Really struggling with breastfeeding... I never feel like there is anything in there... it hurts so bad, and my daughter…

@dreamermom, that's awesome! I went through a lot with my baby too she was so tiny and just didn't seem to gain any weight she even dropped in ounces for a while so yet another reason for the formula that I supplemented with. But she's doing great and I push the breastmilk because of the anti-bodies and stuff it has in it but definitely supplement if you need to. Sounds like it'll work out either way. 😊😊😊

@morganmommy79, @kimberly.jo.herlinger, @ecahanes, @mommaofjais, @heera, thank you... I’ve been nursing on demand since birth... I’ve tried the different positions, I have one of the best pumps on the market... the baby is good, she has no issues, it’s me, I’m just literally not producing like I did... she was gaining 4-7oz per week... and since returning to work she has not gained at all... my job is SUPER physical, I’m pumping all the time, sometimes pumping one side while she nurses the other, but I’m not getting even half a feedings worth (I’m pumping 2-3 oz, she’s eating 4-6oz a feeding while I’m at work)... I thought maybe the pump was not strong enough... but now I’m thinking with her not gaining, that maybe that’s all she is getting when she nurses... since starting to take the supplements 2 days ago, I’ve also doubled my food intake (which is always hard for me!) and really focused on my water intake... my husband and I were looking at what I eat, and with the extra activity maybe I’m just burning more fuel than I’m taking in... so finally this morning I actually feel full and I leaked through both nipple pads and my bra! She ate on both sides... and this morning is spitting up like she use to when she would over eat... (this last month she had not spit up at all!) I am going to keep trying, I nurse first on both sides, then if she’s not satisfied I give her a small 2 oz bottle... and then try again in an hour or so, always nursing first... I just won’t let her go hungry! I know breast feeding is important... but I’m not willing to let her not gain any weight because my body is not cooperating! Thank you for your suggestions and support! I really appreciate the wealth of information you are giving! I will keep trying and will keep updating as we go!

I am not a lactation consultant but I have been giving my baby formula as a supplement to breastmilk from four months old. I only give one to two bottles a day though. I started this routine because I returned to work and didn't have enough pumped for her. I kept the same routine because we are super busy and on the road a lot it's just easier making a bottle in the car or at the store. At first I felt a little guilty but she's still getting the best of both worlds. Don't feel guilty if you have to supplement but you could always pump while giving her formula so you can keep the supply moving. And you can always try to pick up where you left off later as long as you keep pumping.

My supply never went down, I'm not saying yours won't but I never had a problem with that even though I'm supplementing.

Have you tried nipple shields? Have you tried different positions? The football hold was great for me when she was smaller. Also, has she been checked for reflux because some babies cry when they eat because it hurts and it has nothing to do with the mother's milk supply. And you won't feel full all the time. Usually only when you've not fed for a couple hours you will fill up and feel it. I'm nine months in and mine feel empty all the time but they're not.

had the same issue kinda my son never latched i ended up pumping and giving him what ever i could get then giving him formula for the rest your not a failure just takes time and some babies like my son want there food right then and there

When you supplement already your supply will go down. Try going a full 24-48 hours without supplementing and spend quality time nursing her for the weekend. Stop the extra stuff to "boost" your supply because most of it doesn't work and some does the opposite. Watch the nipple flow you are using on your bottle she may be mad because it isn't coming out fast enough and last but not least RELAX!! Oh and feed every two hours for the weekend and you will see a huge difference

It’s bcuz your giving her formula too soon...if your goal is really to breastfeed you should feed her on demand just breast. Bcuz by the time you give up then give a few ounces of formula it’s not guna help your supply any on that routine. Id just keep feeding on demand and if you have a breast pump, take a day or two and when she sleeps power pump. In the beginning it’s always difficult. But if you’ve been supplementing then it’s not guna help your supply go up. Also use coconut oil on your breasts. It will help the cracke/discomfort. You want her to just keep trying on the breast. Giving the bottle with formula wont help bcuz you want her used to breast not bottle. Your doing great tho don’t give up you’ll get there!💖💎

Girl! I feel you! I just switched to formula today because of the same problems! My goal was 6 months but I’m just thankful I made it as far as I did! All I care about is a fed baby too! Do what you need to do to make your baby thrive and be proud of yourself for making it as long as you have!