Hi, this is new for me, last time I was on here it was oversupply and green poo! I've been block feeding. (LLRRL etc) which was working nicely, DD wasn't soaring through the charts but doing ok and stools much more normal.
So, we went away over Christmas and New Year and just before Christmas DD got ill
big drop in appetite, I ended up hand expressing in the shower as I was so uncomfortable and a couple of days later got a big migraine - I had a run of these when gradually weaning DS so almost definitely related to less milk being taken. Then she got better and things appeared normal (although I did have another migraine), but just after New Year she got the flu
another big drop in appetite, then I came down with it a couple of days later and also got my first period since she was born - which I'm also pretty sure was related. So it's been a nasty bug, we're still not back to our usual energy levels and have a lingering cough, but DD did seem to be much better a few days ago and I'm getting there too
however, I noticed her output was less than usual and also that she's been wanting both sides at a feed and then wanting more later or just not seeming satisfied afterwards. I can't always let her take ages over a feed due to preschool drop off and collection, which is about an hour round trip each. But she's always taken a good half an hour over a feed anyway. So, last time I pumped before Christmas I easily got 4oz from one breast, although I might have got more if I'd pumped longer. Tonight I decided to try pumping to increase supply and see how much I was getting, but only got 1oz
after a lot of effort! That was around 2h after I'd finished the BT feed on the same side, since I'm using the other side for df and didn't want to use it all up!
Ok so please could someone just hold my hand through this and help me work out a sensible approach? Haven't taken her to baby clinic due to our bugs so don't know how this has impacted her weight but I'd really be surprised if she's put much on at all during the last few weeks, she may have lost for all I know. Oh and she's not interested in solids yet, only had tasters on her lips as she doesn't even open her mouth!
So far I've been trying switch feeding and some compression although I'm not good at remembering this especially when DS is pestering me for something! I've also offered extra feeds - well, she's asked for them, but sadly I can't always oblige eg when picking up DS. Also she's still sleeping more than usual - and I understand why, having the same myself, this virus has really taken it's toll! But that also means less time available for feeding. I'm only offering solids at breakfast but am reluctant to stop since we've already stopped twice since staring a month ago and she hasn't had much opportunity to learn what to do! Although I realise the milk is way more important than that especially in our situation. She's been taking quite long and sleepy BT feeds, so I've ended up staying on one side since she's so tired by the time she finally comes off. But do you think we'd be better off switch feeding instead. Also just takes one side at df, since she won't go back on once off then.
The other question I had is about pumping, I'm not sure when and how to do it? I don't want to leave DD with less milk for her next feed, so how long in advance of a feed should I pump? Should I always try to pump both sides? Should I get up in the middle of the night to pump, since she sttns? Obviously I really don't want to do that as I'm still recovering myself and not getting enough sleep, but if it would make a big difference to my supply then maybe I should?
Ok thanks my head's in a fuzz and can't think of anything else now, trying not to panic but I think the situation has kind of crept up on me due to not being able to think clearly and now it's got a bit scary! She's never taken a bottle, or syringe, or finger feed (tried all these before she had her tongue tie divided, in an attempt to get some hindmilk into her!) so supplementing would be tricky. A babymoon would be lovely but difficult, although I do have my parents coming for some of Friday so they can help with DS. Then at the back of my mind I don't want to overdo things with my supply and have it go crazy again, but I'm guessing that's not something to worry about just now!
TIA