Expert: ruth kraft - 3/23/2009

Question
Hello, Mrs. Ruth.
I am a forty day old mother who would love to breastfeed exclusively but is apparently incapable of.
The nurses in the hospital I gave birth to informed me that I didn't produce enough milk and would have to use supplementary nutrition, which I do, of course.
I never feel my breasts full or see them leaking-even when she is supposed to do so.
I try to eat well, which I think I do,but I can't bring myself to drink all these necessary glasses of water - never did, anyway.
Today, I triedto feed her solely from my breasts but the baby got so restless and cried all the time-she was famished, I suppose...
Needless to say I feel totally worthless and useless as a mother; I even feel that my daughter won't love me enough because my failure will no doubt expand in other areas of motherhood...
Thank God I came upon this site!
Thank you very much for your help.

Answer
as much as I would love to help you more, there will be limits on what I will be able to do for you.

First ((hugs)) you have been through alot of unneeded bad advice.

two ... Shame on your lousy nurse for telling you such crappy information and making you endure this .

three... its entirely possible to come back to nursing full time but will take some patience and time and energy.

I woudl suggest getting a double breast pump, hospital grade to help you get milk supply back up. pump every 2 hours at least the next week. You can take mothers milk tea (herbal ) and fenugreek herbs to help build supply too. Nurse baby as often as possible, suppliment with the rest by a supplimental nursing system so baby starts understanding food comes from you . not a bottle.

while doing this, Find a lactation consultant or la leche league leader.  go to www.LLL.org and find someone local to help you in person. they will be able to get you on the right track and follow progess in detail so you can still nurse.

Glad you found the site.. your a good mom for trying... keep it up and you will be able to find a way... dont give up!

Hope that helped a little to send you in the right direction.

Ruth kraft
www.honoringwomen.com