I was getting so stressed out over breastfeeding today. We had to start supplementing with bottles of formula and pumped milk while we were in the hospital because LO had lost 12% of his birth weight. Since then, he has put his weight back on and I've been trying to work on breastfeeding. He was doing really well the last couple of days, but today he refused to stay latched. I don't know what else to try to encourage him to breastfeed. I'm worried that I'll never get breastfeeding to work. I know that bottle feeding is fine, but it's not what I wanted to do.
Re: Breastfeeding frustration
Sorry to hear about your troubles.. I know it can be a frustrating road. If baby keeps it up, maybe see a lactation consultant to see if they have suggestions?
I had trouble first and had to be reminded that me, my husband, and siblings all grew up on formula and turned out fine. Another option though if BFing doesnt work and you dont want formula--you can pump so that baby still gets all the benefits of breastmilk
Good luck! I hope baby cooperates and today was just a bad day.
BFP#1 on 02/14/09 BIRTH to Mason 6lb9oz on 10/12/09
BFP#2 on 5/28/11 EDD 2/1/12 Natural M/C on 6/13/11
BFP#3 on 1/20/12 EDD 9/30/12 Natural m/c on 1/27/12
BFP#4 on 4/23/12 BIRTH to Isabella 7lb1oz on 12/19/12
I really wanted to breastfeed, but I had to supplement since my LO wasn't getting enough. The problem then was that she didn't have to work as hard to get the formula and she got lazy with the breast. I still breast feed a little, but mostly supplement. I was hoping to do more bfing but the nice thing about ff is that I am not the one who always has to feed her.
If bfing is important to you, keep at it and try out some of the suggestions made by PPs. Good Luck!
We are dealing with a similar frustration right now, too. ,y LCD had suggested lots and lots of skin to skin time. She has also told me to try different nursing positions. Good luck to you!
You need to do what's best for everyone. hang in there!
we've also been struggling and had a similar story. we found that anytime we try to supplement with a bottle or a tube DS gets too lazy to latch well at the breast afterward. The only way we can supplement without it interfering with his latch it to use a nipple shield on a finger/palm and run a feeding tube into the nipple shield. This makes him still suck and realize that when we use the nipple shield on my breast he should keep sucking and milk will come. We've also been to see the lactation consultants at the hospital 4 times in the 2 weeks that we've been home with our next appointment on Wed.
DS also has a much harder time with the left side and would get really frustrated. We've found that if I start on the right side every time and then switch him to the left after 15 or so minutes that he latches onto the left much easier. I hope some of the things that have helped us will help you too - good luck!