Seeking Help Regarding Breastfeeding

IDK about the other stuff, but wanted to give you feedback about the thyroid question. I have hypothyroidism (which is under control) and I had to supplement my son with formula because I didn't produce much milk. IDK if it's common in people with thyroid issues though. Just thought I'd give you my experience!

I am hypothyroid and have never had a problem with breastmilk production, I have never heard of it being a cause of low production, but I guess it could be. I would definitely think it wouldn't be if you are medicated and it is under control. I have always heard it is supply and demand but have not had to try to increase my production so I don't have advice on that. I have heard of various herbs, etc. working, though. Good luck, keep trying, breastfeeding is great!

Hi S.,

Some thoughts. This is coming from a mom who's dealt with breastfeeding issues with two babies and I sympathize !! With my second, I am pumping full time (6-8x/day) and still supplement.

1. Definitely buy "Making more milk". It addresses hormonal issues as well as the best drugs/supplements to deal with specific situations. It's the BEST book I've found on the subject. You can buy it on Amazon.

2. It sounds like from your message you're breastfeeding when home and pumping at work. Two things. Make sure you have a hospital grade pump. You can rent one from the hospital or Mother's Milk in Scottsdale. Pump in Style won't work best for a mom with supply issues.

3. 15 minutes has never been enough for me. If I quit at 15 I'd probably get 1.5 oz total. If I go 45 I'll get three. Maybe try a pump in the am after breastfeeding and then a longer one at lunch. You'd still need to try to pump every three hours to stimulate your breasts. Be sure to massage as you pump.

4. This will sound strange but try Metamucil. I had been on a drug to increase my breast milk for about 4 months before another mom suggested this to me because of her own personal experience. The drug did help but when I started Metamucil, I saw such a big increase I have been able to almost completely wean off the medication I am taking. I take about 2 T every night before bed (the other mom took 3) and it took several weeks to see a significant increase. However, it worked so well, I've increased by about 6 oz/day and have dropped a couple of pumping sessions.

5. REST! Go to bed as often as you can! Especially when you're working and being a mommy, this often falls by the wayside. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your little one. Let dad pick up the slack wherever possible right now - laundry, dishes etc. You have your hands full nourishing a baby.

Remember, ANY milk you can provide is better than nothing. It is NOT your fault that you can't produce enough milk. Your situation was not an easy one. You're doing a great job to work so h*** o* it. Keep reminding yourself of that.

If you want support or another perspective, there is a great breastfeeding support group on yahoo called MOBI. There are a lot of women who are going/have gone through what you're experiencing and it's really encouraging and educational to talk to them.

Finally, and most importantly remember that being a good mom is more than breastfeeding. Clearly, breastmilk is best BUT don't let it eclipse your time snuggling and enjoying your little one. If you're burnt out from worrying about this, you'll miss out on a lot of sweet times. :)

Blessings,

M.

S.,
My mom literally sent me a book that I just got in the mail today from Amazon called- The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk (authors Diana West and Lisa Marasco). Looks like it's about $17. I am due with baby #2 in 6 weeks and was only able to breastfeed my son for 7 weeks so my mom saw a review on this and got it for me. Looks really interesting and has tons of questions/answers on any given topic or reason for low milk production and what you can do. It looks like it's supported by La Leche League. I can tell you that the Thyroid section of the index is the largest topic and they dedicate several paragraphs in the book to funegreek seed. It does say, however, that they don't recommend taking it for low thyroid because it lowered the thyroid production in study rats... just fyi. Anyway, check it out. I think it may help answer some questions. Good luck and great job with your commitment to your baby!

S.,

I applaud youfor your determination to breast feed your child. It seems like it has been a rocky path for you thus far. I really don't have an answer to help with your breast milk production...but I wanted to give you encouragement and support. I've copied a letter a friend of mine wrote about breastfeeding. I think you will find it helpful emotionally during those times when things seem particularly difficult.
My suggestions are this: Nurse as much as you can to keep up your milk production. Drink plenty of H2o and eat a well balanced healthy diet. Continue to take your pre-natals and an omega fatty acid supplement to boost your own DHA's in your milk. There is a tea called Mothers Milk that is supposed to help with milk production. You can even try drinking one dark beer like Guinness once in a while. And mostly, let go of your guilt. You are doing the very best that you can with your circumstances. Feed your baby with love...even if it means feeding him formula. There is nothing wrong with you. As much as I'm an advocate for breastfeeding, don't get caught up the idea that it's the ONLY thing you can or have to do for your child. Your child needs you.
Also, are you having any negative emotions about his birth via ceserean? Was it a traumatic experience for you? Do you have any healing to do from it? Sometimes our birth experience can affect how we nurse...and it definitely can affect our emotions and the guilt we place on ourselves.
Be sure to read the article my friend wrote below. I think you will find it nurturing to you.

