All advice it welcome and appreciated! My son is 6 weeks old. I have tried to breastfeed since the start, but he was not getting enough so we began to supplement in the hospital (because he lost too much weight) and then again after a week and a half. I was seeing a lactation consultation because he was crying constantly and would nurse for 45 minutes (or more) on each side. So she suggested that I feed him for 20 minutes on each side and then give him an oz of formula. She also suggested that I pump for 20 minutes after that, but it was too painful, so I rarely did it. This worked for awhile, but he began crying and acting hungry more and more. The one oz turned into 2. I didn't want to give him so much formula, so I started nursing him on demand, which was constant. For the past 3 days he has nursed the majority of the day, literally. He is never satisfied. The first day when well and I only supplemented 4 oz. I assumed it would only get better, but it got worst. Yesterday, I had to give him 8 oz by the end of the day.. and that's after nurse for hours.
Sorry this is so long! Today I am at a crossroads. I think that I may start pumping exclusively to see if I can up my supply. When I pumped after feeding him I would get drops. Even if I pump without him eating, I still only get 1 oz most of the time. Oh yea.. I also think he has a bad latch because there is always a crease across my nipple, but I can't seem to get it to change. From my point of view, it looks like a good latch (whole nipple, lips out) I have tried fenugreek (it made him constipated) and am now drinking mothers milk.. it's kind of helping.
Any advice?? Is is possible I physically just can't make enough milk? Thank you for all advice. I feel like such a bad mom because he is always hungry.