strike support

[puffingirl]

It's not a full-on strike because she'll still nurse fairly well at night (so far) but it's been a rough couple of weeks with DD not wanting to nurse much at all during the day. We're doing all we can to support the nursing relationship and have plenty of good practical ideas. I guess I'm just looking for emotional support. I'm feeling so incredibly sad, frustrated and angry. After our last attempt, I cried really hard for about 30 minutes and could barely interact with DD. It was her nap time so I put her to bed but didn't do the songs and cuddles that I usually do with her. She's sleeping well but I feel terrible about how emotionally raw I feel and how that's spilling over into my interactions with DD.

[mytwogirls]

Oh honey, do I ever know how you feel. I am on day SEVEN of a complete strike..no nursing, not even at night! Mine is 10 months and just suddenly quit. I went through exactly what you are going through. For the first day or two I felt our relationship was missing something, but now, after seven days of pumping every three hours, my LO is still not nursing but is the same old smily pants she ever was. She sleeps fine and is doing well in fact. I VERY MUCH miss nursing her, but I have tried everything (look under my thread...Panic Attack..not nursing) I went though everything to try. Now I am just being patient and hoping for the best. It can be very very rough on you physically and emotionally. I have accepted it and try to make the best of it. Being very patient and understanding is the best thing right now mama. Just be there for your little one, cuddle, sing, and do everything you did before the strike began that is all I can tell you. You are very strong and you can get through this, you really can. If I can cope, then you can too. Just keep up pumping if you are and hang in there. I am rooting for you and hope for the best. You are ahead of me because yours will at least nurse at night. Lucky you! Ha ha. Good luck mama. PM me anytime if you want to talk. I have recently become an expert in this area (not by choice though) Also the mamas on this board are GREAT at keeping you positive and going. I would not have made it through this without their support. They are great!

[Violet2]

Just don't stop pumping and don't wait to start and maybe take some fenugreek.

My supply is tanking fast, I think I waited too long to pump and overestimated how much DD was getting when she did nurse. DD hasn't had a wet diaper since 7am and this is after 3 nursing sessions and is not normal for her!

Hang in there. Don't let bfing or not bfing be the sole definition of your relationship. Don't let it become a wedge.

Try to be patient. Put your momma zen hat on and breathe. And remember, bfing is a partnership. You can only do your best but if your LO can't meet you in the middle it's not your fault.

I really think that nursing strikes are downplayed. All the reading I did made it sound like they were these minor behaviorial blips that were easily managed. In fact they are a serious threat to continuing a bfing relationship and can very easily lead to weaning. Partly because the quality of information out there is not good!

Hang in there momma! It's going to be a bumpy ride, watch out for the curves.

V

[mytwogirls]

Originally Posted by Violet2

Hang in there. Don't let bfing or not bfing be the sole definition of your relationship. Don't let it become a wedge.

Try to be patient. Put your momma zen hat on and breathe. And remember, bfing is a partnership. You can only do your best but if your LO can't meet you in the middle it's not your fault.

I really think that nursing strikes are downplayed. All the reading I did made it sound like they were these minor behaviorial blips that were easily managed. In fact they are a serious threat to continuing a bfing relationship and can very easily lead to weaning. Partly because the quality of information out there is not good!

Well said. You CAN"T make it your sole point of the relationship. I have learned this the hard way over the past week honey. Breast feeding is so important, but not the ONLY thing in a relationship with a child. This is very good advice. It can be hard to deal with, just remember, if things don't work out (and I pray they do) you are still one great mama! And you tried hard and that is all that matters! Keep your head up and be gentle to yourself.

[puffingirl]

Thank you both. It's comforting to be able to get some support from folks who know how incredibly hard this is.

[mytwogirls]

Just hang in there! It can be rough and emotional and draining at the same time. I have committed myself to pumping until mine turns one in two months and who knows I may still go after that! I have not given up on her latching on. We just need to be patient and give our little stubborn babies a chance to try it again.