Post by biblionerd on Jan 16, 2014 18:18:36 GMT -5
I guess try and look at it from my situation as much as you can and not just a "Breast is best, do whatever you can to nurse" place if that makes sense...
So I attempted to nurse with DS and DD and both failed miserably. I tried all the supplements and Domperidone and they just plain didn't work. The LC was shocked that the domperidone didn't work and basically told me I just wasn't going to produce so to move on.
I had ppd with both and I think nursing made it much worse because it was soooo stressful trying to pump a single mL at a time. I felt so much better once we switched to formula.
DS had a milk intolerance and DD a milk allergy. I forgot to ask the allergist, but the pedi said chances are super slim that this one won't have either of those and that adds to the BF'ing anxiety.
Sooooo, I had planned to just formula feed from the beginning, but am feeling stinking guilt now for some reason. I don't know why because I was a confident formula feeder, but now I'm afraid it's because I knew it failed anyway. My OB and pedi both told me if it were then they would just start formula feeding from the beginning and not feel any guilt. It's just really hard for me for some reason.
Any opinions? Would you still try to BF on the super duper slim chance that you would even produce this time, nonetheless the ppd and dietary issues (I'm also a vegetarian, so MPSI diet is hard for me. I know it can be done, but I think it just added to even more stress)? Am I crazy to even consider it for a minute?
I would try it in the hospital and give your self a deadline. If your husband is home for 2 weekstry for 2 weeks and than switxh to formula. Ifit doesn't work it doesn't work. But you tried and ruby got a taste of bf for a week or so. You can always bf and feed formula for afew weeks to take the stress away about producing.
No. I would go straight to formula in your situation. I don't believe you'll have a different outcome this time, so I wouldn't put yourself through the stress.
Post by laurensmomma on Jan 16, 2014 18:25:51 GMT -5
I think if I were in your situation, I would weigh the risk and the reward. From what I've seen you post over the last few days, I would think the risk (anxiety, worried about PPD, lack of support once your DH returns to work, milk allergy issues, etc) outweighs the positives.
I might offer the breast at the beginning, maybe for the colostrum, but that would be about it. I had to supplement from the beginning, so I was there anyways. Good luck, and I hope you can get some peace about it either way.
I would try it in the hospital and give your self a deadline. If your husband is home for 2 weekstry for 2 weeks and than switxh to formula. Ifit doesn't work it doesn't work. But you tried and ruby got a taste of bf for a week or so. You can always bf and feed formula for afew weeks to take the stress away about producing.
I thought about that, but it brought back nightmares! In the hospital DD would want to nurse nonstop. Like literally if I was holding her she was nursing. So the nursing drama started in the hospital already with nursing, pumping, and bottle feeding. I was seriously doing something to do with feeding for hours and hours straight. Then she still wanted to nurse for 45 minutes at home, then turn around and give her a bottle and DS was standing there screaming the entire time.
I don't think you're crazy either way. I BF, but if I had 2 and had trouble, I would probably FF without guilt, especially if you already have PPD issues. Really, whatever you think will keep you in the best frame of mind. I think a healthy mama is best. If you want to try, then that's awesome, but don't do it because you feel guilty.
I think you should do what you originally planned (formula from the beginning) and try not to feel guilty. There is no reason to! You are taking care of your new baby and looking out for both of you. I hope you have an easier time with PPD this time around.
Post by redmonkeystomper on Jan 16, 2014 18:33:33 GMT -5
I had issues with breastfeeding and my milk never came in. It was so rough! I think I tried to breastfeed for 2 weeks and then I tried exclusive pumping to only produce 2 ounces in a day. We are contemplating baby 2 in a few years and I have wondered if I will try breastfeeding again. I think I will. But if it doesn't work and then if I were pregnant again I would most likely formula feed from the start. It is a hard decision and you should not feel guilty for whatever choice you make.
I think you should do what you originally planned (formula from the beginning) and try not to feel guilty. There is no reason to! You are taking care of your new baby and looking out for both of you. I hope you have an easier time with PPD this time around.
Post by dixeedeluxe on Jan 16, 2014 18:41:48 GMT -5
Do you have a pump? I didn't FF from the start because of guilt. But milk was coming and I didn't feel like drying it up. So I pumped 3x a day and fed her that and formula. ThThat lasted a month maybe and I tapered down as I felt like it.
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Post by thedahliharpa on Jan 16, 2014 18:50:27 GMT -5
I would have a very hard time existing on the mspi without large qtys of beef, pork, and poultry. However. I am pro-colostrum so I would wait and see how you feel after the birth. If you feel better giving the breast at the beginning you don't have to commit to any amount of time and if the bottle will bring you peace of mind go for it. Either way I hope you have a better PP experience.
Personally, I would give it a try but it's not working out, just switch right to formula. I had PPD too so I understand having as little stress as possible. But I'm the kind of person who has to at least try something.
With the combination of low supply, MSPI, ppd and two more kids, I'd start stocking up on formula and not expect to nurse. However, if it's something you'd like to try, give it while you're in the hospital. If this baby ends up wanting to nurse constantly also and it's stressful, then start with the formula in the hospital.
Whatever happens, please try not to feel guilty about this. You've done nothing wrong. Although it often is, breast isn't always best.
I had low supply also, despite all attempts. It was stressful enough pumping, nursing and supplementing. There's no way I would have been able to do it with a restricted diet, 2 more young kids and ppd. Don't feel guilty for not being superwoman.
I think you should do what you originally planned (formula from the beginning) and try not to feel guilty. There is no reason to! You are taking care of your new baby and looking out for both of you. I hope you have an easier time with PPD this time around.
Post by unclejesse on Jan 16, 2014 19:05:12 GMT -5
That's a tough decision that is completely up to you. I know the struggle and the frustration of not producing enough can be really difficult. If it were me, I would attempt pumping to see how it went. But introduce formula from the get go and attempt to supplement with BM ONLY if pumping goes well. Don't beat yourself up over it, though. You will do what feels right
Post by puppylove64 on Jan 16, 2014 19:15:09 GMT -5
I would formula feed from the beginning. But if the time comes and you feel like you should give bf a shot, then try it for a maybe a week and that be it!
I agree with the suggestions to give it a go in the hospital for the colostrum but to feel no guilt whatsoever switching to formula if things are stressing you out.
Not worth the stress, my dear. The breast is best statements piss me off even as an extended BFer because it constantly had me stressed and feeling less than for ever even wanting to give a bottle. This baby I know I'm having a RCS and will be alone at night. I WILL be having the nurses give bottles every other session at night so I can get rest. I will not feel shame and neither should you. All breast milk, formula, or a mix of both... these babies will all be happy as long as they are fed.