I can’t breastfeed

knottieed92ca1db952dfad

Hi! I had my baby two weeks ago. I had an emergency c-section, +covid, blood transfusion…. It was not what I expected my delivery would be. On top of that the baby wouldn’t latch, he ended up getting baby formula. We stayed a week in the hospital. Now at home he won’t breastfeed. It so frustrating. I cry all the time, because I feel guilt he is not getting breast milk. I’ve been trying to pump, but getting so little out of it. Any mom in a similar situation?

nik012

Do not let it get to you! The most important thing is your baby getting the nutrition they need and formula is not a bad thing. My first pregnancy, my baby did not want to latch and I hardly made any milk. I pumped for about 65 days and I never produced more than 2 oz per day. So we just did formula. While it was frustrating, it's not the end of the world. I am scheduled for my C-section tomorrow and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't produce anything again! Hang in there! 

knottieed92ca1db952dfad

Thank you for getting back to me! Good luck with your c-section. Glad you’ll be meeting you little one!! God bless you!

lizzie_30

@knottieed92ca1db952dfad Sorry I have no advice to give for this one.  I formula feed my first and he's 9yrs old now and above grade level for everything.  I don't plan to breastfeed for the exact reason of what you are going through.  I'm too worried that I won't know how much milk he's actually getting because I can't see it and much like you if I wasn't producing I'd probably become so upset and that wouldn't be good for the baby either.  The stress of not producing enough could probably be causing you to produce less as well.  You are doing the best you can don't get too down on yourself about it.

katepattsea

Knottie, I agree with the others. I wish you didn’t feel guilty about this. That’s easy to say to someone but not easy to do yourself. 

If you would like to continue trying, do you have access to lactation consultants? Or does your OB, midwife, or pediatrician provide help with breastfeeding? 

My situation is not the same, but I thought I would still offer up that a week into breastfeeding I am still not producing copious amounts of milk, we have trouble staying latched and alert throughout sessions and I’ve already had three appointments for help with breastfeeding. It’s. Not. Easy. But we are making progress. I’m here to cheer you guys on no matter what! You both have made it through so much already.