BB has inspired me to go on - so how do I stop the ff comp feeds?

[Disco]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply.
A big step for us today. Managed to settle DS without any comp feeds by 7 pm and he is still asleep now and it's almost 9 ! He wasn't having a particularly hungry day today so I won't count my chickens but will keep my fingers crossed this continues.

Do you have to be a member to use the ABA services?
I have thought of getting an LC but thought that they would just tell me to express. I hate expressing as I get so little out and it was part of my undoing with DD.

DS will be 10 weeks tomorrow so I might go get him weighed again but I think his weight is ok - he has way more chubby bits than dd ever did! I have been giving ff due to days of endless cluster feeds and seemingly no milk left in the breasts. Particularly bad in week 4 and 7/8.

I have yet to try the cookie recipe - hopefully that might help too!

Thanks again for the support - i am a but reluctant to talk to friends about this as they either found it a breeze or had a bad time and are pro ff as a result.

[Julie Doula]

you know what Disco, I pumped and pumped and pumped during my low supply battle - and it just didn't make any difference (nothing did - very bizarre case was mine). In the end, I quit pumping because I think it was just causing more stress and exhaustion. Instead I just concentrated on feeding more often, having bub on me as much as I could - feeding or not. it was such a relief not to pump any more. So I can understand how pumping can be one's undoing instead of one's solution.

A good LC will have many approaches and will provide that encouragement and support. But they're exxy. I don't believe you need to be a member of ABA to benefit from their hot line.

Managed to settle DS without any comp feeds by 7 pm and he is still asleep now and it's almost 9

Yay! and you can do it again! If you ever have a tough day and you resort to a top-up, don't stress - you'll still be making progress, try again another day.

Sounds like a healthy well-loved chubba bubba.

[Disco]

Thanks Julie
....and he's still asleep woo hoo!

[OceanPrincess]

Absolutely do not have to be a member of the ABA to call the helpline, or even access email counselling.

If you want to go to group meetings, talk to counsellors face to face and meet other mums who have probably been where you are, then there's a cost associated - it's an annual fee and it isn't much - I just renewed for 2 years and it was $85 I think.

Also - it is really common to feel "empty", especially at that time of day! You are getting tired, baby is demanding more, it is when your milk-hormone levels drop a bit... all normal. All fine. Just keep going - keep feeding at those times. Supply = demand.

Interesting to note that your breasts will be full and ready to go for another feed after 20 minutes. So if you are really feeling drained, physically and/or emotionally, hand bubs over to your partner or put him in the pram/bouncer/rocker/car/whatever and take a break for 20-30 mins. Then you'll be good to go again

[Heaven]

If you want to go to group meetings, talk to counsellors face to face and meet other mums who have probably been where you are, then there's a cost associated - it's an annual fee and it isn't much - I just renewed for 2 years and it was $85 I think.

You can even go to 2 meetings free and see if you like it before joining too

[Arcadia]

I hate expressing too!!

Keep in mind the wonder week fussing is stimulating to make more milk for the next growth phase and doesn't mean you have supply issues...your boobs are a few days behind the stimulation that's all. In my mind I'd rather have the baby fuss and suck to make milk than settle them faster with formula...because your breasts aren't getting the same stimulation.

Someone said to me, your baby has a relationship to your boobs that doesn't involve you (meaning your brain). A boob is the best solution to any fussing! (unless you've had enough and yes twenty minutes with Dh while your boobs refill is a great idea!)

Go disco!! We're cheering you on!!!

[Heaven]

Disco, just wanted to say, you rock! Well done! You can do it!

[Disco]

Thanks heaven!

Just downloaded the wonder weeks app as suggested in another thread. Looks like we are headed for another rough period in week 12 so I better get baking those cookies!!