Please Heeeeeelp

I breastfed all my kids for two years except my first. He weaned himself at 9 months and I believe it's because I had no more milk. I just went straight to a cup and regular food. He's now almost 17 years old and he's as healthy as can be. Good luck and don't worry too much about it. He was my first and my next three I BF for 2 years. I'm now BF my fifth and he's almost 6 months old. I'm exclusively breastfeeding him with no other food or supplements and he's doing great. So this might just be a fluke thing like with my first. Good luck to you and congratulations!!

Take a deep breath. You are not alone. You are a good mother. You breast fed your baby for eight months! You can and should be proud of that. Life does not always go the way we planned. You planned to breast feed for ______ long. Instead the time was shorter. It's ok. Many children grow up with no or very little breast milk and they are healthy! Be easier on yourself. The hair loss and acne sounds like hormone changes after pregnancy. But get to the doctor and discuss your concerns. The weight can be because you are depressed and either eating more than you realize or not doing much outside of the house. If you have friends with little ones start planning outings with them. Even if it's just going to someone elses house. Take a walk. Getting out and about can make you feel better. Maybe someone can watch you little one while you do something special for yourself. If you still feel depressed get help!
The formula question - personally I don't understand the concept of organic formula. By the time they pasteurize it, put in all the additives, etcs how is it organic any more? It think it's a great marketing ploy. You said Similac tasted bad. Was that you or your baby who thinks that? The formulas are made for baby, not you. I don't think you will find any formula you think tastes good, but your baby will. Similac, Enfamil, Good Start are all very similar. Either will be fine. All the best!

You are having symptoms of an underactive throid. Have your doctor order a blood test.

Lisa

Your hair will grow back, it's postpartum hormones. Same with the acne. Maybe your body is just done breastfeeding? If you have to stop because you can't produce milk anymore, your baby will still be healthy. Try not to be depressed. It will be fine.

All I can say is that you are not alone in experiencing postpartum depression. In the darkest hours of my life experience, support has helped lift me out. Here is a website with Los Angles area Postpartum Depression support groups. Good luck.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1150522/postpart...

add: remember, your baby has been blessed with a Mama who gave her 8 months of great breast milk. Well Done! Also, the transitions that happen in our body, hormonally, don't just take place after birth. Their milestones are our milestones as well. It might be wise to find a health care practitioner who can help you and who you trust. If you don't have medical insurance there is often times low income insurance available through the state (contact DSHS to find out). Be persistent in your self care...you are worth it MAMA!

I didn't get postpartum depression until I weaned my baby. If your milk is not coming in, I think your hormones are to blame for that and the depression. I am sorry you are so sad.

Kika, your child needs you to get hold of yourself. Children of depressed mothers can end up with serious problems. Losing your milk is sad, but not nearly as sad as not being joyfully there for your baby.

I lost my milk at 7 months because I got very ill. But I was grateful I had been able to nurse that long – the first 6 month are the most important. And my baby was so adorable and healthy, I was just grateful to have her in my life.

Please spend some time meditating on all the lovely and loving influences in your life. If that doesn't help you, then don't waste any time – talk to your doctor. Hormone changes can have a tremendous impact on your emotional state, and if you recently stopped milk production, then your hormones are shifting. You may be a candidate for hormone therapy, or possibly an antidepressant. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to a counselor. Talk therapy can be very helpful.

Take care of yourself, my dear. You and your baby are worth it.

Go to see your doctor right away to determine if there are underlying medical conditions that have caused you to lose your milk supply.

Also, call a lactation consultant right away to see if there is a way to get your milk supply back. Your lactation consultant may want to try power pumping.

The formula we used off and on when my son was about 1 year old (I primarily breast fed, but did supplement on occasion) was Baby's Only. It is organic.

Last, don't feel depressed about lack of milk supply at 8 months. You've done a wonderful job getting to 8 months. Your baby has benefited greatly. No need to feel guilty. Most mom's give up within a month after birth.

Dear Kika:

Let’s break down this situation. Let go of the breastfeeding unless you want to use another mother’s milk. You did what you could for as long as it was possible.

Let’s move on to get you right so you can be a happy mother which is critical for your baby. It‘s all about your baby right now so let’s get it together.

You are obviously stressed out. Your hormone, adrenals, thyroid and possibly DHT is out of balance. This is not difficult to get back into balance.

You could go to a doctor and most likely all these imbalances are subclinical. Just know you are going to get better and your hair will be the last thing to fully come back.

I will list some items that will make a difference in just one week, but you will be on for 3 months.

I use to do this professionally and charge $300.00 an hour. I feel bad for you and know where this is going if you don’t get help. You can trust me or I can refer you to someone you can pay for the advice.

Metabolic Complex: 1 capsule twice a day after meals for 7 days then 2 twice a day.
Medulla Complex: 1 capsule twice a day before meals.
Bio-Aminos: 2 capsules twice a day, upon rising and at bed.
Hepata*Trope: 2 capsules twice a day before meals.
Biodine: 1 drop twice a day for 2 weeks then 2 drops twice a day until the bottle is finished.

These products are available in some pharmacies and a few web sites. You can try www.ndinutraceuticals.com Use their search function. If they don’t have them all respond back and I will find a store in your area.

Good Luck

Kim

Kika,

Similac may tastes bad to you but not to your baby. I think you should see your doctor for you because you need some help with your depression. Also contact the ped regarding the baby's nutrition at 8 months with all the difficulty you are experiencing it may be stressful and unhealthy for the baby for you to continue to try to nurse and the ped may recommend some solids in addition to formula.

Blessings......

Have you contacted the Pump Station for advice and help? They might be able to help you produce more milk. They have locations in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Westlake Village. It is definitely worth looking into ASAP if you haven't tried them already.

http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/

Good luck!!!!

And remember - 8 months of breast milk is A LOT more than many, many babies out there are getting these days. So be happy and proud of how much you have done for your baby. You are a great mom!

Run ~ don't walk ~
to GNC or any type of health store and get a bottle of Fenugreek. It is for breastfeeding mothers who need to produce more milk.
Look it up online to read about it.

It doesn't cost much.

Follow the directions on the bottle.

THE HAIR LOSS IS NORMAL. Sad I know. = (

I wish you the best.

.

I agree that there are two issues here: Stopping breatsfeeding and some guilt from that and your health.
First, get yourself to your doctor. Have them check your thyroid. Lots of women lose hair after having a baby--I think mine is still falling out (lol) and my son is 7 yrs old!
Secondly, stop feeling bad about not breastfeeding. The important thing is to feed your baby. Formula is not poison! Your baby will be just fine. As long as you feed your baby, love him/her, and take care of yourself--that is what is important.
I think all formula tastes bad and I'm thankful I don't have to drink it! Talk to your pediatrician about your choices.
Best of luck!