Saturday, June 19, 2010

I'm Spent.

Maybe I am too emotionally unstable to be dealing with this right now. Most people probably think that I am making a huge deal out of nothing, but this is a big deal to me. I have been trying to nurse Kai without supplementing formula now for 2 days. It is not going well at all. I have basically been nursing him non stop. Like every hour. Sometimes even more often than that...like every 20 minutes. I will nurse him. He will finish. I put him down. He fusses. I try and calm him down for a good 15 minutes till I realize that he just really is still hungry and wants to eat. So I nurse him again. I repeat this process ALL day long. I just feel like with how often he is nursing he shouldn't need the formula. I don't want to just shove a bottle in his face because he was used to that and thinks that he is still hungry or wants more. But on the other hand I don't want to starve him either. I feel so torn. The few times in the past two days that I have finally broken down and just given him a bottle (because I had just nursed him for the millionth time) he inhaled it. No hesitation...finished the whole thing. But I know I am producing something! So why is he so hungry?? I don't know what to do, but it is stressing me out.

5 comments:

ashleyboice said...

nursing is the most emotionally and physically draining thing ever. It is so hard. keep trying...time will pass...and it will get easier. If it doesn't...tell yourself you tried your best...and just start the baby on formula. I was worried when I switched Henry over at 3 months...but it has been awesome. I love bottles. I miss nursing sometimes...but for the most part it was the best thing I have ever done. (and he started growing like crazy once I started the formula)

P.s. Just so everyone knows, I totally believe in nursing...and nursed my other babies to a year. But...it isn't always the best thing for mom and baby.

Stephanie Kay Moore said...

I am beginning to feel your frustration. You should try pumping to see how much you are producing, so that you know what amount he is eating. That way you can get a better idea of whether he needs to be supplemented or not. I just returned to work and my milk supply cut in half. I think it's the stress, lack of sleep, and inability to eat like a normal person. I can't imagine how much stress your are under right now. Hang in there. And always know, that you can only do your best. Whatever you need to do so that he gains weight is good--don't worry. And when your nursing for the 100th time... just remember why you love him so very, very much! ; ) You can remind him when he's 16.

Angie said...

I have absolutely no advice when it comes to nursing. but I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry you feel frustrated. I love ya.

Alli Blue said...

If you have done your best, and it sounds like you have.....do what is best for Kai. I know that nursing is your first choice. But formula is ALMOST as good. I nursed all 4 of my kids and supplimented, then eventually formula all around. It was what was best for my kids, not my pride :( (I'm not saying you are prideful, I just know how important it is to you!) Listen to the baby, he will tell you what he wants!

Katie said...

Nursing problems are the pits. I couldn't nurse Holly anymore by 4 months because I ran out. I have a cousin who coudn't nurse long with one of her kids because her milk wasn't fatty enough. So her baby was always hungry and teeny, but she was producing enough milk. Good luck!