Worried I'm going to have to stop breastfeeding

[stacey79]

My daughter will be 10 weeks old tomorrow and I've been breastfeeding her via pumping since she had some issues with sucking. She's done great after a rocky first week or two with losing weight.

My IC was pretty much in remission while pregnant. I had 2 UTIs during pregnancy, but that was it. I had two more UTIs within the first 6 weeks after giving birth. Now things are changing again. I don't think I have an infection. For the last few days, I"m feeling my bladder symptoms really coming back. If I have to go back on my meds, then I'm going to have to stop breastfeeding.

I have worked incredibly hard to get my milk supply up in order to continue breast feeding her by pumping. I'm feeling very frustrated and angry that after all this work I might have to stop.

I guess I'm not really looking for advice, I just needed to be able to share this with people who understand. I don't think formula is evil by any means. I know most important for my daughter is to have a mommy who can take care of her. It just stinks.

[SharonA]

I am so sorry to hear that your symptoms are picking up. :(

How long do you think you can continue without your meds? Is it possible to pump for a while longer until you have a few more weeks worth of breast milk in the freezer?

[ABliske]

I had to be on pain meds throughout my pregnancy and while nursing. I was so afraid my Dr. was going to say I couldn't breastfeed. I voiced my concern and she said I could be on my low. low dose of MS Contin (and I believe it a B or C class drug)! She said only 1 100th of it would trasfer through to the breastmilk. Would it be possible for you to keep nursing? Of course, drugs can be dangerous to the baby and you should check with your Dr.
I was able to nurse until 15 months and was glad I did. I don't think my son got sick more than 2 times during that period. It's good for immunities, allergies, etc.

[anewday]

Talk to your doctor about what meds can and can't be taken while breastfeeding- you may find a combo that can make it bearable at least for a while longer.

I breastfed one and my 2nd was formula fed from 3 weeks on- I don't think forumla is evil either, but I will say my bf baby is much healthier at 3 than she was (she's 7 now) but then again it could be coincidence or genetics or the fact that she's a girl.....I'll also say breastfeeding was one of the best experiences I've had...But I'll also say that being emotionally/physically well for your child outweighs anything. I tried being a trooper for my son and didn't press the diagnoses of IC until he was weaned, and by the time I was diagnosed i was a mess and miserable.

[stacey79]

I guess I'll just have to see. I know my uro has said that if I need to go back on low-dose antibiotics (to prevent UTIs) then I can't breastfeed. Ditropan XL is the other thing that helps me a lot. I think it can dry up your milk supply. SInce I have to pump and bottle feed, my milk supply is a challenge anyway. I keep up with her right now, but I'm still not making so much that I can freeze too much. Right now I have 5 ounces in the freezer, which has been quite an accomplishment!

If things continue like they are today, then I'll be able to hang in without taking meds for a while, I think. I guess like most of us ICers, I just always worry that they'll get worse again. I had a really rough morning the other day which got me the most concerned.

[an0bgobeloba]

i'm so sorry that your not feeling well again!!!! :( you most certinly have the right perspective on the whole thing! after breastfeeding my first 2 for 15 months each, it BROKE my heart when i developed ic symptoms and had to stop nursing the 3rd at about 6 months :( i cried for weeks!!!! i think it was harder than being diagnosed in the first place. haha. at the time my uro wanted me to keep breastfeeding while trying some of the meds. she reminded me that drs have to be overly careful because of all the lawsuits. but i wasn't able to bring myself to risk it. looking back i wish that i had followed her advise!!!!!!!! so much has changed about how i feel about it now....i'm pregnant and still on many of my meds. and i'm ok with it! i'm making the choices that i think are best for us as a family, and i can't be in control of all the outcomes!!! if you decided you need to stop, then stop. it's not the end of the world :) it won't change home much you love her and when she will understand that completely! hug and kiss her up for me!!! and post a picture....we've been waiting! :) lol :)