Best wishes on your journey. Be determined to do what is best for your son, yet be gentle with yourself as well.

In peace,
A.
mom of 4. Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

Breastfeeding From Within
By Virginia Bobro

Birthing From Within encourages and teaches "doing the next best thing" when it comes to making decisions within the flow of labor and birth. The same mind-set is important during postpartum and breastfeeding. In the days, weeks, months, and even years that a woman is breastfeeding, she will face numerous obstacles, detours, and unexpected events. How she prepares prenatally and how she views these challenges can make a difference in her ability to cope.

As a breastfeeding counselor, I support many breastfeeding mothers who have to change their perception of what a "successful" breastfeeding relationship is. Some mothers need to wean much earlier than they hoped. Others need to supplement with bottles or formula. These are opportunities to re-envision what it means to nurture and nourish their babies. Many mothers are humbled when the "breastfeeding fairy" presents them with difficult circumstances and spoils their fantasy that nursing is easy and blissful.

When breastfeeding does not go as expected or hoped for, a mother can feel regret, anger, blame, grief, and guilt. Inevitably, this negative self-talk begins to affect her self-esteem and attitude, her ability to receive support, and her relationships with her baby, partner, and others in her community.

So, what can be done?
In addition to learning practical things that make breastfeeding easier, do this:
♥ Learn and practice mindfulness.
The same pain-coping practices you learn to help you cope with labor can help you postpartum when you need to still your mind, quiet negative self-talk and deal with physical discomfort and stress. (See Birthing From Within, pp. 213-238).
♥ Get a breastfeeding "reality check."
Breastfeeding is natural, but not always straightforward and easy. Very few women sail through breastfeeding on calm seas from beginning to end. Even for the most vigilant captain, storms arise outside of her control, and still, she can do the next best thing. When women know that they can influence but not control what happens, they can see the wisdom of preparing for all possibilities.
♥ Set up your breastfeeding support system.
Having a supportive crew onboard in the first months of motherhood can make all the difference. Welcome meals, errands, and compassionate listeners. When breastfeeding gets rough, support is needed to keep going and not get mired in "what ifs" and judgment. You need to hear acknowledgment that you are doing your best, not more advice and information.

♥ Focus on connecting with your baby and yourself as a mother
Come to breastfeeding with an open heart. To the degree that you can, let go of your ideals and goals, such as breastfeeding exclusively for six months. Just hold the intention to do the best you can. When you love yourself and feed your baby in love, this is the heart of breastfeeding from within

EXERCISE: Feeding with Love

When sitting (or lying down) to feed your baby, try this:

Begin to notice all the sensations around you, beginning with your baby:
Look at her face, notice the touch of her skin, take in her smell and her sounds.

Then begin to bring your attention to your own body: Where does your body touch your baby's body? How is your breath moving in and out of your body?
Where do you feel relaxed and open?
Where does your body feel tight, tense, or closed?

Gently and mindfully breathe into those places, softening and releasing anything that is unneeded in this moment. This may take several minutes. Go slowly and do not expect perfection!

As your body lets go of anything extra, feel your heart opening.
Allow yourself to inhale the presence of your baby, loving her in this moment and loving yourself as well. With each new breath, feel into your baby's heart, visualizing a connection that endures beyond feeding time.

If feeding is difficult, your focus may return to the task of latching or monitoring the feed. Do what needs to be done, then, when you are ready, take another conscious breath and return to your opening heart.

Resources
Local La Leche League
Lactation Consultants
Other Supportive Breastfeeding Moms

Drink healthy nursing tea by secrets of tea instead of drugs and boost your low milk supply.

