Comments on: Hunger Strike

By: ariana

ariana — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:39:30 +0000

@Alicia, i’ve been trying the visualization.. I even read that humming or singing helps. I’m not sure if it’s helping or not, seems like when it doesn’t want to come it won’t come.

@ Judy N, no!!! LOL. Though since you said that I looked at my still looks like 5 months pregnant belly last night and wondered.. hmmm. but no. :)

Liz, I haven’t tried the tub.. interesting idea. But not all that practical given that so many of our nursing sessions are out and about! Good to know about it a pinch at home though.

Also, I wouldn’t worry if I just weren’t “feeling” the let down but it was still coming.. that’s not the case with me though. It’s very obvious by Jasper’s sucking pattern when let down occurs.

Eileen, your post is very comforting, thank you. I never thought about it that way. There is definitely a component of me being stubborn and not wanting to let it go.. I will remember your comment though and try not to be so hard on myself!

By: eileen

eileen — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:37:06 +0000

I don’t know how I found your blog, but here I am and I had to respond to your concerns about nursing. My sons are now 13 and 10. I read Sears’ Baby Book and was convinced that I would nurse for at least two years. When my first son quit at 7 months, I blamed it on me — going back to work, losing weight too quickly, not having enough milk, being too stressed… I vowed to do things differently with the second and quit my job after he was born so that all he ever got was the breast. Guess what? He quit at 7 months, the same as his brother. Just like the first time, I fought it. I pumped and cried as I watched milk dribble from my deflated bosom. Each time I held my son to my chest to nurse and he turned away was a fresh rejection. I felt like a dismal failure. It was difficult time. It took a few years before I realized that, even though some kids will nurse for years (my sister’s kids for instance), mine were ready to move on at 7 months. I wished I had been able to let it go. Ah, hindsight. I recently read a study that breast feeding doesn’t provide all the benefits touted by Sears but even if somebody had given me this article back then, I’m not sure it would have gotten through. I’m just sharing this with you because I can feel your frustration and, although I don’t know the specifics of Jasper’s situation, it’s possible that he is ready to move on and it is no reflection on you. You are doing the best job you can and he is a beautiful, happy, lucky baby.

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:37:37 +0000

I used to have a very strong letdown and feeling engorged was pretty normal. In the past month (my son is now 5 months) my supply has regulated and it initially made me worried that my supply had tanked. I was so used to that overly full feeling and that strong tingle during letdown. Now I don’t really feel anything but it’s normal. I’ve also been noticing a change in my son’s eating habits recently. He doesn’t want to eat as often and gets really distracted. I worry that he’s not getting enough but I’m trying hard not to stress about it. He’s still healthy so I figure as long as he seems okay, I’ll let him lead the way with his appetite.
Also, have you tried nursing in the tub? There’s been a few times where my son hasn’t wanted to nurse so I get in a warm tub with him and relax for a while. After about 20-30minutes, he’ll turn his head to my chest and start rooting. Apparently the skin to skin contact and floating in the water reminds them of birth and naturally stimulates their nursing urge.
Good luck, hope things get sorted out soon for you!

By: Judy N

Judy N — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:53:15 +0000

Oh another thought…could you possibly be pregnant???

By: Alicia Parr

Alicia Parr — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:55:56 +0000

What Marybeth says is the truth regarding your milk supply. Jasper will get really hungry again and your milk supply will respond, although you will feel like you have a baby permanently attached to your chest for a couple days while your supply catches back up to demand. Regarding let down, I’ve found that if I’m tense or distracted, it’s less likely to happen. I just take some deep breaths, close my eyes and imagine the feeling of letting milk flow and it almost always works.

By: Judy N

Judy N — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:20:48 +0000

I echo the bit about your period. Mine came back just recently and same thing was happening with my overly curious baby. He would latch and suck and the let down wouldn’t come, and he’d get distracted by something and come off. Also, I heard that the hormones of your period starting can make your milk taste much different and so some babies don’t like the taste (mine actually gagged a couple times)…so, maybe you could try and bottle of some older frozen milk and see if he takes it if you have some. That may help answer some questions!

By: Shell

Shell — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:45:51 +0000

Have you given fenugreek capsules a try? Three of them three times a day. You’ll smell like maple syrup and that’s how you know you’re getting enough.

If I recall correctly, right around now your milk is changing from a hormonal based supply to actual supply and demand. What Jasper needs your body will make.

Also, how is the teething situation? My little guy would quit eating for a bit for every tooth he popped.

Good luck and if this is really the end of the line you are a kick ass mom for breastfeeding your guy as long as you have. Well done you!

By: nanette

nanette — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:08:06 +0000

I’m so sorry you’re struggling with all of this. I’d be upset, too!

I heard about the need to change membranes/replace other parts a while back but it still took me by surprise.

Good luck!

By: ariana

ariana — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:11:40 +0000

Marcia, I have been wondering about my period coming back. I have been feeling a tiny bit crampy and it has been almost 9 months. Frankly, I’d be relieved at this point to have a reason to pin it on!

Kari, I can see how a few good chomps (with teeth!) will make me a whole lot less weepy about the situation :) So did Liam not refuse to eat before his teeth came in?

Marybeth, thanks for the clarification about the baby food!

I probably should have been clearer about my concern in the post (i’m so all over the place today) but its not the lack of output that concerns me at all, it’s the delayed let down. So if I let down and only a few ounces come out, Jasper will stay on long enough to get at least that amount. But without let down occurring right away he won’t stay on and gets none :(

By: Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com

Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:50:01 +0000

You’re obviously really stressed about this, but it’s really clear from an outside point of view that it’s nature at work. Jasper’s not eating as much, so your supply is diminishing. When Jasper’s appetite picks up, you’ll start producing more milk again. Don’t worry! In a few weeks this will all be behind you!

By the way, the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Earth’s Best baby food is actually 10 for $5, so it’s a great deal! The chunky and junior foods are $1 each. You can print off three coupons to get $1 off 10, so you can get that price down to $.40 a jar for stage 1s and 2s. That’s not a bad price for baby food, and it’s a fabulous price for organic! I did post all the details at http://www.babygoodbuys.com.