Feathertop & Celsie - Firstly, it could help to take a multi vitamin like elevit or blackmores pg & bf gold (I take this one and I do notice when I have skipped a couple of days mainly in being lethargic etc) and in one of the parenting books I have, I read that it is possible to test whether there is a milk supply problem and ideas to help increase the supply.
Apart from lots of external forces ie are you too busy? apparently if you are on the pill? are you drinking enough? Are you eating well? (not dieting too soon??) To see whether there is a low milk supply you can try adding an extra feed or two and you should notice after a few days to a week an increase in supply. Once your milk seems to be more sufficient and it works for you and baby, you can drop a feed or two again.

The book also talks about a 4 day test where after each bf you can offer anywhere between 20 to 60mls of formula (on top of the bf) and then express your milk for around 10mins per side. You are supposed to keep track of how much extra you are producing and if this added stimulation doesn't increase your supply and you've exhausted everything else then it could indicate an insufficient milk supply. Or your milk supply increases because of the pumping, which will become apparent by either milk expressed or bubby not wanting the extra formula after the bf. (apparently an electric pump is more effective at this time than a manual)

Imo, if you are at all concerned re: milk production it may not hurt to chat to a lactation consultant who can work with you through this and therefore give you all the info you need and so make the best decision for both you and bubby, whether that be persevering with bf or changing to formula.

Of course I'd encourage you to persevere as some things can be worked out however, I wouldn't discount formula if it meant the sanity and good health of both baby and mummy coz if mummy isn't happy, then neither is the rest of the family and it just isn't worth it! My friend had to give up bf and really struggled with it as well but oh my goodness! She is so much more relaxed now and her bubby is happy and healthy and all is well in her world. Imo (again! ) to change to formula for the sake of baby and mummy is actually being a fabulous mummy and putting baby first..............not being a failure at all!!!!! OKeedokee Debbie??? xx

I really hth some!!

Teepee2 - I actually got the signing info in the back of a parenting book I have. There were probably about 10 or so simple signs but you can get books etc with more in depth signs for bubs. I googled "baby sign language" and found a whole heap of great websites and handy tools for implementing baby signing. It really is so much fun to do!! HTH

I do have a question tho re: bf........in my previous post I mentioned that around a week ago I dropped a feed so went down to 4. That lasted around 4/5 days and I felt that DD needed that extra feed coz her nights were getting unsettled and particularly in the arvy, she was quite restless. However, when I first dropped the 5th feed, she became less chucky, now she is chucky again...what do I do?? Push her through to 4 hourly?? Feed her and wear baby vomit?? She isn't wasting away but today for example, after having her feed and her sitting up for ages, she did the hugest chuck (all over my sister!! LOL!!) .... I really am at a loss as to how many feeds I should give her. I'll post this in the bf thread as well but any thoughts?????

Wow! 2 big posts in one day - that's a miracle!! Guess I better go hang with the hubby now that kiddies are in bed, LOL!!(ooh! I can hear tim tams....mmmmm!)

Take care gorgeous lovlies!
Mwa!