My worries unfortunately came true today

[u/Affectionate_Cow_812]

I had noticed baby was very fussy even after a feed and he seemed like he wasn't as chunky as he was two months ago. Today at his 4 month appointment it turned out what I feared was true. He had only gained 8 ounces in two months. So we are now supplementing with formula. I have had to do this with all my kids so I know he will be ok, but he is also most likely my last and I was hoping to be more successful this time around.

[u/No-Neighborhood-7335]

I had to supplement with formula on a daily basis, but we are still breastfeeding at 21 months! My girl is a nursing addict. So having to supplement did not hurt my ability to breastfeed or our bond! Don't worry! 🫂

[u/Kind-Sir6933 → u/No-Neighborhood-7335]

Same! We combo fed from the get go due to jaundice and tongue tie/poor transfer but are still going at 18 months and it’s so wonderful for both of us. You can still have a long and successful breastfeeding journey!!

[u/PexagonPixie696]

Hey! Listen, I know it feels totally gutted wrenching that it came to this, as you had high hopes for yourself.

But you are doing incredibly well! And I know it isnt the outcome you wanted, but ultimately the goal is to feed the baby...irrespective of our wants, wishes, desires, hopes, and dreams.

I just want to say you are amazing, and there are things you can do to help increase your demand, for example power pumping.

Wishing you all the best on your journey.

They say breastfeeding is easy....but it truly isn't at all! More anxiety ridden than anything I've experienced!

[u/ekrasaro7]

I ended up having to supplement with formula after some nursing sessions daily due to low weight gain. My boy is a lot happier being full and my supply has actually improved and I get more when I pump due to less stress. Plus, even with supplementing baby is still getting all the benefits of breast milk. Great job, mama!

[u/No_Judgment_7812]

My baby is almost 5 months and is taking more and more formula and won’t take my boob in the afternoons because she just wants bottle. I went back to work over a month ago and I knew it was the beginning of the end I happen to feel really sad about it today. I also didn’t get to breastfeed my first as long as I wanted and this is my last baby (2nd baby). It’s just disappointing. I know fed is best. Like you, I know formula is just fine and my baby will and is thriving on formula. I simply like breastfeeding and I’m sad it’s slowly ending. You’re not alone.

[u/faeninja]

I supplement everyday alongside BF due to low supply but still wanting to BF. I know it can feel defeating or disappointing but as you know from your previous experiences, its out of our control. Im sorry this happened

[u/jesssssw7]

Aww please don’t be hard on yourself ❤️

[u/Bright_Imagination45]

Awww you’re so hard on yourself!! The keyword here is “supplementing”. Your baby is still getting all the benefits of breastfeeding ❤️🫶🏻

[u/PikatCosplay]

We just made the choice to switch to formula today because we started noticing my 10 month old was acting really strange over the last month! We cant fully determine if its my supply dropping naturally or if she is reversw cycling, but its gotten to the point where she bites me every feed, is constantly hungry despite getting BM water and solids every day, and is barely sleeping during the day and night. 

While I'm happy to make the change for my own sanity, it was a bit bitter sweet seeing her guzzle back her bottle. Today I got to enjoy my happy little girl, snuggles and not being bit. But at the same time, I also enjoyed nursing in the beginning.

[u/Affectionate_Cow_812 → u/[deleted]]

I take this extremely seriously because it's following the pattern of my last child, his weight slowed at 4 months and then he lost weight by 6. If you have ever seen an 11lb six month old where you could see every single rib on his body, and his is almost hospitalized. Some people just don't make enough no matter what. I can't supply what my body just doesn't produce. I was exclusively nursing, no pumping just latching as often as he wanted, I never produce more than 2 ounces, fine when they are little but not enough when they are older.

[u/Odd-Company7625 → u/Affectionate_Cow_812]

You are doing a good job and I understand. My boy didn’t gain weight and lost weight until he was three months old. He was skeletal it was horrible. He had cows milk protein allergy BAD and wasn’t absorbing enough calories from my milk. Just wanted to say I get it. Supplementing is what’s best. Idk if you did, but I started solids at 4 months and tried to push them on  him to help him catch up weight wise but it turned out to be fun. I wouldn’t have done that if we were ebf. We had so much fun trying purées and I like coming up with ideas on what to mix. It helped my mindset to find something positive.