thread: Couple of Questions...

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  1. #1
    Life Subscriber

    Jul 2006
    Brisbane
    6,683

    Ellee, it is really confusing and stressful when things change and nearly all mums worry that their milk supply is to blame. The good news is that your supply is very unlikely to be the problem. You have been feeding for 8 months and milk just doesn't "dry up". This is a myth. Milk supply is driven by demand - as long as your DD is feeding, your breasts will make milk. Feeding less frequently will affect supply, and this is one of the problems with using formula.

    Ellee, there are a few things that are NOT a sign of low supply. These include frequent feeding, not leaking and not getting much out when expressing. Frequent feeding can be a sign of many things - illness, growth spurt, anxiety, overtiredness, or maybe a tummy ache from the food - is there any history of food allergies or intolerances on either side of the family? Not leaking is a not a sign of anything, some mums leak and other don't, and sometimes mums do with one baby but not another. Not getting out much when expressing is just a sign that your body hasn't been tricked into thinking that a plastic pump is the same as a baby's mouth.

    Another myth is that a baby drinking a full bottle is not getting enough breast milk. When a baby breast feeds, they need to suck to get the milk out. When they drink from a bottle the milk flows into their mouths and if they don't swallow they choke. So often babies will drink all the bottle even if they weren't hungry at all. If you think your DD is still hungry after a feed and won't take any more, you can try again in 20 - 30 minutes when your breasts will have refilled. If she really needs more she will drink it then.

    It is also reassuring for many mums to know that they can tell that their baby is getting enough milk from the wet nappies. As long as the wee is coming out (at that age maybe 4 -5 wet nappies would be expected), then there is enough milk going in. Also, weight gain over a 3 - 4 period is another sign - at that age it is the breastmilk which is giving her the nutrition to grow, not the solids. It might not be a big gain at that age, but any gain is good.

    Ellee, from what you have described, there could be a few causes for this unsettled behaviour. Certainly the solids is a possibility. It might be one particular food, or just the solids in general. Digesting food takes a while for a baby's body to get used to and can cause discomfort which is eased by sucking. Or sometimes there is an allergy or intolerance causing an issue. It could also be overtiredness - how was her sleeping during the day before this started happening? 40 mins sleep during the day would not be enough for most babies. It might be that she's so tired she doesn't know what to do and feeding is providing her comfort. Or it might just be a growth spurt - this is an age when many babies are getting ready to talk and walk, and sit and crawl if she's not doing that already. The rapid brain development needed to prepare for these milestones needs fuel - from milk - so many babies will go through a period around that age of feeding seemingly constantly. This is very normal and does pass (although it is very tiring for the poor mum!). There are a few other possibilities like the return of AF or pg too. Do any of these sound like they fit?

    Often during these times, mums find that wearing their baby in a sling a lot can help. This helps with the comfort side of things so this can reduce the number of feeds the baby demands. Otherwise, frequent feeding until the demand slows down does seem to work well most of the time, as hard as that is for a while. Are you able to get any rest during the day at all?

    Ellee, you are doing a fantastic job hun and have nothing to feel guilty about. Every mum finds it hard to figure out what is going on when the rules change. All you can do is the best you can. You are doing the best you can and doing a wonderful job for your little girl

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Brissy
    2,208

    hang in there - youre doing a great job!
    MantaRay has given you some great advice, but just wanted to say I hope things get better soon, no matter what you decide to do.


    ETA - I just remembered that in another thread you mentioned you had recently separated from your DH. If you have been upset or stressed at all your DD will pick up on that - and will most likely be affecting her too. (I'm not trying to make you feel bad or anything - just wanted to give you another possible cause for her behaviour) Take it easy - and try to rest whenever she does

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Australia
    471

    MantaRay and Sneakysparkle. You have brought tears to my eyes. You're right, it could be anxiety with what has been going on. She isn't crawling yet so perhaps she is practicing that - she's close but not quite.

    I'm so tired, that I'm not thinking straight long enough to concentrate and comment on all your wonderful advice MantaRay. But know that I really do appreciate it. It means alot the support and guidance you have offered.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Brissy
    2,208

    hope youre ok hun. You really are doing a great job

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Ellee, I have nothing more to add, but have faith in your body and your little girl. She's big enough to know where the milk comes from when she wants it now! Sounds like things have been tough for you and I hope you get some more sleep soon.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Australia
    471

    Thanks. We had what I would now call a great day yesterday. DD had a half hour sleep in the morning, and just over an hour from 12pm. She fed at about 230pm and we went out to a birthday party at 3pm. I managed to not feed her until we got home at 530pm She then had a nap for about 20mins woke and was up, fed twice then off to sleep about 8pm WITHOUT the 1hr screaming!!! She woke and I resettled at 1030pm and midnight then slept until 400am I put her down at 445am and she slept until 7:15.

    So although yesterday up until we went out she was wasn't overlly happy and fed alot. I don't care She slept great! Fingers crossed that makes today a good day.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    summer street
    2,708

    sounds like you're having a tough time.

    You have been given some awesome advice (manta Ray you're my hero) but I just wanted to sympathise and say i found 8 months the hardest. I too toyed with weaning, but in the end I gave myself a 'holiday' by staying at home, napping with dd and cosleeping at night. Within a week I felt so much better.

    It will pass. I hope you are ok in the meantime.