its all in the math

thrush(pain)=cracked nipples(pain)+low milk supply
or in words: thrush multiplied by pain equals cracked nipples multiplied by pain and low milk supply

if my life could be reduced to an equation that would be it, followed by:
cracked nipples (pain)+ low milk supply=frequent pumping + formula supplementation

multiply all of that by toddler to the second power(cause he's two)

i'm having a really hard time nursing my second baby-for all the reasons listed above. it's extremely frustrating because i breastfed my first son until he was14 months, this guy is only two months! i have been talking to midwives and lactation consultants.. i was given four different opinions of what i should do. everything from prescription meds( reglan-not taking them yet) to herbs(taking them- fenugreek and blessed thistle) to beer(had a half a beer-didn't seem to have much effect) to fluids( must remember to drink) to pumping(every three hours after 15 minutes of heat and massage) to nipple shields to help with pain/healing of cracked nipples ( i loved them, ben flat out refuses them and gets really really upset-so not using them)

can someone please explain to me the breastfeeding order of operations? i somehow don't think 'please excuse my dear aunt sally' will work here-(mnemonic for what order to add,subtract, multiply and divide when doing algebra)

i have a plan of my own based on all the above info, no idea if it will work, but when i pump i'm only getting a total of about 2-2 1/2 ounces, so we have to supplement each feeding with some formula. tomorrow ben goes back to the pede for a weight check and immunizations-hopefully he will have gained weight in the last week. i'll keep you posted.