Elodie still losing weight

[Ellie H]

The midwife came again to weigh Elodie this morning and she has lost more weight .

We are now at the stage where I am distraught and exhausted through constant feeding and cannot understand why she isn't gaining weight. The midwife has checked she's latching on and feeding properly, which she is so it seems we are looking at me actually having a low milk supply.

I feel so useless, and like a failure, and guilty. I've been here before with Ethan. He didn't thrive whilst I was feeding him either .

I've tried expressing but cannot get a drop either by hand or with a pump so I am going to top her up with formula.

I'm so confused right now and can't stop crying.

xxxxxxxxxx

[SephiesMum]

((huge hugs))) hon, hope someone will be online soon who can offer you some advice. xx

[Claire76]

Oh Ellie, you are NOT a failure, far from it

Firstly ENORMOUS SQUIDGEY HUGS xxxxxxx

Secondly, how much is she losing, is it an alarming amount? Because most babies all lose weight the first few weeks, Finlay did, he lost loads but then started to gain it again (at an alarming rate) when he was about 6 weeks old. I know it's upsetting because I felt the same with Finlay but look at these little people now and how they are thriving. You are not a failure, even if it doesn't work out again Ellie, you've given her a really good start and you have tried your best, you really can't do more than you are. I can't offer advice re the BF'ing cos it didn't work out for me either but I just want to reassure you that you are without a doubt a fantastic Mummy and by no means a failure in any way, shape or form.

Wish I could give you a real hug xxxxxxxx

[JulieBannon]

ditto, big hugs. cant think of what to say but am thinking of you and hope it works out

[kimjim]

Big hugs Ellie. You are not a failure, you've given her the best possible start in life. You could have not bothered at all seeing as you had problems first time round so I think you're really brave. I'm really hoping that things start to improve for you as you seem like you really want to continue to breastfeed but if it doesn't work out at least you've tried your best.

xxx

[acad]

Oh hun your not a failure, far from it.
Hopefully someone will be on with fab advice as as you know i didn't breastfeed so not much help in the department

Just one thing hun, if it comes down to it and you do switch to formula do not ever think you have failed , Just look at Ethan !. he is proof enough for you that it really doesn't matter if they are breastfed or FF

As long as you and your baby are Happy ((((((hugs)()))))) xxxx

[BenandBellasMummy]

Aww hun, it's so hard but your hormones will be going bonkers right now, Elodie is still very little, how is she in herself, wet nappies etc...

Whatever happens you're absolutely not failing anyone or anything, try to give yourself a break hun.

xxx

[dmbell]

huge hugs. Cant really give you any advice. Are there any breatfeeding groups in your area that you could go to. Might make you feel a bit more positive about things to hear from and see other bf mums.

Dont let it upset you, if for some reason you cant continue then you have tried your best and there is nothing more you you can ask of yourself. Elodie will still thrive and im sure she would rather have a happy well rested mummy than have you all stressed and knacked becuase you are letting it get to you.

I know how defeating it feels when you cant continue to feed and have your heart set on it.

Is she losing alot of weight? Dont know what to suggest other than to do what ever makes you feel happy, if soe whatever reason that does not involve breast feeding then no one will think any less of you.

big squeezes

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[monica23535]

(((massive hugs))) Ellie, like others have said you have given Elodie the best possible start in life. I personally don't see anything wrong with topping her up with formula but really hope that someone with better advice can help reassure you xxxxxxxx

[noababy]

Firstly hugs!

Second-call Gillian, or abbie, or P-am sure they will all be happy to help you along.

I know with me is that I continued bf, expressing and formula feeding-all a hodgepodge till Noa was about 10 months-so do not kill yourself if this is what you have to do.

What I did-and I don't know if bf counselors support this or not-was to weigh her before and after nursing. That way I was able to see if she went up only 10 grams or 50 or 90. It helped me for my peace of mind to know she was getting something.

Whatever you do-do not feel like a failure! Look at what a happy and healthy little boy Ethan is!

Hugs!