I understand what you're going through. I had issues with both my children. Being a soldier, I worked so much both my children eventually decided bottle was easier and gave up on me. Breastfeeding was so important to me, I started pumping and giving it to them in a bottle. The only problem was my body needed them. Pumps help but they aren't as good as the real thing and my supply dropped drastically. With my first child, my midwife prescribed reglan to me. It helped but not that much and there are some side effects to the mom (not baby) With my baby, I heard about another drug called domperidone. A midwife told me about it so I looked it up. A side effect of the drug is production of milk and I couldn't find any unwanted side effects for mom or baby. Its used in Canada all the time but isn't FDA approved for this purpose in the states. It saved me and gave me the opportunity to feed my son without formula until he was 8 months old. I wouldn't suggest drugs as a first option but it was the only thing that helped me enough to get my kid off formula. I tried every herb, mother's milk plus, tea, nurse, water, ect I could find first. If an oz or two all you can give your baby, dont feel guilty. The baby is still getting all the good stuff from breast milk. The formula helps with calorie intake. You're still providing the "good stuff" for him. I think breastfeeding is important and it was top priority for me too, but I think people put so much stress on new mothers that they feel guilty if they can't provide it. Your baby will thrive and be happy either way. Goodluck and Congrats new mama!

S.,

Please do not feel guilty about not producing enough milk. Lovelace has lactation consultants that you can call for FREE. They also have FREE support groups both at Women's Hospital and on the West Side. I believe that these support groups are open to the community. If you are interested please contact them or email me at ____@____.com and I will get the information for you.

Best of luck to you and your family.

I'm not quite sure about increasing milk production, all I know is it's about supply and demand. You could try using a hospital grade pump, that way you can measure how much you are producing. The more often you pump, the more you should produce. I pumped for my first. I also have hypothyroid and I didn't have issues with producing enough milk, so I would rule thyroid out. Good luck to you, I know it can be frustrating at times, but it sounds like you are doing the right thing.

Hi!
First of all, don't feel bad! You are doing everything that you can after a difficult situation! Breastfeeding can be hard even in a perfect situation. You have to deal with a c-section, infection etc. Many others would have decided ( and with reason) to just do formula. So feel good about yourself:)

Okay now. What you can pump is not a measure of what your baby is eating. Many women hardly pump an ounce yet their babies are well fed directly from the breast. This is because no pump no matter how good it is is as good as a baby. They are more effective, not to mention you are probably more relaxed with your baby vs pump.
Oatmeal helps to increase milk production. Keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you're not taking meds that may dry you out ( allergy meds etc) I also tried Mother Milk capsules by Motherlove. They sell them at Whole Foods. The caps worked very well for me, they're a little expensive though.

Definitely your thyroid condition may affect your milk production, is a hormone imbalance after all. You may want to discuss it with your doctor.

Good luck, you are doing a great job!!! And if you have to supplement don't beat yourself up!

Also,

If you haven't contacted La Leche League, I would do so, as well as consult an IBCLC, or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. SOmetimes they have more information and a better way of helping then an LC...who may not have much training. I'd also go to mothering.com and go to their breastfeeding area...there will be a lot of women who have been in similar situations as yours that can help you as well.

I have hypothyroid as well and for both my children I've done well in nursing both of them...at the time of my first child's birth I didn't even know I had it. It can be done, and good for you for wanting to do your best to give whatever you can for your little one :) Not all LLL's are bad, not everyone thinks the same way, so don't let any negative comments deter you from feeling a few groups out to see what advice you can come up with. Eating lots of protein and several small healthy meals a day can really help and drinking tons and tons of water can help too.
Here's a couple links that could help you as well:
http://www.loveyourbaby.com/diet-for-breastfeeding-mother...
www.kellymom.com
I don't want to stress you out, so please don't take any food guidelines as gospel, just a general bit of information. I'm working with this child and I wanted to be sure I could still get enough for her at work so I followed these guidelines closely and I still do pretty much. A good hospital-grade pump can really help, there's ones you can rent or, if you have the money, Medela sells some really good ones designed for working mothers...the Freestyle is the one I have or there's the Pump-In-Style.
Do your best...it's all you can do, and if you know you're doing your best then please don't beat yourself up about anything :)

Some women just don't produce enough milk. I had that situation and finally had to give up brestfeeding because my daughter was a big baby and required a lot of milk. I hired a lactation consultant too and their belief is breast only. I later found out that many women were doing both: breast and bottle. Had I known that, I would have done both. Other than Fenugreek, I don't know of any other ways to increase breastmilk.

Hi,

I would call Doris Christianson, a lactation consultant in Mesa, for help and advice. Her website is www.pump-n-go.com and her phone number is ###-###-####. She is wonderful and helped me a bunch when I first started breastfeeding my twins. She even holds a mom's group on Thursday mornings in her home for any breastfeeding mom that offers additional support. I hope this helps.

S.

