BF'ing 1 and EP'ing for a 2nd?

[KatieB621]

Originally Posted by VeganCupcake They diagnosed this problem at 4 days old? Most mothers don't even have mature milk at 4 days postpartum, and a baby's stomach is the size of a shooter marble at that stage. She has gotten very poor advice. There is still plenty of hope that she will be able to EBF her own baby with some good quality help--emphasize that to her! If the first LC is not helpful, she should find another. LLL can help, too--leaders are always willing to help over the phone, and some will visit mothers at home. Here is the IBCLC directory to help her find more qualified, certified LCs if she needs further help: http://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3337

Didn't read on down to this.....TOTALLY agree with this. I don't make very much fat in my milk, but was still able to EBF DS until 6 months before it became a huge issue and his ped said that he wasn't gaining enough weight. With a lot of support, she very well could EBF herself and you not have to EP for her.

[BeccaSueCongdon]

Originally Posted by VeganCupcake They diagnosed this problem at 4 days old? Most mothers don't even have mature milk at 4 days postpartum, and a baby's stomach is the size of a shooter marble at that stage. She has gotten very poor advice. There is still plenty of hope that she will be able to EBF her own baby with some good quality help--emphasize that to her! If the first LC is not helpful, she should find another. LLL can help, too--leaders are always willing to help over the phone, and some will visit mothers at home. Here is the IBCLC directory to help her find more qualified, certified LCs if she needs further help: http://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3337

I second all of this. It's way too early for them to have told her something like that. Kudos to you for supporting her while she works this out. Definitely encourage her to keep looking for an IBCLC and getting a confirmed diagnosis of a real issue before she resorts to full time donor milk. It's very likely that with your support and the right advice and education from an IBCLC she'll be able to ebf on her own. :-) There definitely are real medical reasons that some women can't produce sufficient milk for their babies, but 4 days old is too early to know that and "low calorie milk" isn't a medical diagnosis as far as I've heard.

And I'm sorry if I came on too strong. I'm passionate about supporting breastfeeding women and new moms, and part of that passion (to me) is being very careful with the language used around feeding choices. It's a very sensitive time period and women on both ends feel defensive of their choices at times, so strong language (like saying someone is ignorant) can turn someone off of bf bc they feel so intimidated and judged by the BF community, kwim? I def could have explained myself more gently and clearly in my first response. Sry about that

[songbird516]

Originally Posted by Sarah-B Yes it is so disappointing too. I also worry because (our husbands are brothers) type 1 diabetes runs in the fam & breastfeeding for the 1st year lowers baby's chance of getting it by 60-70% So awesome that you already gave 100oz!! And great that your brother wants breastmilk for his baby

I had a friend who was having breastfeeding issues and I offered her milk and she didn't want it either. I was a bit let down because her husband has celiacs and given that history I would also have been more intent on breastfeeding my child even more so than I already was.

OP, has your family member tried what should be the first thing to try, rest rest rest and eat a bunch? Maybe she can get her supply back up and you can pump in the meantime. I agree that it's a super nice offer; I really dislike pumping, myself!

[MrzP427]

Originally Posted by songbird516 I had a friend who was having breastfeeding issues and I offered her milk and she didn't want it either. I was a bit let down because her husband has celiacs and given that history I would also have been more intent on breastfeeding my child even more so than I already was. OP, has your family member tried what should be the first thing to try, rest rest rest and eat a bunch? Maybe she can get her supply back up and you can pump in the meantime. I agree that it's a super nice offer; I really dislike pumping, myself!

We are working on that. Since he is so new I am sure it will be much easier for her to get back on track. In the meantime she is giving him my milk until she sees the lactation consultant on Monday.

[VeganCupcake]

Originally Posted by MrzP427 We are working on that. Since he is so new I am sure it will be much easier for her to get back on track. In the meantime she is giving him my milk until she sees the lactation consultant on Monday.

You might call a local LLL leader to see if you can visit with her in person before Monday. You don't have to be a LLL member or have gone to any meetings; LLL leaders just want to be able to help mothers and babies. I think it's worth a try. Here's the LLL leader and group directory: http://www.llli.org/webus.html

[MrzP427]

Originally Posted by VeganCupcake You might call a local LLL leader to see if you can visit with her in person before Monday. You don't have to be a LLL member or have gone to any meetings; LLL leaders just want to be able to help mothers and babies. I think it's worth a try. Here's the LLL leader and group directory: http://www.llli.org/webus.html

Oh I didnt know that. I thought you had to join. Thanks for the info I will look it up.