QUESTION:
"I have three kids, my youngest being 6 weeks old. For my older children, I was never able to breastfeed exclusively and had to supplement with formula. I don’t know if I was lacking support or if I am just more relaxed this time around, but I am exclusively breastfeeding my 6-week-old daughter successfully.
I also have managed to store 250 ounces so far in my freezer. My problem is I am literally not doing anything else. I eat sleep and breathe for my milk supply right now. I have this fear that I won’t have a good enough milk supply and that every little thing will make it drop. I feel like I can’t go anywhere or do anything with my fiancé because I might have to miss a nursing session or pumping session.
I get super annoyed when my fiancé asks to use a bottle from my freezer stash because for whatever reason I feel like I have to save it all. I am only eating foods that I feel will increase my supply and I get really anxious if my baby wants to eat constantly because then I can’t pump to know that I have fully emptied my breast.
When we go grocery shopping, and I nurse her in the carrier, I get anxious because usually she only nurses from one side, and I pump from the other, but then I leave the other full, and I’m afraid that will decrease my supply.
My fiancé already wants me to stop because it’s basically running my life right now. I guess my questions are, does it get less time-consuming? And am I being too dramatic about my milk supply? Is it as delicate as I’m making it out to be? This is my first-time EBF so I don’t want to lose my momentum. Thank you in advance for any advice."
RELATED QUESTION: How can I increase my milk production?
TOP ANSWERS (AS SELECTED BY MODERATOR):
“This doesn’t sound healthy for you mentally. Breastfeeding isn’t that important. Just make sure your baby is fed.”
“My issue with this is that you won’t let your husband use some of the stored milk in a bottle to feed the baby himself. Daddies need that bonding time too… don’t take that away from him.”
“Just know that you shouldn’t keep too much stored away as your milk changes as baby ages so the older milk may not have exactly what the baby needs anymore.”
“A thought: you had the baby six weeks ago. You are dealing with post-birth hormones and trying to fix something that has bothered you with your other children. That’s a lot on your plate! Give yourself some time to relax. If you are feeding your little one when it’s hungry and pumping, you will probably be just fine. Do what you think is correct. Keep feeding and pumping if you want. If you feel like you are stressed about this, maybe relax your standards a bit. Do what seems right to you. Good luck with whatever you choose.”
“Also you are in charge of your breasts. It drives me nuts that women say their husband wants them to stop. It’s natural, it’s natural, it’s good for baby. Stop obsessing, yes, him forcing you to stop entirely. Not his call. Stop when you and baby are ready.”
“I remember feeling this way, that I couldn’t supply enough and I would worry my daughter was starving. I’d recommend reading a book on breastfeeding, eating foods that are known to help supply, and having a consult with a lactation nurse so she can help you through the emotional and physical worries of breastfeeding.”
“You are honestly putting too much stress on yourself and that itself can cause your supply to drop.”
“You will need to start using the frozen supply soon as it doesn’t last forever, and yes it does seem like you are letting feeding run your life, you need to remember your family and partner need you as well.”
“Can I ask why you need to have such a large supply? If you nurse on demand your body will make enough milk for the baby. Try relaxing a bit and reduce a few pumping sessions to get some of your time back for yourself and your partner.”
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