Breastfeeding Support Group

While breastfeeding is recommended by many doctors, it is not as simple as it seems. This is a community dedicated to parents who are choosing to breastfeed, providing a safe place to discuss everything from pumping, to questions of whether baby is getting enough, weaning, breast care, scheduling, supply, and more.

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Children's Health & Parenting
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A little sad

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been breastfeeding my daughter exclusively now for a little over 8 months. Over the past month I have noticed my supply slowing down especially in the evenings. I have done everything (Fenugreek, Mother's Milk Tea, power pumping and drinking tons of water)but it really hasn't helped much. I know alot of it is because she is now eating more food than before. By the time her night time nursing comes around, I am just about empty. I have now resorted to supplementing her with formula.

I know others supplement all the time, but I am having a hard time accepting it. I hate to say I feel like a failure because I know I am not, I just feel dissapointed that I couldn't supply my daughter with what she needs myself.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry. I feel your disappointment. I had to do the same with my oldest at around 8 months as well, and I also felt terrible about it, but of course he's fine! You are still giving her breastmilk, and you've given her a great start in life. Aren't you one of those wonder women who solely pump, too? It is REALLY hard to keep up your supply for even a few months if that is the case. I know it's hard, but you are a wonderful mommy! HUGS.
deleted_user
deleted_user
No I didn't solely pump, but I would pump quite often to freeze. I had a nice supply frozen so I slowed down on the pumping. Then when I needed to store more, I just couldn't get as much as I use to. I wish I wouldn't have slowed down on the pumping. I might not be where I am today.
deleted_user
deleted_user
No I didn't solely pump, but I would pump quite often to freeze. I had a nice supply frozen so I slowed down on the pumping. Then when I needed to store more, I just couldn't get as much as I use to. I wish I wouldn't have slowed down on the pumping. I might not be where I am today.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know you are disappointed, but don't feel like a failure! You've given her eight great months! And use this opportunity to think of using formula as a step between breast milk and cows milk. NOTHING compares to mother's milk, but formula is DARN close- it's a half way step between what your body can provide and what she will be switching to in just a few short months. I personally know many moms who have dried up completely by 8 months because of what you said with their children taking a lot more baby and table food. So the fact that you're still making something for her is great! I'm at 6 months and I noticed my supply is dwindling too... so I know we're headed down this same road. We have gotten our children through their fragile infancy, and most of cold and flu season- the rest is just icing on the cake!
deleted_user
deleted_user
have you tried feeding more during the day as this will increase your milk on the whole. My baby is 11 months and still loves to feed to get to sleep during the day and we can snuggle up together while I can get some rest. you could also try and express some milk which should take about 48 hours to increase your supply
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have done it all. I tried what they call honeymooning which is spending a few days of doing nothing but nursing her every hour or two and just relaxing with her, pumping after each feeding etc.

I do have a prescription for Reglan from when I was pregnant that I thought about taking, but I remember having some bad side effects when I was taking it before. So I am a little aprehensive about taking it again.

I only seem to have to give her one bottle and that is in the evening. She is taking it without any problems. I just wish I could have avoided formula altogether.
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