I wanted to make every effort to BF for at minimum of 6 months (or when teeth started coming in, whatever came first!) but sadly, that won't happen. At the hospital, I thought that my boy and I were on the right track, but the more and more i tried to nurse him, the worse and worse the pain and stress became. After many many tears and to mental breakdowns, my hubby and I figured out that my body, while it was making milk, (without going into TMI) was not 'properly shaped' for LO to grab a hold of properly. So,at 5 days old, we decided to pump. Pumping was working great, Hubby fed LO while I pumped! I was getting 2 oz every easily in 25 mins (manual pump) every 2 hours. We fed formula at night so we could create a supply in the fridge. But three days ago my body suddenly stopped making milk and I freaked. We have no choice now but to go EFF. I am suffering from feelings of utter failure and feel like a 'bad' mom, but Im working thru it with my hubby (he is my rock, I couldn't do this without him!) At least LO got a good jump start, but not at all what I wanted! We are thinking that my production problems might be genetic, my mother did the same thing with my bro and I almost exactly to the minute!
My pedi told me to lube up a thermometer and 'stimulate' his rear as much as necessary. As long as he poops once a day and wets 6 times a day she said no worries. She said it will take about a week for his system to become normalized. Said to use gas drops if he is straining to fart and is unhappy. Suppository only if he hasn't pooped in 48 hours and a call to the doc. She didn't say anything about water, but as a rule, I have already been making the formula a bit more watery than the directions anyway. I wouldn't do just water feedings. She said as long as there is poop (even if its one of those 'wet farts', his body is trying) he is ok. She didnt say anything about Karo syrup.
Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps! Im learning too! HUGS