I have literally been in tears most of today for one reason or another. I am so frustrated with breastfeeding right now and I feel like my H is just adiment about me continuing no matter what. DD has a good latch but she will literally feed for 2-3 hours, I am worried that she is just not getting enough to eat and that is why she is staying latched so long. Last night I only fed her on the left side since that is the side she likes and pumped the other side and after not eating for 6 hours I only got 2 1/2 oz out. Now I feel like that may be the issue with her eating so long is she isn't getting enough. So now I feel like I am failing at BF when I thought we were ok. I mentioned to DH about possibly giving her some formula and he got pissy with me about it and now I feel like even more of a failure. Add to that my other stresses about hemroids and the fact that I feel like I will never feel like myself again and I just can't stop crying. I am starting to worry that this is more than just being an over tired new mom so I am thinking I may need to call my OB tomorrow but until then thanks for letting me vent. I really don't have any friends with kids so it is hard to talk with them about this.
Re: Can't quit crying
I have had one of those days myself. I wouldn't worry about the baby not getting enough as long as she is peeing and pooping enough. Babies are more efficient than a pump so the baby is likely getting more.
Breastfeeding is a challenge, but your DH needs to understand that your mental health is important too. You're no good to him or the baby if you're stressed. Make sure you take care of yourself! Sending you hugs!
I'm sorry you are having a rough time, stick with it momma! It will get better. I've heard eating oatmeal can help, not sure how true that fact is, but if you like oatmeal then there's no harm in trying it right?
But I just read about pumping today on kellymom and it said that theres no correlation to how much you pump to how much you make. Breastfeeding is much more efficient than pumping. Here's the link, I hope it helps.
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
I'm a breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, anti-CIO Mommy
Raising Bean
Wives Unscripted
Married my hero on 10-11-08
Our bean was born on 05-19-11
Call your OB if you really feel like there is something wrong. But do not get frustrated with BF. Let me tell you my story. DS had a bad latch in the hospital but after a couple of days we got over that. But our last day in the hospital we were told he had jaundice and encouraged to supplment with formula to help him rid the jaundice faster.That bothered me but I did it. Then after his level went up the pedi said to ONLY FF for a while. So I cried about it then only FF.
Once jaundice was gone at close to 2 weeks I started trying to BF again but I had gotten lazy, it hurt like a mother and like your child he would feed FOREVER! 1-2 hours until I was ready to have a mental breakdown. So I finally get to EBF again by week 4 (he just turned 5 weeks yesterday) then at his doc appt on Thursday we find out he has thrush! So now I am torn between BFing and pumping because I of course don't want to just pass it back and forth. I have been pumping like a mad woman this weekend and I think I want to try and get him back on the boob tonight.
I have been beat down several times, its tough. But if I can stick it out I know you can too! But of course if you think breastfeeding just is not your thing then its okay to FF. Your baby will love you regardless!
First on the BFing - If baby is feeding for 2-3 hours in one sitting, she is definitely not eating the whole time. Rather just sucking, and likely not productively. What works best for me is to keep reminding LO what he is supposed to be doing. For my DS, rubbing his ear or moving his arm around in circles are great ways to remind him. He then starts sucking harder rather than just using the tip of the nipple as a pacifier. You should be able to hear the swallows when they are eating versus just hanging out on the boob.
OK, now onto the rest. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!! Breastfeeding is very, very hard and there is a misguided impression that it is easy and natural. Men and old women all seem to think that. I would encourage you to keep trying, but not at the expense of your own sanity. Formula is not the devil, and your husband needs to understand that as well. Big hugs to you.
PPs had a lot of really good advice, comments, etc.
I have to agree- it sounds like LO is using you as a pacifier. Listen for swallowing- when that stops but LO is still sucking, they're probably done eating. LC told me to unlatch at that point (slide a finger in their mouth and break the suction) and offer a paci if they're still looking to suck.
Good luck! I would definitely call and make an appt. with an LC and/or your OB and bring your husband with you!
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