Biologically when the placenta is delivered, it’s supposed to trigger hormones that stimulate milk production. Yet so many moms who want to breastfeed end up on formula within a week of birth because “their milk never came in”. While I don’t doubt that this can happen on occasion, why is it happening to so many people?
I have a theory myself but wondering if anyone knows more of the science behind why this is so common.
In: Biology
I wish I had all the answers (don’t all moms?), but I couldn’t produce enough to feed my babe. He was great right off the bat, he did everything right. But it was my body that said nah. I had internal bleeding after my c-section so I had transfusions, and on top of that, I have hypothyroidism. I fought long and hard to make myself make more breast milk for over two months, but literally nothing worked. I got so depressed and eventually gave up. Once I coped with that, I felt so much better – and finally untethered to a pump that disappointed me every time I was stuck to it.
Now I read comments and articles and I am so baffled – and disheartened- that no one ever told me that I had so many factors working against me. Everyone, lactation consultants included, just said “keep pumping, don’t stop, don’t give up.” I felt like a failure with it all. And now I’m mad for my past self and for so many others who go through the same thing.
Sometimes our bodies just simply can’t. And that’s ok. Thank goodness for formula and wet nurses. 🙌
Latest Answers