Please send milky vibes - Kif's last stand

[Kif]

I'm giving it one more week before I just let things take their natural course. Suspect that'll be ds becoming totally formula fed. Which is OK - since he's 4 months, but a little sad.

We had 4 months trouble free feeding. Then 3 weeks mad feeding frenzy, escalating crying, crashing off the charts for weight gain. So from 10 days ago (exc. bf) we're now up to 16oz+ formula a day (and rising?). Still bf every 2 hrs or more, and co-sleeping at night. Similar to what happened to dc1.

My 'last stand' strategy is: I'm treating us both for thrush (query my self diagnosis as no white plaques in his mouth). Also ordered 'more milk plus' supplement - will take from tomorrow. Carry on feedathon (but ff on demand also).

Done the rl rounds with bfc, gp etc. No suggestions. Occassionally express, but max yield 1.5 oz.

Any bfc types have experience of supplements? What can I expect? Anything else you can advise?

All vibes appreciated.

Must resume looking after the rest of my family soon - and feel a little obsessive to be chasing this given he's no longer teeny tiny newborn - but very sad if this is the end of bf for me and my little chap.

KIf,you must do as you see fit,but as long as you are still giving formula top ups,your body will not produce sufficient milk for his needs.
It's a vicious circle.

More formula=less breastmilk
Less breastmilk=continued use of formula

Nyeh. I'm sure I could drop the last 4oz esp. with my magic herbs to help - but I think the way I'll get most bm into him is by trying to steady the ship and try to avoid any damaging crises of weight/hunger/exhaustion/confidence/family revolt/health etc.

I'll see how it goes

Hi Kif, glad I found your thread. I'm quite new to Mumsnet, my DS is about the same age as yours, and I've been taking the same Motherlove supplements for 6 days now. I think it's helping... but I have my head firmly in the sand as far as weighing is concerned and haven't been to the clinic for weeks . Must go this week. I think teeth have also entered the equation in the last few days too, poor DS.

I'm trying to express to replace my last 3oz of formula supplement, but it's so hard to find time, and I don't have any other children! So I think you're doing a fantastic job. Wishing us both luck (and anyone else in a similar position!)

good luck olissa - let us know how it goes.

To update

No top ups since thurs night. My mum has had firstborn since Fri lunch - and relaxed w'end seems to be doing good.

Oh, well done Kif! Keep it up!

That's fantastic!

Fab, Kif....you should keep this thread as a memento

And you can show it to the healthcare professional idiot who thought you should supplement three times a day ....

Actually, she's still seeing us in the flesh weekly, because she runs a very warm friendly weigh-in session. She also reckons I should bump up the ff - since although he's sticking to his centile now, he's still small, and would prob take the extra if it was offered.

I honestly think she is not doing her job properly, then, and no matter how warm and friendly she is, she needs some training

Oh, crikey, Kif - that sort of "advice" is horribly undermining

Some babies are just small - it's their build. If he's following a centile line, that's more than either of mine have done!

KIf!!

If you bump up the formula then you will be back to square one which is less breastmilk. Can you not see the logic here??

Even fuckwits can be perfectly pleasant people.

Go Kif!

No formula here yesterday! Hooray! Still taking 4 tabs of the Motherlove a day. Not sure when to stop...

Broke the strap of one of only two bras that fit me though. Boo! Off to town underwear shopping now.

News Flash**

Master Kif has moved up from the 0.4th centile with a two week weight gain of 280g!