Continue breastfeeding?

Question

I don't make enough to exclusively breastfeed so we supplement with formula. My supply has just continued to drop and I've thought about just stopping. If I decide to stop I have to switch my birth control. But it seems like the only way to soothe my son sometimes is to let him latch even though I'm not sure if he is actually getting anything. I think he just likes to use me as a pacifier..
Opinions?

Answer

I also supplement with formula not because of a supply issue but because it allows me to be able to leave to go to appointments and errands and allows my hsuband to take on some of the feeding without me having to pump all the time. I have also considered going completely to formula because he does so well on it. For awhile he did better on it than on me because I think my let down was too fast for him and he kept coughing and spitting up a lot after nursing. Anyway I feel you. He had more formula the usual when he spent part of the weekend with his grandparents and hasn't popped since, so now I'm wondering if he really could handle all formula after all...I also love the bond of him nursing and as much as I honestly hate breastfeeding sometimes, I also know I would miss it. However there is something maddening about the back and forth of doing both so I understand the desire to stop. Whatever you choose do NOT feel guilty!

Answer

I also had supply issues and was told to supplement. That being said I had planned to stop breastfeeding my son... However he continues to seek my breast and wants to latch. I'm sure it's for comfort. And I'm not going to force him to stop breastfeeding if he wants to continue.

Answer

How do you know you are not producing enough? Have you had your LO weighed after a feed?

Answer

Do a weighed feed to figure it out. If you are making enough then you just need to latch him every time he seems hungry even if he just finished nursing. This doesn't usually mean he isn't getting enough but instead that he's trying to build your supply for a growth spurt. It is not super fun to have a baby attached for hours on end bit that's how it goes. Of you don't latch him in these situations and give him formula instead then your supply will decrease.

Answer

I struggled for a couple months and had to supplement more and more. I tried boosting my supply by power pumping and still hardly anything. It was exhausting so I just gave in and now feed him strictly formula. Wish I could provide enough milk for him but either way I know he will grow strong and healthy. ☺️

Answer

I struggled with my supply and went from the brutal breastfeed/pump/offer pumped milk/supplement for 6 weeks before I was so miserable I couldn't take it anymore. When I stopped pumping my supply instantly dropped and he stopped getting like anything from me and just latched for comfort. With exclusively formula feeding he stopped latching altogether and my disappeared - now he isn't interested at all.

He takes a paci easily and just cuddles with my boob now vs being attached. He's pretty happy with just being in my arms and will suck his hands if there's no paci nearby but doesn't try to use me anymore.

Continue breastfeeding?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey