baby
baby

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Doctor's orders

Well, not exactly a REAL doctor's orders, but Dr. Google, anyway. Dr. Google tells me that I should try having a beer every day to increase my milk supply. Now THAT's advice that I can get behind! ;) Alternatively, I can use brewer's yeast. But really, isn't the beer more fun??

In all seriousness, I really did read that from several people, and since I'm not going to be in the mood for a beer every day for the next however long, I think I'll look for some brewer's yeast. And I might look for some of that reportedly nasty tasting Mother's milk tea to try. And maybe some blessed thistle, which I've read you're supposed to take with the Fenugreek. (Still taking 15 pills a day and STILL don't smell like maple syrup.)

So as you may have guessed, I'm still obsessing over breastfeeding.

I always said from the beginning that I would never change my diet to accommodate breastfeeding (if there was a problem, I would just formula feed.) Now I find myself wondering if caffeine or chocolate might be affecting E's tummy and whether I should try to cut down on my consumption of those things and see if it helps her to stop crying while I feed her.

I'm also trying to hold her in a more upright position when she eats by propping her up with my bent leg to see if that will help. Sometimes it help, sometimes not. I've noticed that sometimes she smells a little pukey even if she hasn't spit up, which makes me wonder if she has reflux after all.

Thank you all for your awesome comments on my last post. You're the best.

The fight continues. ;)

4 comments:

Dawn said...

Isn't this whole breastfeeding thing a darn headache?! It may be a good idea to look at your diet. I have eliminated all dairy protein & soy from my diet in order to keep breastfeeding Addy. Although it is not easy in the beginning, I have really gotten the hang of it and she is just a completely different baby. You may also just ask your ped about testing her poops to see if there is blood. Sometimes you can't see it even though it's there and can indicate an allergy. One simple sample may help answer some questions.

Anonymous said...

You are doing great. Both times I have breastfed (my son before and daughter now), I have had to watch what I ate if they seemed fussy, but mostly I just cut out any caffeine (which wasn't too bad since I am not a pop or coffee drinker.)

I have had numerous people tell me beer helps, but then my doula and a few websites have said alcohol actually decreases milk supply and it is not recommended for BF moms when kids are less than 3 months because of their bodies being able to process it.

Again, I know it is hard, but you are doing a great job. Oh and make sure if you try the tea to have lots of honey in it! :)

Kelley

Caz said...

I worry constantly that I can't supply enough milk for Oliver. My right boob seems to have packed up and shipped out, only giving me 20ml every 4 hours if I'm lucky.
If beer is what it takes then sign me up!

I think you're doing a great job with BF! The diet thing sounds plausible - worth gradually eliminating certain foods I say.

CeCe said...

Cheers and good luck! Hang in there- hope the nursing keeps getting better. You are a trooper.