Want to switch from EP to EBF. Help!! (long...sorry!)

Daniel's Mama

I am really disapointed and frustrated right now. I gave up BF and have been EP for several weeks now. My reasons were that I was so sore and would just dread whenever DS would get hungry because it was so painful and my nipples were just raw. (I know that if I would have just toughed it out for awhile, it would have probably gotten better). DS also is a very lazy eater on the breast and it was taking a very long time to just get through one feeding which was especially difficult at night. Also, I did not have a lot of support either at the hospital or when I came home. At the hospital, they were not helpful when I was having problems BF. The LC spent very little time with me and the instant I was able to get him to latch properly, she took off. I wish that when I came home I would have had time to just nurse and get the hang of it, but DH's family was very rude and did not respect our space as a new family at all, leaving me with little time alone with my new baby.

I WAH but have to be in my office with no noise or interruptions, so EP was going to work fine for that situation. We have recently decided that I will SAH or possibly WAH on a very part time basis making pumping unnecessary since I will be with DS all of the time. I also wish I was still connecting with DS the way that I was when I was EBF. Not to mention, pumping is so difficult and I feel like it takes me away from DS, which I don't like. I wish he would just latch, but he is so used to a bottle now that nursing frustrates him and we are having a hard time with it. Also, it still makes my nipples feel raw so I am hesitant about that. 

Anyway... my question is if anyone has gone from EP to EBF and was it difficult? I really would like to for so many reasons, but don't know if it is even possible.

TIA for any help or advice that you have!!!

wedbliss5

I don't have any personal experience, but have you tried contacting your local LLL or a different LC?  I would think you could switch back, it just might take some patience on your part.  Maybe start with trying the feedings when you LO is still sleepy as I've heard this is the easiest time they will latch.  As for you feeling raw, hang in there and tell your DH to support you, especially at the times you want to give up - I would have switch to formula if it hadn't been for my DH, he talked me through the times when I cried because it hurt so bad and I'm so thankful. Good luck!

cvincent0423

you need to find a LC to work with. ?the ones in the hospital have so many people to see and usually aren't much help. ?check out your local le leche league resources.

https://www.llli.org/Web/Wisconsin.html

regarding family and guests, get a nursing cover and start nursing in front of them. either they won't care and will support you or they will feel awkward and leave. ?or take DC and go into another room, lock the door and nurse. you also need to talk to DH and make sure he understands how important this is to you and your DC and that he needs to support you. ?

good luck.?

?

allie_wang

Hi - I was able to switch from EP to EBF, and I did it at 8 weeks. ?It was difficult, but not impossible. ?Find a good lactation consultant - that will make all the difference. ?(Make sure they are fully certified, and get references - not all lactation consultants are created equal - I've definitely met some bad ones.)

?The best advice I got, was from my amazing lactation consultant. ?She said to just put the baby on your chest, and let the baby find the nipple. ?The baby can do this by instinct, using his cheek to find the nipple. ?For a couple of days, just sort of experiment by letting the baby find his own way. Don't worry about the latch at first - if he gets on and it doesn't hurt, go with it. Your lactation consultant will teach you good latching technique when you see her.

?Your nipples will hurt for about a week after you switch to breastfeeding, but then it will be over.

When I started breastfeeding, my LO took forever to feed, but after about 3 weeks, she got very efficient. ?Now, after exclusively breastfeeding for 2 months, I have to chase her around with my boob because she has far more interesting things to do than nurse. ?It takes her about 10 minutes to finish a meal. ?I kinda miss those long nursing sessions now!

Also, after being a pumper, breastfeeding is frustrating because you never know how much the baby is eating, or how much milk you are making. ?When you are pumping, you always have immediate validation that you are making enough milk and getting enough into the baby. ?It is a huge psychological adjustment to trust that you have enough and baby is getting it. ?I still count diapers and weigh the baby weekly to make sure she is gaining properly.?

?My LC, Janaki Costello, is amazing. ?She is in San Francisco, but she might be able to find you a good LC where you live. ?Also, Christine Labriolla is one of the best. ??

If you want to talk to me some more, or need support, please feel free to email me: allison_wang1@hotmail.com.

Cheers!?

SapphyrEyes

I have to ditto PP about LLL.  The ladies that are a part of that organization are great.  I only EP for a short period of time, but once one of the LLL ladies came over and helped me with my latch issues we were able to ebf full time within a couple weeks.  I think LC's at the hospitals are more concerned getting those stupid formula samples out to everyone rather than taking the time to show a mom how to help her DC nurse.  Or, at least that's been my personal experience.

kel716

I too agree with pp about finding a better LC.  If the one you see doesn't connect with you, seek out another one.  I can't tell you how many didn't want to listen to what I knew about me and my son.  There are many ladies who have gotten their child to latch later on, and I would think that your child is still young enough to "get it." 

I also agree with the pp's about nursing when you need to.  Even if it makes them uncomfortable knowing what you're doing, you know what's best for your child.  Do what you have to do.  I do EP, and when I need to pump, I go and pump. 

Best of luck!!!

dramaqueen21888

I also started to BF but my son was 3 months and I wasn't pumping before I was using formula. I bought the NUK bottles and would always try to BF before I gave a bottle. He has a hard time latching on so I let him cry while I tried sometimes I had to just let him drink a bottle. But try as often as you can and when he does eventually latch on just continue on it. If you need some support contact the LLLeague they helped me alot. Hope everything goes well with you and keep us posted on your progress

craziheazo

My DD latched back on after being formula fed for 12 days (I had to because of an antibiotic I was on).  She was breastfed for her first 12 days and then formula fed for 12 days. 

I'm not saying it has been super easy, but she is latching on. Definitely try to find a LC that cares enough to help you out. I would try LLL.  I had absolutely no luck with our hospital LC.  I called 2 days in a row and never got a return call.  It's pretty sad because I'm also a nurse at the same hospital. 

Keep your chin up... it can happen!