Formula Feeding vs Depression

I know you're probably trying to figure out how they relate. Well here's the story. After a bad case of thrush and mastitis [in both breasts at once] i took a three day break from nursing. I still pumped, but apparently the pump doesn't do as good as baby. After that three days I started nursing again, but obviously, my milk supply dramatically decreased and i've been having milk supply issues since. I posted another topic before about this and got lots of great suggestions. I've been doing the "power-pumping" and the "cluster-feeding", I've also let baby nurse whenever he wants. But still im having trouble making enough for him. This morning my OB/Gyn prescribed me a medicine called Reglan that apparently dramatically increases milk supply. The only issue im having is that one of the side effects is severe depression.

As much as I want to breastfeed my son, I do not think that I should risk my mental health for it. What are all of your takes on it? Should I take the medicine in your opinion and give breastfeeind a fighting chance and be depressed [OR] should I just try the natural way and if it doesn't work stay sane and give my baby formula?! Help!

Quoting 2PrincessesMama:“ I know you're probably trying to figure out how they relate. Well here's the story. After a bad case ... [snip!] ... and be depressed [OR] should I just try the natural way and if it doesn't work stay sane and give my baby formula?! Help!”

IMO i wouldnt take the medicine because depression is not something to mess around with, and i think there is a tea or something that increases your milk supply.

double post

Try Natural Remedies Mother's Milk Tea or fenugreek, both can be bought at a GNC or health food store. I wouldn't take a medicine that made me depressed either.

This is just my opinion but I would say- let it go. Regardless of how big a deal people make out of the importance of breastfeeding- the truly important things are that your baby is healthy and you are healthy. You can't be all the mommy you want to be if you are suffering from depression as a result of trying to continue breastfeeding. Babies have thrived for generations using formula.It isn't going to hurt his development. It isn't going to harm your bonding (though continuing down this stressful path might).

I speak from experience. Just let it go. Embrace the bottle and enjoy the closeness of your baby during this all-to-brief time.

I would try other natural remedies first, and if those don't work, then let it go. Someone else suggested fenugreek (which is an herbal supplement) and Mother's Milk Tea, which are fine,but need to be used with great care because they can cause oversupply when used with all of the extra pumping and nursing you are doing. I have found that oatmeal (regular, not quick cooking or instant) works wonders.

Here is a link to kellymom's (one of the best online resources for breastfeeding I've found)suggestions for naturally increasing supply. HTH!
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html