2 oz isn't a lot. And as your son grows, he'll need a lot more. I wouldn't feel bad at all about using formula. That is one thing I wished I hadn't beat myself up about. I didn't produce a lot of breastmilk either, and my daugher got about 50 -50 /formula- breastmilk. And I had breast infections, blocked ducts, etc that pretty much ended my supply at 5 mos. My daughter is very healthy and happy and has had mostly formula. You have given him some breastmilk which has given him the health benefits. You will probably need to give him formula at some point.

I haven't had difficulties like this, but I do notice that whenever my milk supply has begun to dwindle, I need to check that I'm drinking enough (I try to drink at least 8 ounces of water every time I nurse) and am eating enough (when I get busy, I tend to forget to eat). Also, it seems to help me if I can just make myself relax. Not think about the pumping or the nursing and relax all my muscles. Also, I know you're back at work, but the pump isn't going to be as good at encouraging your milk supply as your baby is. The more frequently your baby nurses, and the longer, the more your breasts will "know" that they need to produce more to meet demand.

Hope some of this helps!

S.

I know it sounds crazy, but the mom of a boyfriend i had in college said her doctor told her to drink beer...she did and that increased her milk production.....might be worth a shot :)

S.,

I had breastfeeding (latch at first - then supply issues) with both children. I went to the lactation nurse/consultant at the hospital and it didn't help (ended up with cracked/bleeding nipples, little to no milk and a starving baby whose tummy I could here grumbling across the room - not to mention I ended up with thrush and then mastitis within 2 weeks). I consulted with Debbie Gillespie ###-###-####), and she worked miracles, including helping me know when to call the doctor (thrush & mastitis)! I was able to breastfeed my oldest until 15.5 months and am still feeding my youngest at 11 months. If it were me in your situation, I would consult with her to figure it out.

Things I remember...hospital grade rest pump is necessary to increase milk production which you can rent at Baby Mother & More in Mesa (awesome place - I highly recommend it). I also remember that feeding the baby is number one or your milk supply will not be an issue due to no baby...I had to supplement with both my kiddos until my milk came in better with Debbie's help. Hydration and nutrition - at least 8 glasses (8oz each) of water per day & lots of protein (I think it was like a minimum of 70 or 75g per day). RELAX! While pumping or breastfeeding, think of your baby, feel them there, and enjoy the moments you do have as this can help the let-down of your milk. (At times, I actually still have to do a muscle checklist while breastfeeding to be sure I have relaxed all my muscles to allow for the let-down). Most of all, be kind to yourself as will all work out just fine!

Hugs & luck!
T.

I breast fed my daughters for nearly two years each. I have hypothyroidism that wasn't controlled at the time I was breastfeeding and it had no effect that I knew/know of. I RARELY supplemented with formula so you should view my advice accordingly.

I was told early on by a lactation consultant that if I want to produce all the milk my baby needs I had to supply all of the milk my baby needs - it didn't make sense until later but the jist was don't supplement with formula it screws you up. God had a perfect design for the breastfeeding relationship and you generally produce what your baby needs. If you're not producing enought milk for your baby (ie you produce 2 oz per feeding and baby needs 6 oz) he will nurse more often to get the milk he needs. Soon you produce more milk and he can get the 6 oz per feeding and the frequency decreases. It's a cycle that happens often for nursing mothers as the baby grows so does the milk supply but that's because of demand and that's how the supply grows. Baby drinks all the milk you have and isn't satisfied but it takes the edge off their hunger so they play or sleep for a while and come back later for more.

I would suggest pumping more often at work even if it has to be for less time, feeding at night every 2-3 hours(seriously wake him up to feed or pump at night) to get your supply up, I know it's difficult but that's what baby would be doing if he were breastfeeding exclusively (nursing constantly). Pump after the baby is finished nursing, and/or let him suck at an empty breast. It stimulates your milk supply and he will still get milk even though you don't think he is. Pay attention to how much he drinks when you're not there and try to match it so you replace what he drinks, eventually he'll be on only your milk then you can start working on a backup supply.

Make sure your care provider isn't feeding him right before you get there, his last feeding should be 2+ hours before you arrive with the good stuff, you need a hungry baby when you arrive to stimulate your supply. AND feed him right before you leave him so he has as little supplement as possible. Over hydrate, drink tons of water especially before you pump or before you feed the baby. You won't produce milk if you're dehydrated (your body will save itself first). If your breasts ever get engorged go pump or feed the baby engorgement leads to reduced supply. Avoid caffeine, sodas (full of sodium which will dehydrate you). If you gotta have non-water try gatorade or lemonade. Fenugreek works well but nothing works like a nursing baby to stimulate your milk supply.

