Breastfeeding qualms

hi mummy, I'm going through the EXACT same experience as you are (except that my LO has a good latch but still, I only managed 30ml from both breasts after 1 session of 20mins). I'm approaching 3 weeks PP and 2 days ago, I've decided to give up on breastfeeding because it's causing me too much stress (crying almost every day and I've tried everything: from power pumping, pump after latching, breast massage, to lactation cookies, to 2 nuts guys etc 👉 nothing works) the turning point: the harder I try to increase my milk supply 👉 the more desperation & stress I felt 👉 the more I don't want to take care or be near to my baby (my resentment towards this new journey grows). That is something that worries and scares me. I love my LO but breastfeeding is causing me all the stress & negative thoughts and feelings, so I choose formula-fed. My LO needs me, so I need to take care of myself in order to be there for him, so I choose my sanity (having enough sleep, mental & emotional health). Fed is best. Others can say or ask whatever they want, but this is your child. and your child needs you, so do what's best for you, so you can be there for your child. You don't need validation from anyone else, even if they are family. hope my experience will be of some support to you :) giving up breastfeeding doesn’t make you less of a mum. You are doing great! take care 🧡

I went through the same situation as you, and at 4weeks PP, I decided to give up on breastfeeding. It was causing me alot of stress, to the extent that I was constantly having high BP. Before giving birth, I had a plan - which was to total breastfeed. I read up on breastfeeding, went for childbirth courses, bought breast pumps, milk storage bags, etc. After bb was delivered, I struggled hard with breastfeeding. Having constant thoughts on why I don’t have enough milk supply, engaged 2 different lactation consultant, stressing over people’s comment. I was sensitive over every comment that ppl made, such as “can afford to gain more weight”, “doesn’t seem to grow much” At that point of time, I was combination-feeding. I felt that I was obsessed with the idea of breastfeeding, and wanted to make it work no matter what. My LO milk intake started to increase, and she started to fuss whenever I breastfeed her - perhaps due to slow flow/low milk supply. It honestly pains me to see that, even more than the fact that I couldn’t fully breastfeed her. After making peace with myself, and deciding to stop, I’ve never been happier. I felt that I’m able to do more and spend more time with my LO. I hope you have the strength to get through this. ❤️

Hi mama, congratulations on your newborn! ☺️ I was a low supply mum and to make it worse, I didn’t fed myself well during confinement cause the food sucks. Baby couldn’t latch well and I’m pumping 30~60ml or lower. I was mixed feeding baby till 2M when I’m slowly getting used to waking up more frequently and in the MOTN of pump. Not to forget, I had 2 episodes of mastitis in a month, really felt like hell. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stress is a milk killer. Not enough milk? No problem, top up with formula. Mommy’s sanity is very important as well. As long as baby is fed, human milk or cows milk doesn’t matter. Try to cover up the pump while pumping. Stop being bothered by the amount. Eat well, drink well and most importantly sleep well. And for people who even had the cheek to ask you why or judge you, just get rid of them already. They obviously don’t know how hard is breastfeeding. How much will and motivation we need despite constant lack of sleep, swollen nipples, mastitis, planning around pump time etc.

You can look up Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore) on Facebook for more support - it’s very active and there’s a lot of experienced volunteers on there. Other tip that I have is to try domperidone. While all the other supplements like lactation cookies, fenugreek, lecithin etc have no clear evidence, domperidone is known to increase prolactin which boosts milk supply. You’ll need a doctor’s prescription - a GP can also prescribe. Helped me a ton. That being said, you’re trying really hard as a mom and that’s all that matters. There’s no shame in feeding formula and ultimately you want your baby to grow up healthily after being full from all the feeds. Ignore the naysayers

Every breastfeeding journey for mummy will be different. It could be of any factors that milk supply can be low. If you have done the best to increase supply yet it is still the same then dont be disheartened. You have definitely did your best as a mum to your little one. Dont bother what others said or if they compare. It is just certain society feelings and thoughts are like that. They dont research neither understand why this happened and not being sensitive with this issue. I have my masseuse's DIL who has low supply and she did her best but still the same. She ended with formula milk for her daughter. Cheer up mummy!