AmityMama.com - View Single Post - Breastfeeding problems... revisited. I quit?

BlsdMama · 02-28-2004, 06:26 PM

How did you know you had HM/FM imbalance? Originally this is what I thought it was. I've only ever nursed on one side per feeding and let her nurse as long as she wanted. However, I figured I caused it by nursing on demand (OFTEN!) and letting her snack when she wanted so I made too much milk. So, I had a huge amount of milk. I cut it down by lengthening her time between feedings and only allowing her one breast until it felt quite empty. I know she was getting more than enough time per breast. For a couple of days I was only giving her one breast (the same one for two days) and pumping on the other side just to relieve engorgement. I can say I'm certain it reduced my milk supply. However, does that not fix the HM/FM imbalance?

Secondly, *if* this is indeed what it is, will it reoccur with another child? The idea of formula feeding from here on out is really unattractive.

Also, I should add - a friend and I were talking this last hour and we've ruled out soy as well. Apparently the formula she's been taking has soy in it. So that can't be it. I'm down to peanuts really being the only decent possibility. I also ate them for the first month of her life, but perhaps she's become sensitive????

It can't be a virus or a tummy "something"... it absolutely, completely clears up when she's on formula for 1/2 a day and reoccurs after being nursed for 1/2 -1 day. Symptoms are: EXTREME gassiness, green diarrhea - true diarrhea, not loose bf bm., and extreme crabbiness. She can fall asleep if her legs are tucked up into her tummy but will wake suddenly and pull in her legs. This *does* go away with formula.

She is gaining beautifully. She has lots of wet diapers, her soft spot isn't sunken, she has good skin color and good muscle tone. As a matter of fact, she rolled over for the first time just the other night!!!

02-28-2004, 06:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
BlsdMama Registered User iTrader: 0 / 0% Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Iowa! Home at Last! Posts: 530	Jessica How did you know you had HM/FM imbalance? Originally this is what I thought it was. I've only ever nursed on one side per feeding and let her nurse as long as she wanted. However, I figured I caused it by nursing on demand (OFTEN!) and letting her snack when she wanted so I made too much milk. So, I had a huge amount of milk. I cut it down by lengthening her time between feedings and only allowing her one breast until it felt quite empty. I know she was getting more than enough time per breast. For a couple of days I was only giving her one breast (the same one for two days) and pumping on the other side just to relieve engorgement. I can say I'm certain it reduced my milk supply. However, does that not fix the HM/FM imbalance? Secondly, if this is indeed what it is, will it reoccur with another child? The idea of formula feeding from here on out is really unattractive. Also, I should add - a friend and I were talking this last hour and we've ruled out soy as well. Apparently the formula she's been taking has soy in it. So that can't be it. I'm down to peanuts really being the only decent possibility. I also ate them for the first month of her life, but perhaps she's become sensitive???? It can't be a virus or a tummy "something"... it absolutely, completely clears up when she's on formula for 1/2 a day and reoccurs after being nursed for 1/2 -1 day. Symptoms are: EXTREME gassiness, green diarrhea - true diarrhea, not loose bf bm., and extreme crabbiness. She can fall asleep if her legs are tucked up into her tummy but will wake suddenly and pull in her legs. This does go away with formula. She is gaining beautifully. She has lots of wet diapers, her soft spot isn't sunken, she has good skin color and good muscle tone. As a matter of fact, she rolled over for the first time just the other night!!! __________________ Blessed Mama to Briana (12), Christian (9), Hannah (^i^), Elizabeth (6), Rebecca (4), and Timothy (3), Abigail (20 months), and Baby Girl (expected May 2008!) Family Care... Naturally. www.truevineherbs.com The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing. But in our culture we apply for a curse and reject blessings. There is something wrong with this picture."[/color]