Breastfeeding: Is it possible?

c4162

I am trying to BF LO2 (was unable to do so w/ my first)

Having major latching issues. So I have to try to get her on for 10-20 minutes, pump for 10-20 minutes then bottle feed her expressed milk.

My mom is here this week, which makes it all possible. But what  am I going to be able to do (realistically) when I am here on my own.

My son is BF and will be on whole milk within a month (so at least I am not trying to BF two babies)

If you have succesfully BF with Two under 2 (or Two under 1), can you please share any tips and/or your daily routine.

 

Anything would be of help. (I am freaking out a little bit) 

trinny

Maybe repost this on the BF board, but bottle feeding may cause your DD not to have to learn to latch.  If she can just get it easy from the bottle, she doesn't have to learn to nurse (which does take time to learn for both mommy and baby). But your baby DOES have to eat, so do what you have to do.

Have you seen a Lactation consultant (LC)?  She might be able to help you with the latching issues and give you some tips about BF.  Nursing is hard in the beginning, and they nurse very frequently (much more than formula).  

GL!  Nursing does take commitment, but it is so worth it!  And becomes easier than the bottle after about 2 months.

AutumnBride929

DH has to care for DS while I'm nursing DD.  That's pretty much how it goes.   In the rare instance where I've got both of them, I will try to nurse DD in a spot where I can also interact with DS.  For example, if he wants to go outside, I will bring DD out there with me and lay a blanket down so I can nurse her side-lying while DS plays outside.  I try to interact with him as best as I can, verbally (ex: What color is that?).  So that way he still feels included even though I'm feeding DD.  It can be tough, especially when he wants something.  I politely try tell him to wait just a minute, and as soon as DD unlatches, I will take that opportunity to burp her while I go get whatever it is that DS wants and then go back to nursing her.  Yep, tantrums get thrown sometimes but... you gotta do what you gotta do.

RNOHIO

I just prepare myself for the nursing session.  Basically, I will load up a bunch of toys on the couch for DD to play with while she sits next to me.  Also, I get a few books so that I can read to her while DS is in a football hold on the other side.  I put up a few baby gates and "barricade" DD in so that if she jumps down and I'm nursing, she can't get into anything. It's definitely rough in the beginning when the new baby isn't the best nurser.  Just try to stay calm and keep the baby to the breast as much as possible.

Scout1218

I'm so sorry you're having issues.  I'd recommend seeking the advice of a LC, or even maybe a LLL member in your area.  I didn't have latch issues with either baby, so I'm not much help in terms of advice.

Once you have the latch figured out, it's TOTALLY possible.  DD was BF until she weaned right around a year, and DS is still nursing, though he's starting to wean.  I'm planning to keep nursing until he switches to milk, because I'm mostly lazy and don't feel like cleaning bottles.    While I nursed DS in the early days, I gave DD books, toys, a snack and would sit on the ground at her level, so she felt like I was still present and playing with her.  (I just used a ton of pillows to support my back.)  I did a lot of verbal playing with her, like, "Oh, you're playing with your blue and red blocks!  Can you stack a tower?"  It took some time, but she got used to me nursing DS when I needed to.  Good luck to you!!

FireInMyHeart615

Scout1218:

I'm so sorry you're having issues.  I'd recommend seeking the advice of a LC, or even maybe a LLL member in your area.  I didn't have latch issues with either baby, so I'm not much help in terms of advice.

Once you have the latch figured out, it's TOTALLY possible.  DD was BF until she weaned right around a year, and DS is still nursing, though he's starting to wean.  I'm planning to keep nursing until he switches to milk, because I'm mostly lazy and don't feel like cleaning bottles.    While I nursed DS in the early days, I gave DD books, toys, a snack and would sit on the ground at her level, so she felt like I was still present and playing with her.  (I just used a ton of pillows to support my back.)  I did a lot of verbal playing with her, like, "Oh, you're playing with your blue and red blocks!  Can you stack a tower?"  It took some time, but she got used to me nursing DS when I needed to.  Good luck to you!!

Love your pictures in your siggy. What a beautiful family!