Feeding nightmare

[ABC237]

Hello,

I have not posted on the forum in a long time. I had my daughter around 3 months ago and have been exclusively expressing ever since. This has never been a problem for me. I know people say it's hard but it's all i've ever known.

Here is my problem: E is a very big girl. She is 14 weeks tomorrow and getting on for 17lbs! She's really tall, not fat. Anyway, normally I pump every 4 hours and generally make about 200mls per session. In the past i've been able to freeze bits here and there but recently she's been drinking everything I make plus she's emptied out my freezer stock.
Yesterday as a last resort we had to give her some formula (hv said it would be ok but i've been feeling really guilty knowing i'd have to do this) and she immediately projectile vomited all of it plus the breast milk she'd had out of her little nose so that's one problem - how do I get her to tolerate top ups of formula?

Any on to the second question: last night I decided that the only answer was to increase my supply so i have started pumping 3 hourly instead of four hourly. This isnt really going to plan. It's just taken me 45 mins to get 175mls where it normally takes about 20mins to get 200mls!! I am completely at a loss for what to do. Do I persevere with the more frequent pumping and hope my supply increases? I am starting to worry I wont be able to feed my baby and to be honest I feel like im failing.

I am so sorry this is so long. Any answers would be appreciated. Sorry for the typos, am on my phone.

 

[tiggy85]

I feel for you as it's so hard to exclusively pump. Your doing really well and sounds like your determined to continue . Yes I would pump 3 hourly. Stick with it and your supply should increase in the next few days. Make sure you don't stress about it, the odd bit of forumla is fine, and make sure you have a good diet, rest plenty of fluids etc,

You could try fenugreek or milk thistle, although I have no experience of this myself, but I expect the three hourly pumps will sort it.

Let us know how you get on xxxx

 

[ABC237]

Thank you for your reply. I have bought some fenugreek but only just started taking it so will have to see what happens there.

Re the formula, had anyone had experience of a baby vomiting straight after a formula feed when usually bf?

 

[BunnyN]

If the vomiting continues it is possible she is allergic to cows milk. There are anti allergy formulas but they are suposed to taste bad so an EBF baby might not take to them.

 

[ABC237]

Thanks bunny, i will bear that in mind.

Day 2 of 3 hourly pumping and regular fenugreek. Hope i see an improvement soon! Xx

 

[BunnyN]

I think you are doing amazingly with the pumping! I hope you get results. I know when LO wants more milk she just latches on for several hrs straight and I always notice I have more milk the next day so I think what you are experiencing is probably natural, it's just much harder to work out when you are pumping rather than LO telling your body how much she wants.

 

[ABC237]

Just to update, i've been pumping every 3 hours and seem to be making about 200mls extra per day which is making a massive difference and we've had more than enough for the past 2 days! Such a relief though I'm surprised it increased this quickly!

 

[BunnyN]

Thats wonderful news, well done!

 

[tiggy85]

Excellent! Your doing the right thing then

 

[Bonfire Bride]

Just to update, i've been pumping every 3 hours and seem to be making about 200mls extra per day which is making a massive difference and we've had more than enough for the past 2 days! Such a relief though I'm surprised it increased this quickly!

That's so amazing!! And kudos to you for expressing for such a long time and sticking with it.

 

[ABC237]

Aw thanks! It's nice for people to recognise how blummin hard it is! worth it though! X

 

[stargirl]

Your doing a fab job. Glad pumping 3hr instead of 4 has worked for you. You should feel proud of yourself.


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