Breastfeeding Issues

I want to mention my experience with attempting to nurse both Josh and Grace. My intention with both pregnancies was to nurse. In addition to being a Labor and Delivery nurse, April, my mother-in-law, is also a certified lactation consultant. With Grace, I thought it was particularly important that she receive breastmilk. April set me up with all the tools I needed, to include the best pump available. After 2 ½ weeks of trying to pump, I gave up. My milk never came in, despite Herculean efforts by both myself and April. I desperately tried every trick available, but nothing worked. At any particular time, I might get an ounce. One day, I was at it again—crying, feeling inadequate and like I had let down Grace. My Mom was with me at this point and told me that it was more important that I hold Grace lovingly and relaxingly. I gave up and decided to move forward; however, I carried the guilt that I had not done the best for Grace. April found out years later that steroid use in pregnancy can potentially cause the problem I experienced.

With my pregnancy with Josh, I was more determined than ever to breastfeed. I got all the latest cool stuff, and I was ready to go. April was there to help again. Within a few days, Josh was screaming and hungry and getting very upset due to lack of food. I had to supplement with formula, but again, I kept trying—more tricks, pumping, and effort. My volume never increased, and within Josh’s first week I had stopped trying. This time I knew that it was not me. April could not explain it, except that perhaps it was related to Sjogren’s Syndrome. I refuse to own the guilt now. I know with both children I did all that I could. I would be interested in learning of other women with Sjogren’s breastfeeding experiences.