[ScottishBrit]

I dont know what to do, i might have to stop BFing.....Ive never had this problem. My right boob has always been the bad one. Doesnt produce enough milk, cant pump on it, always hurts, etc....well the last 2 days she hates my rt boob and wont latch on to it...i use a sheild normaly and if she does take the right one it has to be without the sheild and she crys and flays around threw the whole feeding. I used to be able to squezze my nipple and the milk would come up but not the last 2 days. Did my boob dry up, is that possiable? i dont know if i should try half formula and half breast milk, i dont know what to do

[**Jenn**]

I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time but don't give up if you don't want to. Can you contact a lactation consultant (many hospitals have them) or La Leche League? I never had latch problems but I did have supply problems with Liam and supplementing only made things much worse. There are things you can do to up your supply--eat oatmeal, drink lots of water, take a bunch of fenugreek (I took 3 pills 3 times a day), and there's even prescription meds you can take. I ended up taking domperidone (reglan is another) to get back to the point of not having to use formula anymore (Liam was 5 months old at that time). It was hard and it took some time but in the end it was sooooo worth it. I always have more supply on one side than the other and both boys had their side preference. If you want to stick with nursing (and it sounds like you really do) then just keep putting her to your breast as often as you both can stand it. Get some help with her latch asap (a lot of midwives are also lactation consultants). I think it's adding to both your frustrations that she's going through a growth spurt too. Also check your diet, she may be having a sensitivity to something you're eating--dairy is usually the most likely culprit. Try eliminating things from your diet and see if that helps her settle. You're doing such a great job! Nursing is not easy and a lot of it is trial and error. Keep up the great work!!!

[ScottishBrit]

I eat oatmeal everyday and take 6 fenugreek a day as well....I do want to continue and am doing everything i can so i dont have to stop....I just dont know why she'll take my left boob with the sheild and the right without...The right one is so sore and nothing comes out of it. She;ll flay'll around and get mad and try shoveing her hand in her mouth cause shes hungry....DH thinks i just want to give her formula but thats not what i really want....I haven't had latching problems before it's always been a supply problem...i dont know what else i can do to boost my supply, it's so frustrating...

[Emma&Jack's Momma]

I know every situation is different but the only thing I can say is, if you aren't ready to give it up, then DON'T STOP!!!! When Emma was about 8 months old, I left her for the first time overnight and forgot my breastpump. It was about 24 hours inbetween feedings and when I got home I was soooo sore. I tried nursing and not much came out. She grew frustrated and lost interest. She was also confused because she was used to nursing 20-30 minutes and there wasn't much coming out. I also posted on JM about maybe thinking it was my time to give it up because for over 2 days after I got home, she wasn't getting much out. But I didn't give up and my milk came back full force! So unless you are tired of trying, don't give up! You're body will figure out what's going on and catch up again

[**Jenn**]

I eat oatmeal everyday and take 6 fenugreek a day as well....I do want to continue and am doing everything i can so i dont have to stop....I just dont know why she'll take my left boob with the sheild and the right without...The right one is so sore and nothing comes out of it. She;ll flay'll around and get mad and try shoveing her hand in her mouth cause shes hungry....DH thinks i just want to give her formula but thats not what i really want....I haven't had latching problems before it's always been a supply problem...i dont know what else i can do to boost my supply, it's so frustrating...[/b]

I really think you would benefit from a prescription to boost your supply. Call your OB in the morning and ask for one. Like I said before, I took domperidone and reglan is another that really helps. It's not something you have to take forever, just until your supply is up. I really struggled with supply issues with Liam and I know how incredibly frustrating it is. He cried for 3 1/2 months straight and supplementing, while it was a quick fix at the moment, only hurt my supply more. Stress will really hurt your supply too so as hard as it is you need to relax. I found the 3 month growth spurt the most difficult to get through but you can get through it. I never dealt with a shield before but maybe you hurt not using the shield because your nipple isn't used to the direct contact with her mouth? Newborn sucking is very intense and does hurt even with a great latch until your nipples get used to it. It always takes me the first two weeks for my nipples to toughen up and stop hurting and both boys had great latches--there was even cracking and bleeding but it did go away. I really fear that if you start supplementing that will be the beginning of the end of your nursing relationship with her. She'll get used to the instant gratification a bottle provides and won't want the breast. Maybe you could try pumping until just before a let down so she gets that instant gratification but she's still at the breast and stimulating your milk supply? And I can never pump hardly anything and my supply with Lochy has always been great--pumping is a very poor indication of how much you're actually producing. Try to relax as much as you can. Cambria will feel your anxiety and that will increase hers which aggravates the situation even more. Maybe nurse in a quiet, dark room to help you both calm down some. I have been where you are with the low supply and I do know how frustrating it is. Big hugs to you!

