks...

I knew nothing about breastfeeding and did not pump in the beginning. I thought he was doing just fine until he went from 9lbs to 7 lbs 12 oz. I was shocked but it did explain why he was always crying, never napping, etc. The poor kid was starving...

I often think about how easy it would be to give up but I won't. I feel like I've made it this far why give up now. It's been a huge learning curve and so much effort but he's my baby and I want whats best.

I hope the donperidone works... if not then I have to accept the best I can do. And that's it. We are doing the best we can with what we have been given. It's much more than others are prepared to do.

[luckymamaoftwo]

Definitely sending hugs and praise your way. Fiona is a lucky babe to have such a dedicated mama. I don't have any expertise but wanted to tell you that you're doing a great job, so much more than many mamas would be willing to do to breastfeed their child.

Again, HUGS to you.