I know there are a couple breastfeeding threads, but I wasn't sure if my question would get lost among all the posts. So, with DD1, I was only able to bf for about a week, due to latching problems, and I tried pumping, and got hardly anything out. With this one, I started supplementing with formula in the hospital after the doctor advised me to do so to get her weight up (she was slightly jaundiced and had to gain a certain amount of weight back before we could leave the hospital). Now, I bf on each side most sessions between 20-30 minutes, but she is still sucking on her hands like she is hungry. I offer the breast again, but she spits it out. So I give her 2-3 ounces of formula after each feeding. I just got my breast pump, and pumped less than an ounce the first time I used it, and NOTHING the second time I tried. I waited about 2 hours after I fed her to pump, thinking I'd have more milk, but now I'm wondering if she's even getting anything the whole time she's bf'ing or if she's just using me as a pacifier. Help! I feel like such a failure again. DD1 turned out fine with formula, but I was hoping bf'ing would work out this time. I just want to know if I should even bother continuing bf'ing and enduring the sore nipples or just exclusively formula feed and call it a day.....

Re: Should I just give up?
Thats a personal decision that you need to make. Maybe your milk hasn't fully come in yet? I'd keep trying if you want to breastfeed. But I fully understand your situation. I was in that same spot wiht my DS 17 months ago.
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I know there was some talk about having a check in on this thread... https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12524993/any-interest-in-a-bf-check-in#latest
Maybe you'll find some support there until someone makes a thread for a check in... Good Luck!
It's totally up to you. If the latching problems can be fixed, I think you could have a lot more success with BF (at least that's what I'm hoping for myself). But if it's stressing you out, EFF is also a good option.
Also, there is nothing wrong with doing both formula and breastfeeding if you choose to go that route. Or even if you strictly do formula, that's OK too.
I also read a ton in Kelly mom, but I think the advice of going to a support group at the hospital if there is one or seeing a lc might ease your worries
Yes, she is fussing and crying while sucking her hand. I've only seen her do that when it is time for her to eat. She also will suck on my shoulder and cry if I pick her up...so I know it's a hunger thing, not just her soothing herself.
This time around, ds2 latched on beautifully in the hospital, but again was jaundiced, so to avoid another go around with the Nicu, we started supplementing. He also would nurse a good 20-30 minutes on each side and rhen root around and cry while sucking on his hands. I knew he was still hungry, so we started supplementing. Now that he's had the bottle, he's refusing the breast. I told myself I wouldn't be chained to a pump or make myself crazy over it this time, but with the pp hormones, it makes it hard to make the decision.
That said, I totally get where you're at. Im also at that point, considering I went the whole nine uards with my first son...the constant nursing, pumping, seeing the LC, etc. And we still ended up on formula. But clearly he thrived on it. So its looking like we are heading in that direction again, although the hormones and all the pressure surrounding BFing doesnt make it easy.
Just know that no matter what method we all choose to feed our babies, the most important thing is that they are fed, loved, and happy.
Hang in there mama..you're doing great.