[Alison81]

Babies sometimes do favor one breast over the other, possibly because one is more comfortable for YOU, I know it was the case for me. It was easier to hold her on one side. What the lactation consultant had me do was pump on the least favored breast to keep the supply up, and ONLY nurse on the least favored breast all day one day. It really helped, although there was a lot of crying that day. I know it took awhile before I wasn't as sore from nursing. And, what do you use the shields for? Flat nipples? I know I HAD flat nipples (not since breastfeeding, which I have heard happens). I used shields that only needed to be worn BETWEEN feedings, to pull the nipples out. I know that sounds so odd, but it really worked to pull them out so I could nurse her. And after a few weeks, I didn't need them anymore. And it will help to see a lactation consultant, they should be available for free at any local hospital, and can watch you nurse, and offer the best suggestions. I do agree, if you don't want to supplment, don't! I had my moments of wanting to give up breastfeeding, but I was glad I didn't, as it gets sooo much easier after the 4th month!

[ScottishBrit]

I really think you would benefit from a prescription to boost your supply. Call your OB in the morning and ask for one. Like I said before, I took domperidone and reglan is another that really helps. It's not something you have to take forever, just until your supply is up. I really struggled with supply issues with Liam and I know how incredibly frustrating it is. He cried for 3 1/2 months straight and supplementing, while it was a quick fix at the moment, only hurt my supply more. Stress will really hurt your supply too so as hard as it is you need to relax. I found the 3 month growth spurt the most difficult to get through but you can get through it. I never dealt with a shield before but maybe you hurt not using the shield because your nipple isn't used to the direct contact with her mouth? Newborn sucking is very intense and does hurt even with a great latch until your nipples get used to it. It always takes me the first two weeks for my nipples to toughen up and stop hurting and both boys had great latches--there was even cracking and bleeding but it did go away. I really fear that if you start supplementing that will be the beginning of the end of your nursing relationship with her. She'll get used to the instant gratification a bottle provides and won't want the breast. Maybe you could try pumping until just before a let down so she gets that instant gratification but she's still at the breast and stimulating your milk supply? And I can never pump hardly anything and my supply with Lochy has always been great--pumping is a very poor indication of how much you're actually producing. Try to relax as much as you can. Cambria will feel your anxiety and that will increase hers which aggravates the situation even more. Maybe nurse in a quiet, dark room to help you both calm down some. I have been where you are with the low supply and I do know how frustrating it is. Big hugs to you!
[/b]

Ive heard about those drugs but that was gonna be my last resort. My OB Is impossiable to get a hold of but I might try tomorrow. I tryed her again tonight on the bad one but before I pump a little to make sure there was milk in there. There was, a little came out. She latch and stayed on for 30 mins but after refused it. I took the sheild off and she took it for about 5 min's then she would have like 2 sucks and kinda pull to the side and this would go on forever!!! I would think maybe she's done but her mouth is wide open sucking on her arm so I know she's still hungry she just wants to play....Im gonna try her on the better boob tonight to see how she sleeps better. I dont know If this is part of her groeth spurt or just her new thing. I hope It gets easier!!! Every one tells me 6 weeks is better then 3 months, ugh who knows!!!

Babies sometimes do favor one breast over the other, possibly because one is more comfortable for YOU, I know it was the case for me. It was easier to hold her on one side. What the lactation consultant had me do was pump on the least favored breast to keep the supply up, and ONLY nurse on the least favored breast all day one day. It really helped, although there was a lot of crying that day. I know it took awhile before I wasn't as sore from nursing. And, what do you use the shields for? Flat nipples? I know I HAD flat nipples (not since breastfeeding, which I have heard happens). I used shields that only needed to be worn BETWEEN feedings, to pull the nipples out. I know that sounds so odd, but it really worked to pull them out so I could nurse her. And after a few weeks, I didn't need them anymore. And it will help to see a lactation consultant, they should be available for free at any local hospital, and can watch you nurse, and offer the best suggestions. I do agree, if you don't want to supplment, don't! I had my moments of wanting to give up breastfeeding, but I was glad I didn't, as it gets sooo much easier after the 4th month![/b]

Ya I have to use the sheild cause my nipples are very flat. Ive tryed getting her to lacth on without it but she wouldn't take it. Thats why I think It's so weird that she will only take the left boob without it. I hink thats the reason why my nipples hurt when she nurse's on them cause Ive always used the sheild so Ive had that protection. I know they just need to toughen up but I didn't think It would be this bad....It's like you have the tastes bud's on your tounge, well thats what it look's like on my bad nipple. These lil "Taste bud's" are sticking out and hurt like He@#!!!!! I have made a post to the BFing board but no one answer's there to often so I figured Id ask you BTDM's.....Thanks girls, this means alot to me that your all shareing your oppion's..

