Not being able to nurse was never something I expected. I thought I did everything right - I had homebirths, nursed on demand, went to La Leche League meetings, ate right, and let the baby sleep with me. But it wasn't enough. After much heartache, I had to supplement both kids with formula. Why should I feel like such a failure? We certainly wouldn't tell a woman who was diabetic that she just wasn't "trying hard enough" to make enough insulin! But we do have that attitude with breastfeeding women. True, some nursing problems are easily corrected. But for a small percentage of the population (about 5%), supply problems are a very real issue.
- Letter
to Mothering Magazine
I wrote this letter to the editor because I wanted to find more support for mothers in my situation, and because I was looking for alternatives to commercial formula. We can buy organic everything else, why not formula? Today I believe there are organic toddler formulas, but none for infants. - Before
and after pictures
These are pictures of my daughter Ivy at 4 months, before supplementing, and at 6 months, after she's finally had enough to eat. I had no experience to compare her to; now I regret having let her go hungry so long. - My introduction
to the MOBI list
Some anonymous angel on the Mothering forums directed me to the MOBI list, and it was my saving grace. Here was a community of women who went through the same pain and grief as I did. Having a support group made all the difference, as I'd become extremely depressed. - Resources
for Mothers with supply problems
These are some useful links, as well as my general advice on herbs, bottles, etc.
My youngest baby has nearly weaned.
and I have mixed feelings of sadness and freedom.
I hope my story is useful for you!
May 2002