Hi ladies,
Is anyone else struggling with this whole breastfeeding thing? My LO has a good latch and I think my supply is fine but he's a chunky man and wants to nurse every 1.5 to 2 hours. At one point, the frustration was very difficult to handle because he would get so hungry (which we assumed he wasn't since he ate 30 minutes ago) and couldn't latch but would take a bottle of breastmilk and sleep. I've been pumping and he takes 5 ounces each feeding at only 3 weeks old but nursing at night every two hours. I feel so guilty for even considering formula since it's a completely selfish decision. The stress of thinking about pumping at work and the demands of breastfeeding are definitely causing a little depression. Just looking for some of your thoughts and/or experiences!
Re: Guilt of switching to formula
Have you seen a lactation consultant? Is your boy gaining weight as he should?
I personally think a lot of bf issues improve with time as baby learns to latch well as long as baby is gaining and there aren't issues like tongue tie.
Having said that it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Perhaps you ff when at work and bf,when you're with baby.
I've ebf all 3 babies and the issues we've had have all been solved with time and a good LC.
So perhaps seek advice if it's important to you, but don't feel guilty if you choose to ff or if you can't solve your particular concerns
your well-being is crucial to bonding with baby.
Best wishes
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
Initially I felt selfish but my stress and pain was not helping the bonding process.
The most important peice of advice I've gotten so far (my daughter is 4 mo) is don't quit on a bad day. Make sure it's a decision that works for you and your family, and that you've thought it through. And remember, you can always supplement! I've been doing that for several months, best of both worlds! Good luck!
Keep in mind that nursing is certainly exhausting, but as the weeks go on you will both get more and more comfortable and competent.
Try making a small goal for yourself, like "I'll nurse until eight weeks," and reevaluate then.
Can I be blunt?
Here it is, what I would tell you if you were my close friend sitting with me on my couch:
Suck it up.
Your baby will want to eat 12 (or more) times a day at first. Sometimes newborns clusterfeed, usually in the evenings. Its not really rocket science, if he's crying 9 times out of ten he's hungry. Even if he just ate.
Your whole job is to keep him and you clean and fed.
Surround yourself with people who will help you with these two things and everything else. Be shameless is asking for help with this.
Your nipples will adjust. Coconut oil is your friend.
Pumping at work is a lot less daunting once you start doing it.
Doing formula now at three weeks will mess with your supply.
I hope I wasn't too blunt--i really have a lot of empathy for you. I remember those days as a blur of feeding and Netflix and doctors appts. Hang in there, and make sure you ask for the help you need with every day tasks!!
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
I also felt very guilty for supplementing with formula but it was the bloody hormones. Baby blues suck big time. Now I feel no regret over my decision.
I want to add here to not worry too much about your supply, in case you do. I was terrified because I've been combo feeding almost from the beginning and I was scared from what I've been reading that I will dry out etc. I did rent a pump from the hospital for a week to help me a bit and it might have done it.
Well, luckily at 3 months today I'm still good with milk and I never stopped supplementing with formula. We still have pretty much the same feeding "schedule" so from my personal experience I believe you can successfully do both, if you wish to do so, since your body will adapt and of course there is no need to feel guilty .
Of course the above is my personal experience and I understand that every woman is different.
Best of luck and I repeat, don't feel guilty you're doing great!
Nursing is not only about feeding, it provides bonding and comfort, so don't always assume it's hunger. He probably just wants to be close to mama. ☺
Breastfeeding is hard work, but I love every second of it now. I too struggled at first and felt overwhelmed with the early demand. It changes daily though.
I sought out help from an LC and highly recommend it.
I exclusively BF and she may eat non-stop for 3-4 hours with little brakes to change or sleep for 4. I wish she ate less often, but I am OK with sacrificing my nipples for her health
mother is very very important. I was formula fed. I'm a healthy and normal person & I love my mom. It's all good.