[**Jenn**]

The medication was my last resort as well. He was almost 5 months old by the time I did it and I wish I had done it sooner. He was almost completely on formula before that and I'd say within a month on meds we were back to full time nursing. It was a very difficult month with a lot of crying (from both of us) and there were a number of times I wanted to give up. Perseverence won over and we actually ended up with a wonderful nursing relationship that went on til he was 13 1/2 months old. I never did get ahold of my OB to get the prescription, I told the nurse what my issue was and told her to tell the OB to call it in for me (well demanded ).

Even with perfect latch it will hurt until your nipples get used to it. There are people that say with a proper latch breastfeeding should not hurt, you should not get cracked nipples or bleed. I think that's a load of hooey! Those first two weeks are hell for me while my nipples toughen up. They crack, they bleed, they scab over, and bleed again. Lansinoh cream really helps to provide some relief but until that beginning period is over I dread every nursing session (which is pretty much every hour of the day). It feels like they're on fire and being stabbed with sharp knives with every suck. But it is limited and after I get past that it doesn't hurt at all.

Every baby nurses differently too. Favoring one side over another is completely normal. Liam always preferred the left and I had twice as much supply in that side as the other. Lochy doesn't have a side preference but he always only nurses on one side a feeding, he never takes both.

The two of you will find your rhythm. You are a dedicated and good Mommy. I know when I was having my supply issues I felt like the worst Mother in the world that I couldn't even feed my own baby. I had a constantly screaming baby and I was frustrated, upset, and depressed. Those feelings only added to my anxiety which added to a drop in supply. Nursing is such a learning curve for both of you and it usually takes quite a bit of time to get it down. You'll see, soon enough it will be second nature to both of you!

[soImarriedAnerd]

Have you ever had a lactation consult since being home from the hospital? If not---its worth its weight in gold! Many insurance companies even pay for it with a doctor prescription (which is EASY to get). I remember ladies coming in to the hospital in the middle of the night Bawling because of issues at 3 months and 6 months----if we weren't slammed someone always helped them! Also your local LLL is going to be helpful.
If you have always used the shields then your nipples haven't had the proper workout (-yes I laugh when i say this because I hear its hell). But you right nipple may just be going through its workout to toughen up. Are you wearing your shield only when bf? If so try wearing them all day and coax those nipples to just come out on their own....then if they are out some-feed without the shields (yep your nipples will not like this at first but it will be better in the long term).
It isn't unusual for baby's to like one side more then the other, but as everyone said-its usually cause they can read which side is easiest for you. Use your lanolin creme during the workout phase!!!!!
Also do a little journal and track what your eating and drinking--it really does make a big difference to many babies---you will probably find she doesn't eat as well or gets gassy with certain foods (and yes this can change so just because it didn't doesn't mean it don't now). I had a friend who's baby didn't like pizza This includes drinks and gum also!
I ditto the relaxing environment also--try the darker room and some nice lavendar sents with smooth music. Or try co-bathing and feeding in the tub----for most of my friends who i teach this to say it works GREAT for bedtime feedings. tip---make sure most of baby is in water and that you have the water continuously running while doing it -so drain open with a wash rag on it and warm water running.....the sound and feel is suppose to mimic the womb and help baby relax and sleep also. Plus with the running water the water temp doesn't drop and stays constant for baby. (and you!)
It could be more work on your right boob to get the flow started also---so she can't suck as hard with the shield, so she doesn't want it. I would pump till you have a productive let down and milk is coming out and then attach her. Your boobs/milk are trying to catch up to her growth sput also so there is usually a couple days of frustration while it does that. Just keep looking for those 8-10 wet diapers a day and know you are not starving her while you take a couple days to catch up.

Hope something helps....but you really need a consultation to get a SEE whats going on.


{{{{{{{{{HUGGLES}}}}}}}}}}}}

edited because I forgot huggles.

Ams, I'm totally unknowledgeable... do you lay her on her opposite side when feeding from your right BB? Don't know how possible it is, but can you try laying her on the same side as she would when feeding from your left?

Could it be that she's uncomfy?

[soImarriedAnerd]

Oh fifi thats actually a good thought!!!!
Human body passes gas (lower end) easier if your laying on your right side....makes since she could have gas pains/become uncomfy if laying on left! Good thinking mama! Maybe a football hold for right boob would help.

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

I wish I could help!!! ((HUGS))

[Mars]

I know absolutely nothing on this subject but I'd sugges talking to you OB if you can't figure something out.

Here, our birthing centre does breastfeading classes. I think it's called La Leche or something like that. Maybe there's something similar in your area, that way you can get soe advice or guidance from a group like that.

Angela, i just know myself I prefer one side to the other for lying lol! It's probably not that, but it's worth investigating!