Hi there! Nessie told me about this thread and I just wanted to come and share my story. I had a breast reduction surgery several years ago, and after my son was born in December, I was producing 1/2 ounce per day when my milk came in.
In addition, he had latch issues because ... well because I gave him a bottle in a moment of weakness (the lc at the hospital thought it would be ok... boy was she wrong!).
After taking boatloads of domperidone and pumping a lot, I am up to around 10 oz a day (and Phoenix latches on now!). Woo-hoo!
He is 7 months old now and weighs 20 lbs. I'm not even providing 1/4 of his food. But, I don't even think in those terms! No matter how much breastmilk your baby is getting, it certainly contains antibodies that will help keep him from getting sick!
Now, I don't know a lot about your history, but if you're relactating, and your supply is starting to come back, it seems like you are on the road to success! Sounds to me like you have a very good chance of making quite a bit of milk for your little guy. I am envious!
When I'm feeling down, I think of it this way. As hard as it has been for me to not have much milk and to have to see women who can breastfeed normally, I would so much rather have gone through all of this than to have given up and gone 100% formula. When my son is 5 and gets a cold or asthma, I'm not going to feel stricken with guilt wondering if there's anything I could have done to prevent. I would much rather go through this pain and heartache now, and know that I did everything I absolutely could fo rmy little guy.
I'm so sorry you're having a crappy morning. I think in a couple of weeks, though, you'll be coming back from you appointment glowing because your supply will have increased!
And, just a few thoughts. I don't know much about your situation, but doc's don't tend to know the most about breastfeeding, much less relactation, so unless he specifically specializes in that I wouldn't listen to a thing he says (it's no reflection on what kind of doc he is). And, are you on domperidone? If not, you really should be! I can point you to a lot of different info on it if you'd like me to. If you are on it, how much are you taking? (I'm taking 120mg per day)
Please hang in there! Your little guy isn't going to remember all you've done for him, but you sure are! And, we all will and you are an awesome mom for it!
