I went in to see the lactation consultant at the hospital today regarding my supply issue. She weighed my little guy and then set me up with an SNS system. My little guy latched on to my surprise and drank quite a fit from the system. But, after the feeding, a weighing showed that he had not received any measurable amount from me - all of it was from the formula from the system. The consultant also said it didn't feel like their was milk in my breasts.

I'm contemplating trying the system for a short time to see if it helps. If not, this is the end of the road for me. I have to call it quits if this doesn't work or I will drive myself crazy.

Regardless of how this end up working out, I'm very thankful for the support and advice I've received here. If it doesn't work and I have to quit, I know I'll have tried everything possible.

Good luck Bea. I know how frustrating it can be. My supply is still not abundant and I continue to supplement my 4 week old with formula. I have come to accept our routine and feel good with my decision to breast and bottle feed.

Don't beat yourself up over it. Your baby will be perfectly fine with formula feeding.

Can I ask a question? And please don't be offended by this, beacause remember, I was in the SAME situation as you....

Why would you quit? Honestly? Even you need an SNS and formula as a supplement, what is wrong with continuing to do the best you can? Even if your baby gets most of his nourishment from formula, if he is willing to latch on, why would you quit?

This was the reasoning that kept me going. I was going to let her nurse for as long as she wanted too.. even if there wasn't anything there. Breastfeeding is not just about food. It is so much more, and there doesn't have to be milk to have a breastfeeding relationship.

Having said that, continue with the SNS. It is the stimulation your breasts need without the pump, though I would still continue to pump anyway.

DON'T GIVE UP. Do the best you can, and if that means you need formula, then you need formula. There is absolutely no reason you can't do both. Quitting doesn't need to be an option. ((hugs))

I think some people just get very overwhelmed, tired and frustrated by it and that is why they quit. It is just a decision they are making - most likely based on keeping their sanity.

I still breast feed my son, but HAVE to supplement since I only produce an ounce at each feeding and he is eating 3 oz. I cried, cried, and cried for an entire week b/c I was so frustrated. I pumped, fed him around the clock, took Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle, spent $125 for a lactation consultant to come to the house, and more. I felt like a failure - and why? I was missing all the happy moments of my son's life b/c I was depressed over my milk supply. I stopped crying and learned to accept that I have tried everything and that is the best I can do. What little he gets from me is just fine. Now I enjoy our routine and can focus more on my son.

People should not beat themselves up over breast feeding and they should certainly not feel guilty about not doing it. Instead, they need to be supported in their decisions. I cried to the pediatrician when I told him my supply was low and I had to supplement. Instead of him telling me to try this or that - he was totally supportive and made me feel better. I think that is what Bea needs right now. Do what makes you feel best Bea!

Instead, they need to be supported in their decisions.

I disagree. I will never support quitting.. no matter what it is (breastfeeding or otherwise). I will, however, support those who decide to do the best they can. I have been there, and I know what it's like. Low supply is a VERY real problem, but it doesn't warrent quitting. It may warrent some supplementing, either from a milk bank or formula, but there is NO reason to quit.

Bea, good luck to you. If you ever need BF support or help, I won't be far away. Remember, it doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing.

You know how when a couple tries and tries to conceive and then once they decide on adoption or something else they get pregnant once the stress is off? Maybe once you are less stressed about it and are alright with supplementing you will have a better supply. Bodies act in many ways due to stress. Good luck in whatever you decide!

You know how when a couple tries and tries to conceive and then once they decide on adoption or something else they get pregnant once the stress is off? Maybe once you are less stressed about it and are alright with supplementing you will have a better supply. Bodies act in many ways due to stress. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Totally!! Stress is so hard on us when we're breastfeeding. I had some recent stress over the holidays (family issues) and it toally effect my supply.

There's no shortage of stress for me (even with the in-laws gone). My husband was laid off from his job when I was 35 weeks pregnant. That may have contributed to sending me to induction at 37 weeks for high blood pressure (not preeclampsia). As for my job, I'm waiting out a change in management so to speak to see if I might be in jeopardy or not. I had planned to take a 10 week leave but given the situation, I may have to shorten it. I keep hoping that things will turn around for my hubby and I'll be able to take a longer leave. Add, to that the stress of dealing with the no milk and trying to pump around the clock with a 2 1/2 year old toddler who desparately needs as much attention as I can give her, a household to run, jobs to hunt for, etc.

I have tried the SNS system. I was given a temporary one that says it's good for 24 hours, but I was told I could use it for three days (I was given one additional temp one too). I tried it last night and couldn't get it to work. I ended up with milk all in my hair too. I had to give up because he wasn't getting any milk. Later I learned when I went through the package insert that I didn't have the tubing placed right in his mouth. I forgot that it needed to be at the roof of his mouth area and not the side. Anyway, then I went to clean the thing and while milk does go through the tube, I can't see any water dripping from the bottom, so I'm not sure how clean I got it.

I thought maybe I'd try the temporary ones before spending money on the permanent system. I know the permanent system is not a lot of money, but my attempts in general are starting to add up: over 100 for the pump rental and supplies and around 50 or so for various herbs. In other circumstances, the money wouldn't worry me. But, currently I'm trying to be as fiscally tight as possible.

I didn't try again today between errands I had to run and sleeping on an off during the afternoon from being so tired.

Oh gosh, you do have alot going on. Remember if breastfeeding doesn't work out you tried your BEST and you are not harming your child if you can't. I really hope things work out for you all around, with jobs and everything else a new baby brings. Good luck.:)

((hugs)) Sorry about your stress, it certainly doesn't help. If you can, I would try to buy an SNS. It can take a bit to get used too, but if he nurses with it (and it sounds like he is... unlike my DD) then it will be worth it.

Hang in there, you're doing great!!