On verge of giving up breastfeeding / Hipp Organic formula

[Lisamj]

Help needed please!

Sam has never been a good feeder but for the last week it's been a nightmare. It's getting to the stage that I am on the verge of giving up bf as I feel I just can't take it anymore.

Every time I try to feed him he'll suckle for anything between a few seconds and a few minutes but then just keep coming off, turning his head away and screaming his head off (rather than just refusing). If I put the dummy in he stops straight away. He hasn't got oral thrush and his neck has been checked out by a chiropractor so it's neither of those. Sometimes he does have bum wind during these episodes but not every time.

He has one bottle feed a day at 10.30pm, but we've done this since he was 1 week old and never had any nipple confusion problems. We swapped to Hipp Organic around the same time that these problems started. Could it be the cause of the wind? Also, it seems to taste really sweet compared to other formulas, could my breastmilk now taste horrible compared to Hipp? (Used to use Aptimal but wanted to use organic hence changing).

I'm in a catch 22 situation - I've got a low milk supply and have done since the start, so after about 6pm my breasts are pretty much empty and I can only express 1oz max. I have tried in the past to bf at 10.30pm but then he wakes again during the night from where I'm not giving him enough.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

a frustrated lisa
x


P.s For the last week or so he has found his hands and is constantly trying to put his entire fist in his mouth,even when he's just been fed - could this be teething??? I can't see that he needs weaning - he was a month premauture so only weighs 12 lbs.

 

[Mildly]

Hi, sorry no idea whether the feeding problems are related to teething or not but wanted to reply because I mainly breastfeed but Oscar has two bottles of HiPP organic a day (was one a day up until a couple of days ago due to medical advice). We haven't had any problems with him refusing breast milk so not sure whether it is the formula. It might be worth trying him back on the formula he had before just to see if that makes a difference.

Oscar does have colicky problems so maybe the HiPP is more wind inducing than other formulas (we've never tried any other formula long term so am not sure).

I hope you get some good advice re the possible teething

 

[valentine]

for the last week it's been a nightmare. It's getting to the stage that I am on the verge of giving up bf as I feel I just can't take it anymore.

Oh honey, please don't give up! I'd like to reassure you that this is a VERY common stage known colloquially as the '4 month fuss', almost every mother I know, particularly breast-feeding Mums seem to post around this stage with your dilema.

I'm not sure why it happens, and in my opinion, its definitely not a cue to wean, but coincides with baby wanting more milk (growth spurt) and becoming MUCH more interested in the world around them (feeding takes up valuable time when they could be touching/looking at things or putting them in their mouths).

The ONLY way to build your supply is to keep him at the breast as much as possible.

I hope this has reassured you - its a very common problem and he should grow out of it/up your supply soon. I remember posting about this myself nearly a year ago now, but I got through it, and so can you.

Valentine Xxx

 

[Lisamj]

Thanks for your help. I've just spoken to a breastfeedinf counsellor who is going to organise one of the Ameda pumps for me to rent to get my supply up because I can never get much out of the mini medela one I have. Like you say she also says that it sounds like the 4 month old issue and just to persevere.

Thanks for your kind words and I'll do my best

Lisa xx

 

[ASD123456]

It could be me writing the exact same post, we're struggling at the moment especially in the evenings. I really hope it's the start of teething because Rudy isn't old enough for the dreaded spurt- I wish he was because then I would know why. This is very hard I don't want to stop completely.

Sorry no advice but I have empathy.

Alex xxx

 

[Lisamj]

Thanks Alex. It's hard work and I really do want to continue. I'll let you know how I get on with the rented pump.

L xx

 

[keli]

No advice really just wanted to say i hope it gets better for you. Cooper is being more fussy during the day especially when out but he's just upped his feeds during the night to compenaste Hope the pump works to up your supply.. have you tried eating oats i have porrigde every morning and has found it too help.

 

[Valley Girl]

Hi there,

I just wanted to say that whatever decision you make DON'T feel guilty about it.

I breast fed my first for 6 months, my second for a year, and y third for 3 months. I struggled feeding Toby, could have been any number of factors, and at the beginning it was fine, but we got to the stage where he was not getting enough, not feeling satisfied or content, and life was becomming highly stressful for everyone in the house!

I am huge believer in the benefits of breast milk, and I believe in sticking with it when it gets a bit tricky - within reason!!

At the end of the day what a baby needs more than ANYTHING else is nourishment, a warm and cosy environment and a happy, calm mum! I DO not believe in making a baby go without any of those things because of some desperate goal to breastfeed at all costs.

My advice would be to look at your situation, ignore what other people want you to do, and decide what will be best for you and your baby. Go with that decision, and you won't go far wrong!!

Good luck!

 

[trixipaws]

i didnt start formula until after 6 months, but i tried several and hipp organic follow-on was my favourite (and melissa's lol!) i tasted them all and altho they were all a bit ming compared to my breast milk (which was sweet like marzipan lol!) the hipp was the least sour tasting if i had to drink one i'd choose it!

and yes the fist biting sounds like teething! x