So tired... this latest nursing strike has been going on for two weeks now. He hasn't completely given up but it is wearing and I am blubbing on a daily basis.
I really feel, despite my best efforts, those of my DH and various counsellors on the helplines, that this might be the end...
He's only 7.5 months FGS and if he is ill/teething, nothing is currently showing (though he has clearly been ill, is now better)
I've tried EVERYTHING. He's very clever: he knows, having had solid food, cups and bottles, that there are quicker ways of getting food into him. And the more he tries to feed and the letdown doesn't happen, the more frustrated and upset he gets.
I have had some limited success feeding him in his sleep or when very tired, but - on the advice of a LLL woman - we're also abandoning the dummy he's had since 2 months. This is helping in someways (will try to suck when tired) but hindering in others (massive screaming fits which won't be soothed by breast, patting, cuddling, etc only by brisks walks in pushchair - clearly can't keep doing that at 4am)
How long till he gets over his dummy attachment? Will he (and I ) ever get over this?
I have two older children and a working DH so simply cannot give all my time to his needs. Finding time to express is VERY difficult and my supply is dropping (or rather the letdown takes longer and the less I feed, the less 'residual' milk there seems to be to keep him going)
I am thinking about buying a sling to help carry him around near me but he likes to sit and play and in any case he weighs 26lb (I know!) so not sure there is one that will be comfortable.
mostly - and I know this is a bit of a saga - I need to hear encouragement. i really really don't want to stop BF but I don't know how to keep going, it is so emotionally draining.