frustrated with pumping/low supply

[newmamma_aug07]

I have struggled with my supply since ds was 6 months (he's now 10 months). I have been taking the max dose of dom, mother's milk, eat oatmeal, drink TONS of water, pump often when away, just about everything I could find to do I have done. I am really getting tired of the constant frustration with my low supply and having to pump at night when I just want to sleep (I work full time and we are moving next month so packing is taking a lot of time). I only had to supplment with formula twice when ds was 6 months and have not had to since. I am considering getting some formula as my supply keeps dwindling.
I guess I am just looking for confirmation that I am still a good mom. I feel really guilty for thinking of myself!
I love nursing though! And I can't imagine how I would get him to sleep without it.

[GISDiva]

Of course you're a good mom! You made it further than a whole lot of people, first off. I can play the "it could be worse" game with my story, but that probably won't make you feel better,

Your LO has had 10 whole months of good mamma's milk. You should not feel guilty about that. I know first-hand how draining pumping can be (no pun intended), and for god sakes, if I see another bowl of oatmeal once we're done, I swear I'll :Puke ...

You're doing great!

[MaryJaneLouise]

Keep up the good work! Low supply struggles are really hard, especially if you have to pump while away from your LO. to you and your hard work.

[newmamma_aug07]

how would i go about weaning myself off dom? any thoughts?

[justthinkn]

You never know... getting some more sleep and feeling less stressed may end up helping your supply! That's what I found when I started supplementing at 2 months. I cried a week before that first bottle at the idea of admitting I couldn't make enough to feed DD - but then as DH was giving the first bottle, I sat in the tub and cried from relief that I longer had to try and make my body do something it just couldn't. Gradually I phased out pumpings... And now that DD is 12 mo's, gradually I'm phasing out all those heavy-duty herbs...

I don't have enough room in my signature, so I keep posting this sweet affirmation my LC gave me:

"You are 100% a breastfeeding mother, no matter how milk you give your baby. Nursing is a lifestyle, a way of mothering, and you couldn't be more committed."

[pdxmomazon]

Originally Posted by justthinkn

"You are 100% a breastfeeding mother, no matter how milk you give your baby. Nursing is a lifestyle, a way of mothering, and you couldn't be more committed."

What a great thing to tell you!

I agree with the pp's suggestion that after the stress dies down your supply might go up again. Whether or not it does, you are an AWESOME mama who has given her baby the best food in the world!