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random question about breastfeeding- s/o bf poop and nursing tanks/bras

soexcited317soexcited317 member
in Stay at Home Moms
So reading a few of the posts today related to breastfeeding got me thinking. We are sort of thinking about ttc #3 this summer. I really struggled with breastfeeding with my first two. I could type a book if I tried to explain why it ultimately did not work out either time (first wouldn't latch well and I only nursed him a handful of times, second latched well but supply was an issue- nursed for three weeks and he still wasn't up to birth weight.) I know every mom and baby is different and I don't judge any one else's choices, but I would really really really like to nurse #3. Harboring guilt about not nursing the first two doesn't really describe the extent of the disappointment I feel. I still feel like at the time, quitting made the most sense, but now looking back I really think I could have made it work. I realize I'm not even expecting at this point, so putting the cart before the horse so to speak. But humor me, any advice for a potential third time mom who wants to give breastfeeding one more shot? Success stories? Anything that might give me hope?
"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew." -Shakespere
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Re: random question about breastfeeding- s/o bf poop and nursing tanks/bras

  • Allycat11Allycat11 member
    First, don't beat yourself up too much over it, you made the decision that was best for everyone at the time.  BFing was a huge struggle for us at first so I understand how difficult it can be. DD had weight issues, sucking issues, latch troubles and I had suspected supply problems, to top it off she screamed bloody murder when a bottle went near her.  This led to frequent weight checks, several appointments with a lactation consultant, 3.5 months of weekly occupational therapy and a baby who nursed every hour for 4 months.  It was hands down the most exhausting, challenging and rewarding thing I have done.  But it's not for everyone, especially when there are difficulties.  

    My biggest tip is to meet with a lactation consultant.  Most hospitals have them and they are covered by insurance.  Both hospitals near me have LC's that offer one on one consultations as well as support groups where moms can drop in and offer support to eachother while getting advice.  
    11/2010 Diagnosed with PCOS 
    10/31/11 M/C at 9 weeks
    1/12/13 DD was born
    4/9/16 DS was born 
    9/17 CP 
    6/23/18 BFP EDD 3/4/19 

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  • catycatecatycate member
    I only have 2 but only lasted 1 month with DS. I am going strong at almost 4 months with DD with no plans to quit soon. All I can tell you is that every child is different and every breastfeeding relationship is different. Everything about this time is different and I was like you- preparing to fail, so to say. I actually had to find things to be neurotic about- things to convince myself it wasn't working. But it was working.Stick to it and never quit on a bad day. I can't stress the importance of a good lactation consultant. If you really want to do it, it is worth the money to help you catch issues or problems right away.
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  • nosoup4unosoup4u member
    Different baby, different experience. I think finding a LC and also some sort of local BF support group would be great ideas, too.
    DS1 - Feb 2008

    DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)

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  • soexcited317soexcited317 member
    You ladies are encouraging! Thank you for that.
    "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew." -Shakespere
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  • Mc_NewlywedMc_Newlywed member
    Just as every child is different, so is every pregnancy and BF experience.  

    And for what it's worth, I think most pediatricians (even those that claim to be pro-bf) are really quick to suggest formula and scare parents.  My daughter wasn't up to birthweight by 3 weeks either.  But I kept at it and supplemented when necessary.  And guess what, it's just who she is.  She was and is a small girl and has always been in the 10-20th percentile for her weight.   

    If you and your husband do decide to go for #3 find yourself a good lactation consultant. And arm yourself with information on all the issues you've faced in the past.  Based on the fact that you've experienced many of the BF pitfalls (bad latch, supply, etc) i'd say you're setting yourself up for success the next time!  

    But if it doesn't work out, don't blame yourself.  Do your best, then make an educated decision that works for your child and family.  No guilt.  

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  • MomIn2013MomIn2013 member
    I would say to just make a commitment to stick with it as long as possible. If it works out, awesome, but if not, don't beat yourself up about it - I agree that every baby is different.

    DS wouldn't latch for the first four weeks so I was pumping around the clock and bottle-feeding. I just kept trying to latch him, though, and magically one day he just latched on perfectly and we never looked back.
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