Drying up at 9 months - Extremely sad - Page 2

[spughy]

Originally Posted by Friendlee

I've given her the sippy cup and my straw to practice and just for the experience, but she just chews. She doesn't get it yet. Should I put some water in a bottle to ensure she gets some water?

He did ask about pees, but I felt casual about it at the time and said it was fine...it was after that I realized there really might be a problem.

You could try a bottle, but a sippy without a valve (you will need to hold it or let her play with it someplace it doesn't matter if it gets all over) or a regular cup will probably work better - a lot of babies who have experience with EBM or formula out of a bottle get really offended if you try to give them water that way

[mommy2maya]

Different poop textures are fine- until it gets to the many small balls stage- that is an issue with lack of hydration. In my opinion, while you are trying to figure this out, I would feel no guilt in supplementing with formula in a bottle. NO guilt what so ever. And honestly, I don't think even water is necessary for eating babies either- mine never did water cups until they were much older, just breastmilk and solids. I don't think I would give the water if you think it is an issue of not getting enough milk- that could honestly just worsen the issue- almost like the old fashioned recommendation to give babies bottles of water between the every four hour milk bottles if they aren't satiated. Yes, the water would hydrate, but not give nourishment. Obviously, nurse first, but I would look into formula supplementation in addition to what you are already doing, since baby is so frustrated.

[mommy2maya]

I don't think a 9mo is still young enough to get a nipple confusion, also op says she already uses a bottle for giving pumped milk. No need ot make it any harder!

[Bokonon]

Originally Posted by spughy

Also, once babies start on solid food, they SHOULD have water. Your doctor is right, but only for *exclusively* breastfed babies. The moment they start on solids, they need water..

I don't think this is necessarily true. Purees have water in them. Fruits and vegetables have water in them. And as long as a baby is getting enough breastmilk, there is no need for additional water. If there are concerns about dehydration, then those absolutely need to be addressed, but a baby who is getting adequate milk in any form doesn't NEED water.

[Friendlee]

I have so much to say...but my face is tear streaked and I am exhausted so I'm gonna try and get some rest (another important factor in making milk, right?!)

But for now, I just can't thank you enough for your advice and support. It kills me to think I'm failing her but these comments have helped me to put things into perspective a bit. I have a mental plan going and I'm gonna give it some time and do what I have to do in the interim.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[dinahx]

Are you using a Sippy Cup or Paci? If so I would stop. Also I just learned about Vitanica's Lactation Support Supplement. I say if that doesn't pump up your supply I would be very surprised! I would just nurse as much as possible, like clear your calendar and it will get back up there I bet!

[Bokonon]

Originally Posted by Friendlee

I have so much to say...but my face is tear streaked and I am exhausted so I'm gonna try and get some rest (another important factor in making milk, right?!)

But for now, I just can't thank you enough for your advice and support. It kills me to think I'm failing her but these comments have helped me to put things into perspective a bit. I have a mental plan going and I'm gonna give it some time and do what I have to do in the interim.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

You need to stop thinking that you are failing your baby! You are NOT failing her. Even if something is going on that is affecting your supply, you're concerned and trying to figure it out, and that is NOT a failure!

[spughy]

Originally Posted by mommy2maya

I don't think a 9mo is still young enough to get a nipple confusion, also op says she already uses a bottle for giving pumped milk. No need ot make it any harder!

Not nipple confusion, nipple preference. Any baby can develop a preference for a nipple that gives more food, faster. If mama IS having supply issues, supplementing at the breast will accomplish a couple things: it'll get the baby associating breast with good eats, it'll stimulate the breast more, and it'll help a distressed mama feel more at peace - nothing like a good, long, peaceful nurse to amp up the oxytocin & prolactin!

[goodygumdrops]

Ok, so you are getting lots of great advice. Mama, I'm so sorry that your going through this. I think it might be a good idea to have a consultation with a lactation consultant. Considering all that you have tried already, it might be good to see a professional so you can work together to find a good solution.

I think you need to talk to your doctor about your babes decrease in wet diapers and bowels. Small, condensed, pebbly bowel movements are a sign of constipation and dehydration. See what your doctor says but I would consider giving a bit of formula instead of water.

Together with an lc and you babes ped, you can make sure that you are doing what you can to build supply and be sure your daughter is getting enough. At this point, I wouldn't worry too much about nipple confusion. But if your concerned, you could always try and SNS system.

Diane West's MMM is an amazing book that deals with many breastfeeding scenarios that indicate a decreased milk supply. Other issues that can cause decreased supply are breast reduction surgery, breast implants, asymmetrical breasts, and other breast conditions. Have you ever been to an lactation consultant? Have they ever visually inspected your breasts?

Let us know how your doing...

[Bellabaz]

First off-pumping really isn't a good measure of how much babe is getting. i didn't believe this for a long time but found it to be true this time around for me.

Second-its pretty normal for babes to plateau a bit after 6 months. So don't freak out just yet.

Third- is your babe still happy and growing is other ways? Dd2 didn't gain weight for 3 months. But I was slow to worry because she was still developing normally. In the end she had food intolerances that were the issue and I wish I had figured it out earlier-live and learn. Once I did though she caught up no problem.

Do you notice any signs of a hormone change in you? Af, hair falling out, mood swings, breakouts? This usually happens to me around 4 or 5 months pp and my supply dips big time. But then bounces back. In the meantime I eat oatmeal, drink my teas, and if need be supplement. This time around I used this stuff called Galctogil-worked freakin wonders for me. BUt I am in France and I do not know if its in the US.

