It’s official—I have started taking Fenugreek to [hopefully] increase my milk production. It’s not so much that I am having serious (or clinically worrisome) production issues (because Owen seems to have no digestive issues and is definitely gaining weight) but rather that I am afraid that he is getting hungrier and hungrier—and I want to be prepared, because I sometimes already feel that he isn’t getting quite enough.
What’s also frustrating is that my nipples are very sore right now—I am 99.5% sure his latch is okay (because he is eating and gaining weight) but I think maybe he’s eating so feverishly because he’s so hungry—which is leading to the sore nipples. (He also tends to get really fussy and wiggly during feeding, and he pulls and stretches my nipples—which is painful.)
And what’s even more frustrating is that he really DOES NOT LIKE the nipple shield. :'( He will use it maybe one time, but not twice in a row for sure…he will fuss like mad and avoid the nipple even when you know he’s hungry. I also don’t think he sucks hard enough or well enough to get enough milk. (We had to resort to pumping and then giving him a bottle tonight.)
So, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Fenugreek works well. We want to have a major milk stash in the freezer so Tom (or grandparents!) can take over some feedings when necessary (or, say, if we want to go away for the weekend!), without having to resort to formula. Wish us luck!
Are we at the point of putting some cereal in his bottle for night time? I bet that is a “no no” from your pediatrician. It might be enough to get him to sleep extra time for you!
Good luck, something will work for that little guy and you! Tried to look at your new pictures on Marcus’s laptop but it was such a slow connection it was too difficult. Did get to show some to Izzy and Anna though!