If you're not already using one try the Avent Isis hand pump, I was able to get the best let down for that particular pump and I've heard the same from other breastfeeding moms. I could pump 6-8 ounces in a few minutes once I got used to it and had a good supply. Keep something that smells like baby handy to stimulate let down, some people use sounds recorded at home, hungry crying would stimulate a let down if you can stand to listen to it. I've heard babies crying in a restaurant when I'm out with my husband and had my milk let down (ugh!). You have to figure out what works for you.

I've never tried it but I heard of women having their husband help stimulate milk supply when the baby isn't available. I'm sure it would work if everybody is willing.

If you don't already have it pick up a copy of the Nursing Mother's Companion it's full of good information.

I think you have done a great job first of all. I had the same issues with my first son in that I did not produce alot so we substituted formula. We gave him both until he was eight months and then switched to formula. He is a strong healthy four year old now.

Don't feel like it was anything you've done as far as not producing. Breastfeeding is THE hardest thing and it does not always come easy to everyone so keep up the good work. Don't let other people make you feel like you aren't doing enough.

S.

Most doctors and lactation consultants dont realize that there are a small few women out there that just cannot make milk. Many of them just dont understand it or how to help someone going through it. Many will tell you there is nothing you can take to make any changes in your milk supply but then you hear of a friend that is taking some kind of wonder pill the doctor gave but yours will not.

I feel your frustration. I have been through this with both of my children. I do not have thyroid problems. However I could not produce anymore than 2oz at any given time. With my son our first peditrition had me in tears. Then I met our current doctor and he reminded me that while breastfeeding is best for baby, being a stressed, crying, upset mother was not good for either of us.

Is your child a happy child? Can you manage to pump and formula feed with out killing yourself emotionally, or physically? If so than take the time to do both the babys health and growth are the most important thing.

I know you may feel robbed. That is how I felt and sometimes still feel. Only my husband and mother (she too did not make milk) were supportive. My sweet new peditrition said to think of myself as a vitiman supliment. That was hard at first, but then I needed to realize my sons health was more important than my want and need to breastfeed.

It is not a simple thing. I tried so very many things. I drank beer and eat red meat till it made med sick and never want to eat steak for a long time. I had a little red wine for relaxing to see if I was just too stressed out. I went to support classes were all the mothers were making milk just fine but had sores, twins, or just wanted to be with other moms. I saw a consultant, called La Leche League (they were the worst), and tried to convince my OBGYN there had to be some kind of pill I could take.

I drank Mothers Milk tea 4xs a day, took Blessed Thistle, Fenugreek, and one other I cant remember. I ate oatmeal every morning, and drank so much water I spent so much time in the bathroom. None of it increased my milk even by a little. After 4 1/2 months of nursing, then pumping (feeding that to my son in a bottle), then making formula to give him. I felt like I was doing something with my boobs every minute of the day. I was in tears and no one knew what to do. So I stopped it was not an easy decision but it was the best for my son and I emotionally and physically.

My daughter I knew right away that wew were going down the same path. She only lasted with the two things for 2 1/2 months. She was a hungry baby and breastfeeding only made her angry. She is 3 now and my son is 5. When she wants to eat she will still bug you till she gets it. My son he liked breastfeeding (the closness I think) so he is still a huge cuddler.

Try everything, try nothing. Do what is best for you and baby. It is what you need not what other people think you should have, do, be, want. My prayers are with you.

If you would like to talk more about this feel free to contact me.

M.

I just want to say that I completely understand how you feel about feeling bad about not having enough milk for your baby. I have 3 boys that I've had trouble with my milk. With my last one I decided to listen to the well meaning persons and exclusivly breast feed my little boy. It was a disaster because I happen to be one the women who do not produce enough milk. I say to listen to you instincts, you know your body and you baby.

That said, relax when pumping. Think of the baby and your milk releasing. For me, I've found it helps to have a piece of the baby's clothing to touch and smell.

I haven't had the chance to try it yet since I discovered it after my last son, but I've researched Goat's Rue as a possible way to increase milk. I've also found that Fenugreek works better with Milk Thistle and Fennel as well as other herbs to help milk production. I plan on trying this with my next baby.

We all know that breastfeeding is best, but after all my trials with getting enough milk, I've come to the conclusion that it isn't bad to give my children formula. I've tried to at least give them some breast milk, but the bulk of my boys feeding was formula. Today I don't feel as bad about it as I used to. They are healthy and happy. I feel I've done the best for them as I could.