when does bfing get easier?

boondocks · May 2010

I'm on week 3 and I'm ready to throw in the towel. When does it get easier? I bf for 45 mins, followed by a 20 minute pump session. nap for an hour if I'm lucky, then we start all over. Not to mention the fact that dd is a weak sucker so I'm constantly worried she's not getting enough.

I'm just hoping that as she gets older, she'll become a more efficient sucker. Did you find that to be the case with your los? I just feel like this is way too much work. I hope it gets easier...

PAmiler82 · May 2010

It will! Most people (myself included) notice a big improvement by 6 weeks. I wanted to quit all.the.time at the beginning. But I'd always commit to at least one more week. Things kept improving for me - and I'm sure they will for you too. Now at 9 months I'm so glad I stuck with it.

Are you pumping because she's not gaining weight or having enough wet/dirty diapers? I didn't pump until 5 weeks - just BFing and maintaining my sanity were enough of a job up until then. Can you ditch the pumping for a while until things get easier?

Whatever you have to do, get lots of support from those around you. Don't worry about cleaning or cooking or anything but taking care of your LO and resting yourself whenever possible. It's just a matter of survival at first. When nursing, try and find a comfy spot on the couch, snacks, water, and just camp out. When not nursing, hand her off to DH (or somebody) and try and rest or get a shower or anything that will make you feel like a person again.

It will get better!

Mrs.tlcS · May 2010

Week 3-4 and week 6-7 were my absolute hardest with both kids. I agree with pp that it starts to look up around 12 weeks. Ditto all the advice she gave you as well.

annibes · May 2010

I don't remember exactly when it got better, but I do know that by 2 months I wasn't dreading nursing sessions anymore. Set a short term goal for yourself and just try to make it to that point. Even if you say, "ok. I want to make it one month," then re evaluate at a month. Hang in there- fwiw I really like nursing at almost 10 months and dreading weaning!

AngelKT · May 2010

It will get better! So many times I was ready to give up but I didn''t. Never give up on a bad day. I've had almost every bfing problem but it DOES get better. It's still not perfect for me - I still struggle but stick through it until week 6 because that's when it gets much better for most people (including myself)

And before you give up, ask yourself whether you'll regret your decision in a week, a month, or a year from now. That's the only thing that kept me at it...

At1stsight · May 2010

PAmiler82:
It will! Most people (myself included) notice a big improvement by 6 weeks. I wanted to quit all.the.time at the beginning. But I'd always commit to at least one more week. Things kept improving for me - and I'm sure they will for you too. Now at 9 months I'm so glad I stuck with it.
Are you pumping because she's not gaining weight or having enough wet/dirty diapers? I didn't pump until 5 weeks - just BFing and maintaining my sanity were enough of a job up until then. Can you ditch the pumping for a while until things get easier?

All this. Why are you pumping? Pay attention to diaper output and weight gain at your next pedi appt, but otherwise, you shouldn't be worried about LO not getting enough and you shouldn't be pumping, esp. not after every feeding or you'll end up with oversupply! 6 weeks usually is when people start getting a more normal pattern and things get more routine and easy. Hang in there and please reply if there's some reason you think you NEED to pump that you haven't mentioned.

boondocks · May 2010

Thx ladies. I had to pump bc DD was underweight. As of Fri, she's back at a decent weight, but if I stop pumping, I'm afraid I'm going to kill my supply. Also afraid DD wont gain enough bc of her terrible sucking. Not sure what to do.

sarah26wood · May 2010

end of 3rd week it clicked for us. gl- keep at it a bit longer...

Bears1 · May 2010

It gets better. Try pumping a half hour after a nursing session and only doing 10 minutes of pumping unless milk is coming out. Also, dd may only be using you as a pacifier for sucking that long. I have always read they get most of what they need within 10 minutes of being on one breast. But, do 10 -15 on each side. Also, go to a breastfeeding resource center and get a weighed feeding and consultation.

Lola'sDogMom · May 2010

It got easier for us around weeks 4-5. Before that DS was losing weight like crazy and I was losing my mind but just couldn't commit to giving up yet. He magically learned how to be more efficient and we've had fairly smooth sailing since then (other than thrush and oversupply!)

That said, it may get easier in a few weeks or it may not. I have grown to love BFing but it's not for everyone and if you are truly miserable, it's ok to make a decision about whether you want to continue. You have given your baby a great start and wherever you go from here is OK.

akl0506 · May 2010

I'm no expert, but things are looking up, for sure! My LO wasn't gaining weight right either....poor sucker, as well. Do you massage/compress? This has helped us a ton. It speeds things up, and has helped me fully empty my breasts, thus helping my supply. GL! Get yourself a little treat for making to one month.

Torani · May 2010

DS got better at it at about 6 weeks. Good luck!

MBandBud · May 2010

I read your post for my own knowledge, but wanted to say you might consider calling a LC perhaps at the hospital to ask advice regarding sucking and also whether to pump. My hospital and LC's encouraged to call them whenever and not to wait until there is a problem. Just hoping to help!

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