When does BF get easier?

JenWhite123

DD is almost 8 weeks old. I feel like BF has been a struggle from Day 1. I have consulted a Lactation Consultant and been in touch with a LLL leader.

I am having to supplement w/ formula due to supply issues.  DD never seems content while BF. 

 ETA: She constantly pulls off while feeding, I have  to feed both sides in order to satisfy her, many times I switch sides at least 3 times b/c she is pulling off. I have constant worries that she is not getting enough milk, as her weight gain has been borderline. 

Does this ever get easier?

magoonick

I can't say much from my personal experience, my LO didn't latch until she was almost 4 weeks old.

But a good friend of mine was telling me it took her 3.5months to get the whole breastfeeding thing down with her LO. Your definitely not alone out there! Another friend had to always supplement. Her milk wasn't filling enough so she'd have to do so Formula as well.

 Good Luck!

bugandbibs

My LO always feeds from both sides except overnight.  She sometimes does the pulling of repeatedly thing- it usually means she has to burp or is full and still wants to suck.  I offer her a paci and she settles down.  Have you tried different positions?  My LO really likes to nurse laying down.

 

Hang in there!  I don't think both of us really knew what we were doing until between 8-12 weeks.  Remember it's a new skill for both of you.  The more you nurse the more milk you will produce.  Try feeding on demand around the clock.

c_washington

bugandbibs:

My LO always feeds from both sides except overnight.  She sometimes does the pulling of repeatedly thing- it usually means she has to burp or is full and still wants to suck.  I offer her a paci and she settles down.  Have you tried different positions?  My LO really likes to nurse laying down.

 

Hang in there!  I don't think both of us really knew what we were doing until between 8-12 weeks.  Remember it's a new skill for both of you.  The more you nurse the more milk you will produce.  Try feeding on demand around the clock.

this. it is hard. i cry about it ... but everyone says it will get easier. 

AliandJimmy

Hang in there girlie, it does get better!  Breastfeeding wasn't comfortable or easy for me until probably about 4 months.  I had to supplement with about 4-8oz of formula a day when I went back to work because I couldn't pump as much as DS was eating while I was away.  Once we started with cereal and solids we were able to get rid of formula and I even make a little extra now as well!  The benefits excede any negatives by far. 

BostonMama2011

You may want to get a second opinion LC, and if you can afford it one who does a home visit.  I did that at 3 weeks and that's when things significantly turned around for me.  If you google private practice LC's you can find one to do a home visit, your insurance might even cover it.  

BostonMama2011

I also thought I had supply issues because I was pumping and giving her what I pumped after each "feeding" (in quotes because I never knew if she was actually getting anything), and when I stopped pumping, she ate more at the breast and seemed more satisfied.  Seems contrary, but it worked for us.