hi,

we have a situation at the moment where i've just got over flu/or suspected mastitis. my milk supply seemed to take a nose dive after this and i'm now having to feed LO round the clock to build it back up, but it doesn't feel like we are getting anywhere quick enough. having to feed him more often than he even demands, otherwise he gets so agitated with slow let down and lack of milk. however, just now i missed his cues and he was absolutely bawling. it took me 20 mins to get him on and wait for let down. he's fine now, i've felt several let downs and he seems to be having a good feed which is a relief.

now i know in theory that at this point supplementing with ebm would have been the worst thing i could do but in practice, it's so hard not to when you baby is crying for food. it feels cruel and against my instincts as a mum to make him wait for milk to let down so slowly. so many times on here when ladies are having similar problems at beginning, i've recommended keep putting baby to breast, don't supplement etc etc, but my god it is hard in reality.

what does everyone do to cope at times like this? - e.g in growth spurts etc? i really need to know as at the moment i'm losing faith in my milk and can't watch my LO so upset at the beginning of a feed! i feel like we are on the brink of switching to formula, but something just keeps niggling at me that this is better for him and better for his reflux.... I NEEEEED HELP

As you know from my thread the other day, I've been experiencing similar. I don't have any advice but just wanted to say I feel for you and I'm sure sure sure things will start improving soon...

Awww im really sorry youre having such a tough time hun
Just tell me to shut up if you're already doing it but how about drinking fennel tea and taking fenugreek tablets?supposedly boosts your milk supply... I only BF my DD for 6 weeks and am currently preg again so dont have a lot of experience, just wanted to say sorry and I hope you get there. Im sure its hard to try and stay strong when your lo is crying...

You are doing really well and I know about the wobbly moments, some days its horrid and you get that sinking feeling when baby is getting cross BUT it will get better again. Your supply will pick up! We have just come out the other end of 3wk growth spurt with similar feeding as you are having now and for the first time in days other than first thing in the morning my boobs feel "full", I went 2 1/2 hours without pumping/feeding earlier and they were so heavy I felt like I was going to fall flat on my face so I fed and expressed pronto and seemed to have milk to spare...hoorah!
So whilst its pretty crap right now just remember that in a few days you will be back to where you were, relax and give yourself a break your body has been poorly but it will catch back up and LO will be fine, he will be getting enough as you are doing everything right to keep him fed and up your supply.
Good food, plenty of fluids and yeah some fenugreek if you have some around and you will be back to normal in no time.

Just wanted to pop in and cheer you on - you'll get there and it'll get easier again

Many nights I've cried at OH that I just don't have enough milk while LO is bawling because she's come to expect to have as much as she likes and as fast. Sometimes, I can get her to calm down and keep trying by stroking her nose and talking to her. Other times, I have to stop, put her on my shoulder and try to get her to sleep for a few hours and that usually breaks the cycle.