Officially a failure

[jennilisanne]

Well, Sophia has been feeding all day, hasnt been off me for more than about half an hour all day. I am now totally empty and hubby is giving her formula (after a fight).
Now she's going to sleep for ages, which is great, except I'll wake up soon with achy leaky boobs and I'll either have to wake her up or try hand express, as pump is too loud.

So upset I can't provide for her :'(

 

[titch]

I know how you feel hun, Ive been there. She might just be having a growth spurt. Dont loose hope. If your boobs are full and you dont want to wake with the pump maybe have a warm shower and hanf express?

Youre not a failure. I had to give my LO formula when we were in hospital, in fact by the time he was sophias age he had never breastfed at all. Every drop you have given her has been wonderful for her and you have and are providing so well for your baby.

 

[Zazu]

Don't feel bad, you are trying and the most important thing is that she gets fed, no matter if it's from you or a bottle. I breastfed for 6 weeks and am convinced I was starving him, he dropped 2 centiles and was constantly upset, I honestly wish I had given up sooner, as he was a completely different baby on formula. Try not to be upset xxx

 

[flexilexi394]

Hello! You're not a failure. I know I'm only a few weeks ahead of yOu, but speaking from a bit of experience you so get days like this. And if you relax and accept it, it's all fine! I found myself getting uptight about it a few times, but just express when necessary and you'll soon be in a lovely routine. I've found that this last week. I don't look at the clock all day but I just know when it's time for what. And my boobs follow suit! Give it a bit more time. I really hope you do. Xxx

 

[jennilisanne]

Thanks everyone. It really is hard work isnt it!

Luckily in the night we were both ready at the same time, but today looks like it's going the same way, on the third feed since 6.30am.

 

[Mamafy]

Awww hun you're far from a failure You are doing/have done so well xxx

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Aww I still have days when I feel I've run out by 4pm but Lizzie seems to find something in there lol!
I remember there were days when I just had to give Lizzie to OH for an hour and go have a nap cos this would help fill up the boobies a bit more.

What pump have you got?

 

[MrsR]

You are absolutely not a failure! Look at all you've done for her! You made her, carried her, kept her safe within you and now you're doing what you can, which is the best for her, to continue x massive hugs x

 

[Rayoflight]

You are not a failure!!!!

Not a failure, not a failure, not a failure!

You are an amazing mummy doing the best for her baby. I second what Becky says, when you're feeling low on supply pass her to your OH and go try nap. You'll feel 'fuller' afterwards.

Have you tried supplementing with oats, fenugreek, herbal tea? It's helped a lot of us ladies on here.

Also, after a few weeks that hard full feeling does subside as your boobs start to know just how much milk to produce. A lot of ladies get worried that there's not enough milk there but trust your body to know that there will be.

As for pumps, try to contact your local breastfeeding team and enquire if they will hire you a hospital grade pump. They do this for free and you usually get to keep hold of it for a month or so.

Good luck! Just keep repeating to yourself that you are a wonderful mummy and not in any way a failure.

There's lots of us here always around to offer support xxx

 

[jennilisanne]

Thanks guys.

I've not tried any building up milk stuff yet, will give it a go.

I've got the small meleda pump, which from the reviews won't last long so I can get a quieter one next time!

Yesterday went the same way as before, so decided to give her a bottle in the afternoon when I felt empty so that if I needed to express it wouldnt be the mddle of the night, but I didn't need to, as we were ready at the same time. I think I'll make that our routine.

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Marcus brought me my own Medela Swing home yesterday, yay! It's definitely worth ringing round your local Sure Start centres - mine lent me one for 2 months They are just the best, even when my boob feels all flabby and empty I still manage to get something with the Swing!
God I feel like I should get commission from them...

 

[titch]

How are things going now hun? hope its picking up xx

 

[jennilisanne]

Thank you, it's getting easier I think, and I'm being less sensitive about it!

She's been having a bottle most days, although yesterday I decided to cut it down a bit, but it's not going to be easy, as she still wants feeding all the time!

 

[titch]

You'll settle into a routine soon. These early months are so hard but things change all the time, youre doing really well.

 

[JJ Mum]

Hi Jenni , i'm a bit late seeing this, but keep going, Devon had days where he fed all day long and still does do this from 430 till 9pm bedtime, but we have great nights, so hang in there, your doing brilliant. your boobs will adjust , mine are changing all the time to adjust to what he is feeding.