Why does she want this

[Butterfly Dawn]

My 3 month old has always been unhappy Bf'ing and has now decided only to bottle.
Your 3 months old baby, WTH?! I feel really rejected but I know shes not rejecting me personally. And I also worry about the formula we get here. Thye sellers say it comes from AU and NZ but they are also people who will buy the empty cans and fill with fake baby formula. DS2 got caught in the Sanlu fake formula scandle (which was kinda a relief because I thought my babys body wasnt working properly, but was his formula and hes never gained back what he lost and has a few issues we put down to damage done) We are just very happy he was partial BF'ing or it could have been worse. So Im nervous about having a total formula baby here.

[Miss E]

sounds like you're going through a tough time right now... I'm not sure where you're located, but personally if I couldn't be confident that I was in fact buying baby formula and had had the experience you had had, I don't think I could give it to my baby. Is expressing an option? Otherwise, I would be buying formula online from Aus or getting a friend here to ship it to you. It's too bigger risk to take IMO.

[onthefly]

You could try calling the ABA - it's an international call, but probably worth it. Or even email themm for advice.

[Barb Glare]

Hi, it's hard to know what is happening, it does sound like you have been going through a rough time. Where are you living? Babies don't *decide to only have the bottle*. At 3 mnths, temporary breast refusal is common - but it is very temporary. Depending on how many bottles she has been having your milk supply may have been reduced because your baby is filled up on formula. But you can increase your milk supply. It may be a long story, but you are welcome to share it with us if you like and we might be able to help

[onthefly]

She's in China Barb

[Butterfly Dawn]

My sister will be here in a week or so, So I will talk to her about sending formula. We have been using thie same seller for years now so Im sure they are trust worthy but...
I have been expressing since she was born for a number of reasons but she has always taken BM at night (we co-sleep) but last 2 nights she wont even do that I have had to get up to get her bottles. She is a velcro baby and use to love falling asleep in my arms feeding (at her 9am and 3pm feeds) That was nice for both of us. I wil continue to express, but I miss that closeness, that lovely feeling you have knowing you are providing everything for your baby (silly I know because I stil am with expressing)

[Butterfly Dawn]

Good idea MadB I will email the ABA

[Barb Glare]

So how much do you express? How often do you express? And with what kind of pump? Is there really any reason you couldn't breastfeed her during the day, at least until she gets back on track with breastfeeding?

[Butterfly Dawn]

Im expressing 150ml ish every 3-4 hours which is more then she drinks. My pump is electric the same 1 I have use with all my babys. We have always had issues with her Bf'ing. From the start. Slow let down followed by too much flow but we got round that. Now she can handle the flow and I was using a warm cloth and massage before feeding to help let down. I have thought perhaps she has beeen uncomfortable as she has a side preferance so we have tried different positions but that deosent seem to have any effect.
Times like this I really wanna come home. I will see if I can find a lactaion consultant down in Shanghai. This country really blows when it comes to baby stuff, post care is almost non-exsistant. If I get to be a Im a millionaire I will come back and start some sort org to help mothers in smaller citys and rural settings!

[Butterfly Dawn]

Its really good to talk to somebody about this. DH is not supportive this time round. Thank you

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

From what you are saying there is really no need for formula. If you are getting 150mls every 3 or so hours you have plenty of your own milk. A baby this age will really thrive on 700-800mls of milk.
Also, at this age your baby will be able to cope a whole lot better better with the flow - I think if she got a little more practice with breastfeeding, feeding during the day as well as night she would get back into it. Try to be skin to skin with your baby as much as possible. If she is right there, she will look for the breast. It may take a little persistence at the start, but you will get there. I think the hardest thing for you is that you are fairly isolated - breastfeeding is a team sport. Do you want me to see if I can find you an LC in Shanghai?

[Kmn]

There is a la Leche League (english speaking) in Shanghai
LLLI | La Leche League of Shanghai, China

[Butterfly Dawn]

I will hunt them out thanks.
I offer her breast first but she still doesnt want. just plain refuses, so I end up giving her bottle and express for next feed, if I can.
I guess shes still getting mostly breast milk so I'll just keep offering, until she wants again

[Heaven]

I will hunt them out thanks.
I offer her breast first but she still doesnt want. just plain refuses, so I end up giving her bottle and express for next feed, if I can.
I guess shes still getting mostly breast milk so I'll just keep offering, until she wants again

Maybe she has learnt that if she waits a bit she will get the bottle (which is much easier to drink from, she doesn't have to work). What if you tried just not offering the bottle? Every time she seems hungy just offer the breast again?? She would probably eventually take it if she's hungy. She's pretty smart, she knows where the milk comes from! She won't starve herself.

[Butterfly Dawn]

She did it! Shes back on! What a relief. She had a big look at mummy, sighed and had a feed. Funny little bumpkin. Thank you for the suggestions and help and support ladies

[Miss.B]

Oh hun I just came across this thread. I'm so glad all is back on track!! Big hugs sweetie, I know how hard is to get the right baby stuff like you can here in Australia in China land! I'm glad she's liking the boobie again!! Woop woop!

[*EJ*]

Such a good read for many reasons...

For woman supporting woman.
For being able to help someone on the otherside of the world via a few posts over the internet.
For BellyBelly to even exist to enable this to happen.
And for a mum with determination.

All this for a special little girl.

All the best for the next few days and i hope you get to establish bfeeding again with your DD

[onthefly]

That's great!
Now put the bottles away