May 2013 Moms
caymarks
member
Breast feeding Woes update
caymarks
member
I need some help!
I have been breast feeding DS and I'm having issues. My left nipple has cracked so bad it's bleeding and I can't nurse from it. That leaves the right one which has a much lower supply for some reason.
I have been pumping the left side and feeding him that way. I nurse on the right side for about 15 minutes then feed him about 1 to 1.5 oz of the pumped milk. I'm not able to keep up. He's still acting hungry after that.
My doctor said to pump right side after nursing but he runs me dry nursing. I'm pumping 1 to 2 oz from the left but he always eats what I pump and I can't get ahead.
Any suggestions? I really don't want to supplement but I'm not sure what else to do. If he's hungry I need to feed him obviously.
Update: I sent DH to the store for formula after DS refused my "good" breast which has started to crack from the extra nursing. I'm still pumping but only getting a little over an oz. I guess I'll be supplementing while I'm waiting for the nipples to heal and just pump as much as I can to try to hold on to my supply.
I'm really bummed but he has to eat. I feel like a failure at breast feeding. I had to stop at 3 months with DS1 bc I got too stressed over it and he wasn't gaining good weight. He's not even a week old and I feel like I've given up.
Note this is not a failure compared to those who do or don't use formula...just to myself. I really want to be able to BF but for some reason I hit a wall and can't get past it.
I have been breast feeding DS and I'm having issues. My left nipple has cracked so bad it's bleeding and I can't nurse from it. That leaves the right one which has a much lower supply for some reason.
I have been pumping the left side and feeding him that way. I nurse on the right side for about 15 minutes then feed him about 1 to 1.5 oz of the pumped milk. I'm not able to keep up. He's still acting hungry after that.
My doctor said to pump right side after nursing but he runs me dry nursing. I'm pumping 1 to 2 oz from the left but he always eats what I pump and I can't get ahead.
Any suggestions? I really don't want to supplement but I'm not sure what else to do. If he's hungry I need to feed him obviously.
Update: I sent DH to the store for formula after DS refused my "good" breast which has started to crack from the extra nursing. I'm still pumping but only getting a little over an oz. I guess I'll be supplementing while I'm waiting for the nipples to heal and just pump as much as I can to try to hold on to my supply.
I'm really bummed but he has to eat. I feel like a failure at breast feeding. I had to stop at 3 months with DS1 bc I got too stressed over it and he wasn't gaining good weight. He's not even a week old and I feel like I've given up.
Note this is not a failure compared to those who do or don't use formula...just to myself. I really want to be able to BF but for some reason I hit a wall and can't get past it.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Breast feeding Woes update
There were times I had to supplement with DD because I just couldn't keep up or was so ungodly sore.
While nursing is supposed to be so natural, sometimes it seems like the most unnatural thing on the planet!!
Hang in there!!
These are all great ideas and helped me a lot with my first. Also just keep nursing baby frequently, even if only for a few minutes. Good luck and hang in there.
My little boy is named Declan, too
My LC recommended I try relaxation techniques when I pump. If you're stressed out about the process it will be that much harder. Good luck!!
This is TOTALLY TRUE. The more you worry about it and watch it, the less you will produce. Kind of like that saying "A watched pot never boils"
You really do need to relax and just not think about it. Also, pumping can be hard on your nipples too. Ensure you have the correct sized flange (you can buy other sizes). If the flange is too small it will irritate the heck out of you and if too large, you won't be productive.
Keep pumping even when the milk stops (or if it never starts). You body will get the idea.
And when all else fails, it's OK to supplement with formula here and there. We did during the first month or so on a few occasions. You just don't want to do it too often.
ETA: And if you don't already have a hands-free pumping bra - get one. It will help with the "not watching" part and allow you to relax better.
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Best advice is of course to find out why your nipple is getting sore to the point of cracking and bleeding and fix that - bad latch, engorgement, etc. Talk to a lactation consultant - I felt like having a good one saved my sanity and was the only reason that I was able to continue to breastfeed my son. I for sure would have given up without her help to make it a comfortable experience instead of something incredibly painful.
Good luck to you and definitely try to talk to a lactation consultant! I was told at my breastfeeding class that cracked and bleeding nipples rather than just sore is usually a sign of latching problems.
Mama to Sebastian, born 9/2010
There is one rule when it comes to breastfeeding that I believe every woman should follow: "NEVER QUIT ON A BAD DAY" (It always gets better). Then you have another kind of bad day, then it will get better. I think I "quit" 3x in the first month and ended up BFing DD until she was 1.
Hang in there and PLEASE see a Lactation Consultant if you haven't already. If you are unable to do that, call the LLL Helpline: 1-877-452-5324 https://breastfeedinghelpline.com/
You are not a failure. Breastfeeding is HARD at first. Hang in there and good luck.