Still struggling with breastfeeding... a little depressed.

Whitney DD · February 2011

So Baby Silvie is 10 days old, and we're still struggling with breastfeeding. At her 1 week appointment (she was only 4 days old actually) she had lost too much weight at 10% and we were told to make sure she was getting around 2 ounces every 2-3 hours whether it was formula or breastmilk, and even if we had to use a bottle. So now she's back on track weight wise, and is eating plenty, but will only breastfeed for about 10 minutes (if I'm lucky) once or twice a day. The rest of the time she just falls asleep on my breast, or shakes her head and fights from latching on.

I'm frustrated and a little depressed by it. I'm continuing to pump and feed her breast milk by bottle, but I really wish it was as easy as some women make it look. Anyone have success with breastfeeding after this long of struggling?

californiapoppy · February 2011

I never post, but YES! I had 10 weeks of struggling. DS1 had a tongue-tie and we had to eventually get it snipped because he couldn't latch properly, and it was causing a ton of pain. I also had thrush at around 5 weeks.

Have you seen a lactation consultant? Your baby might be having a much easier time with the bottle, and the breast might just tire her out faster. Are you trying to nurse before each bottle feeding? I would definitely start nursing first, just to see if the practice helps.

I'd call the LC and do some reading at kellymom.com for help. If you hang in there, it's totally worth it! I succeeded after those rough 10 weeks with DS1, had absolutely zero issues with DS2, and will nurse this third baby, so I'm really glad I didn't give up when I was crying through feedings the first time around.

Jaylea · February 2011

Yes! DD struggled for 3 weeks. Then one day she just got it and that was it. I would try to get her to latch or stay awake each feeding, then pump and feed with a syringe. Good luck - it is SO furstrating, I know! You are doing great though.

navyandviolet · February 2011

I think you are still in the thick of it witht BF. The first 3 to 6 weeks are really tough. As for her only eating 10 minutes my DD did that at first and then went to eating only a few minutes on each side. I went to the LC and the weighed her before and after and she was getting 2 to 3 oz during those 10 min. And she only became more effeciant after that. So I would call an LC to see if she is getting what she needs and to make you feel comfortable with this transition period. You are doing great momma, keep up the good work.

mittensonkittens · February 2011

The first few weeks are rough, just take it one day at a time and get some help if you need it. I nursed DS1 for 15 months, but the first few weeks were really hard and I didn't start to enjoy it until about 1 month in. It didn't get easy until later. Good luck!

Whitney DD · February 2011

Thanks ladies. I have seen several lactation consultants, all of course had something different to say... ugh. But I will keep at it for a few more weeks. I am hoping she just catches on and it becomes less stressful! Thanks again.

dee1369 · February 2011

Some days it seems like breastfeeding is going fantastic, and others it seems like DD has completely forgotten what to do - it is rough! Tonight I confess that I actually gave some expressed milk in a bottle because she hadn't been "getting it" all day and I needed a break so I let DH feed her. She ate 1 oz of that and then latched right on next go round with the boob... so unpredictable! I was crying my eyes out at one point.

monkey_pants · February 2011

I'm in exactly the same boat. DD arrived on Fri and by Sun was dehydrated and had lost .8 lbs. Mon morning the pedi put us on a 2-3 HR schedule, nursing 10 mins each side, then DH feeding 1oz formula or breastmilk while I pump 10mins. By the next morning she had gained back 5 oz! I saw a lactation consultant that day who showed me how to fix my hold and my latch and also had me switch to 5 mins per side, twice per side (so same amt of nursing, just switching more frequently). My prob is that no matter how wide awake DD is, she falls asleep at the breast so I have to constantly poke and prod her and even pull her off (owwww!) to get her to keep nursing. I'm way impressed with any of you who can keep a 2-hr schedule. With nursing every 3 hrs, I can still only sleep about 1hr in between feedings because it takes so long to nurse DD and then I have to pump. Going back to the pedi in the morning so I guess I'll find out then how we're going to proceed...

sdkrlm · February 2011

Try to get the baby on an "EASY" schedule - read The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. That MAY help the falling asleep part because she'll be rested when she nurses.

Also you can take off her clothes - and do Skin to skin when you're nursing, that will help comfort her, soothe her, help you bond and may make nursing a little less stressful for both of you.

you may also try the SNS system to help supplement AS you nurse her so that she's not experiencing as much nipple confusion and the more she nurses, the more milk you'll end up producing and she'll get better practice.

Also, you may want to only nurse one side per feeding to help her get more of the fatty hindmilk each feeding that will help put weight on her.

Good luck!

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