My poor midwife friend who had such a lovely waterbirth 4 weeks ago is in a pickle over feeding. She breastfed first DS with no problems. Stopped about 7 months when she was back at work. Anyway, she phoned this morning to say that she has had to put him onto the bottle because she is just so tired and can't cope. He is swamped with milk at each feed - not so bad during the day but horrendous at night. Her DH is not very supportive of breastfeeding and had already said he could help more if she gave him a bottle. She ended up giving formula overnight but she was up doing the feed!
Probel is DS2 is very windy, gulps and chokes on milk and just keeps going on and off. He took 3oz formula and selled very quickly. Her DH said that proved her milk was not good enough. She knows that is rubbish but she is tired and hormonal. It wasn't till I pointed out that he should have given DS the bottle that she realised he still didn't help her.
She is feeling a bit better today and really doesn't want to stop breastfeeding but can't go on with the wind issue. She has used homeopathic remedies with no effect. Got Infacol yesterday but caved in during the night.
I have reassured her that just because she has given formula. it does not mean that she has to stop feeding. I think she has an oversupply problem at the moment that can be solved.
Tiktok - you have given advice before about restricting feeds to one breast for at least 6 hours to help combat overproduction. That do you advise about subsequent engorgement? Because she missed 2 feeds, she needed to express and got 8 oz. I have advised her to try feeding from one breast only over a couple of feeds and to express for comfort from the other if necessary. Is that advisable or should you live with the fullness?
She is thinking of giving baby EBM but is concerned he might not settle for very long if it is predominantly foremilk. I have told her not to get obsessed with fore and hind milk, but that if it makes her feel better, give formula again tonight (by Dad) so that she can sleep. That in itself may help reduce production.
Once she feels less sleep deprived she may think more clearly and re-establish breastfeeding. She has tried various positions, feeding uphill, letting first woosh of milk drain into a towel.
What do you think?