Are you getting enough rest?

After all is said and done you have done a fantastic job of getting this far with breastfeeding and you should congratulate yourself on that. Try not to be too hard on yourself. I hope it works out mamma!

[Quinalla]

Originally Posted by Bellabaz

Are you getting enough rest?

Wanted to ask this too, for me adequate rest makes a HUGE difference in my supply, if it drops below my threshold amount, it doesn't really matter what else I do, my supply drops significantly. Now that I know this, I make sure to go to bed earlier as needed to keep my body rested enough.

And I know how worrying it is, definitely! You are a great mom though and yes, as wonderful as breastfeeding is, it is such a small thing compared to everything else you do for her as her mom!

[evlu]

Originally Posted by Friendlee

We've had bouts of lowered milk supply, but I know all of the tricks and we've made it through.

Just a thought... were you using pumping to maintain your supply (even before the current situation now)? What kind of pump are you using? I've heard of some pumps starting to lose suction after a while, which could be another explanation for the decreased volumes you're getting -- with decreased suction, you also wouldn't be getting the stimulation you need to help increase your supply. I definitely agree with the previous suggestions to consult a lactation consultant, and maybe you could consider renting a hospital-grade pump to try?

[akind1]

all I wanted to add was re: water - I would do a cup. DS only chews on sippys (they are valve-less) and doesn't understand a straw. A few sips of water may not be a bad thing.

And you are not failing your baby! you are still her mama, and you are trying your best.

[boobs4milk]

babies will suck a bottle down, even when they aren't hungry. that's why ff babies are often overfed.

http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=...tion&Itemid=17

and also this website is great, the book is phenomenal: www.lowmilksupply.com

millie does the same thing. pop on pop off get pissed. rinse. repeat. she also tries to multi-task aka crawl off with my boob in her mouth.

hugs! just keep offering!

[abigail_b]

Hugs! You are NOT failing your baby!! Also, there is nothing wrong with supplementing with some formula! I posted about this recently in another post...with my son (my first), I honestly would have rather DIED than given him formula, and luckily never needed to. But this time around my baby girl was never big on EBM in the bottle and then started rejecting it outright...long story short I discovered I had a lipase issue (basically means that my milk would start to taste horribly sour after a day in the fridge or freezer). I work outside the home 2 days per week, now that I know about the lipase I just scald my pumped milk and it stays sweet tasting. But, when I first found out, I ended up having to toss my ENTIRE freezer stash. That meant I had no buffer and there were times that she needed a little more than what I had pumped for her the previous work day. After she was over 6 mos of age, I VERY reluctantly ordered some organic formula (bright beginnings). She rejected it the first time- which I was secretly happy about- but then took the next one- weeks later- without a problem. She rarely needs one now, as we are really in synch and she is eating more solids, but it is nice to have the back up in case the nanny spills a bottle or something. As I said in my other post, I feel wonderful and confident that I BFd from the beginning and will continue to right on into toddlerhood (until she is ready to give it up). It was so freeing to realize that adding a little formula in with an older baby is NOT a big deal. I personally would much rather keep my baby satisfied than worry about the judgment of others. I think you need to give her the formula and then keep doing everything else you're doing so that the formula doesn't further decrease your supply (so keep with the frequent nursings and pumpings etc., but add in formula starting with just one 4 oz bottle). Also, I want to tell you that your breastfeeding relationship is not at risk by supplementing. That may be the case for super main stream mamas that weren't that committed to begin with. But for mamas like you and me, I don't think that it is a concern.
Hugs again!!

[boobs4milk]

i forgot to add...compressions are great for increasing supply. how are you doing?

[sparkysgirl]

seems like my supply has dropped with both kids around this age, they start nursing less, taking more solids. I deal with it by giving juice or water during the late afternoon when i seem to have less milk. I really worried about it a lot when this happend with my first, but not so much with the second. She is plenty old enough for solids and water/juice (mine is also 9 months) and happily nurses, even if there isn't very much milk in there. Like I said, this happened with my first and I continued to nurse her until just after her 2nd birthday (she thrived and was/is a very healthy child- never a drop of formula) You might try giving a bit of water if you having a hard time nursing, it might just be that your babe is thirsty and impatient, works for mine, then she nurses just fine after that. also, she has had issues with constipation, changed her baby cereal to mixed grain and add apple juice and we are back to soft poos, if it gets a little hard I give watered down apple juice. don't know what it is about apple juice, but it always seems to get my kids poop nice and soft.

[JudiAU]

Some other ideas: let down had probably become less pronounced which annoys a lot of babies around now. You probably don't always feel it any more either. It is Norma, for weight gai. To slow around now. 7 times a day is really not all that much. I'd try and offer the breast every two hours.

Dd is 12 months and this whT we do when i am home and not working she doesnt always nurse T al these times and she never nurses to sleep but i think kind of schedule is pretty normal Wake up, snack nurse BEFORE a bit of breakfast, morning nap nurse, wake up nurse, snack nurse BEFORE lunch, afternoon nap nurse, snack nurse BEFORE dinner, night nurse, 2-3 during night.

[ASusan]

Originally Posted by Friendlee

I've given her the sippy cup and my straw to practice and just for the experience, but she just chews. She doesn't get it yet. Should I put some water in a bottle to ensure she gets some water?

He did ask about pees, but I felt casual about it at the time and said it was fine...it was after that I realized there really might be a problem.

We just went straight to a cup around this age.

Any chance you're eating mint or drinking mint tea? Mint dried me right up, overnight.