Overwhelmed. Need advice please! (rach521)

littlepig2 · February 2014

I'm 4 days PP and we've been home since Friday but I am so overwhelmed with nursing. I know there are nursing threads and I've searched this but can't find (on mobile) what I'm looking for.

M had a great latch at the hospital but now she's not latching correctly and my nipples are cracked, bleeding, and feel like they're on fire all.the.time. I want to switch to EP but I'm not sure how. I'm already pumping the right side since she won't nurse from that side for some reason but do I just start pumping and giving her a bottle or is there a step in between? I looked on kellymom and googled but didn't find anything that helpful.

I can't remember who's an EP mom on here (maybe @ziggy903?) but I'm crying nonstop and think this switch will really help even though I'm already second guessing it, which just leads to more crying.

thankfully, this trio (and DH) has been very helpful!

MamaAllison · February 2014

You are at the hardest part of BFing! Can you get a LC to come help you fix the latch? I'm sorry I don't have great advice, but I do know if you stick with it it will get easier! But if EPing is what makes the most sense then that is ok too, good luck!

slwprincess · February 2014

Have you tried a nipple shield? It may help your nips heal while LO is perfecting the latch. I've had to use it for short periods with each baby while we overcame an obstacle. Lanolin and air will also help them heal faster. I agree that you need to be working with a LC. This really is the hardest stretch of BF. It's mind over matter and honestly... Survival mode till you get to the other side!

BB0214 · February 2014

No advice here. But just wanted to say that this is so normal. The beginning is very hard and painful. My experience was that my nipples were sore even when I had a good latch. There were a few feedings where I'd be in tears. It's your body getting used to it. But it will get better. If you can't see an LC, you might want to see if your doc can recommend a BF support group near you. Hang in there!

sprashley · February 2014

Still have an inside baby here but went through this same/similar situation with DD1 and DD2. I concur with PPs who said to seek a LC first before totally switching. EPing is a lot more work in the end (always pumping/alwayscleaning gah!). Also while I have heard ppl say bf'ing is painless it was never for me at first after the hospital. But after 3 weeks...yes it was! A BFing support group and LC helped get me through those first weeks successfully.

while it's sooo painful after the first days it got so much easier as time went by. Also I ruined plenty of shirts (went braless it hurt so bad!) from the stains from my nipple ointment prescribed.

I did give formula on occasion (with low flow nipple) the first week home but still made sure to pump when I did so and then nursed the next time. I just needed to give the nips a break! There's nothing wrong with switching to EBF. Just to talk to a LC or find a support group before you go 100%.

slwprincess · February 2014

I also forgot to say something about pumping... I've never been good at it. In fact, it depresses me and even makes me angry which only hurts my supply even more. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. But I would not have lasted long if I had tried EP. EP is a great option for some but not me. It's a hard road- harder than nursing, I think. So just be careful... The grass is not always greener. You can do this!

ziggy903 · February 2014

First of all, (((hugs)))
I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. I agree with PP about seeing a LC and trying a nipple shield before going to EP.
I was on doctors orders not to BF so I was EPing... But it's so freaking hard, and the stress was adding to my PPD, I couldn't handle it and now we're EFF. EP is not easy at all and I think you should keep trying to BF before you go that route.

jpoindahouse · February 2014

I just wanted to reiterate that a GOOD lactation consultant is worth his or her weight in gold. I found the LCs at my hospital to be useless, but once I got hooked up with a good LC a couple of days ago breastfeeding became SO,MUCH,EASIER.

ScaredOfCats · February 2014

Something else to consider is the nipple cream you are using. I was using lanolin and it was killing my nipples and I was blaming my little guy. I switched to a non-lanolin cream and have improved drastically. It gets better. But if you do switch to EP, good luck.

littlepig2 · February 2014

thank you all so, so much! it makes me feel so much better that I'm not alone. luckily I had already been pumping the right side because she wouldn't take it and the hospital suggested I alternately pump the left since I have PCOS and I wanted to make sure I has a good supply. I think part of the problem is that the LC I had was very knowledgable but very rough and I didn't feel comfortable with her. ( @ciaomama I didn't get to meet Dawn, I had Lisa.)

my hospital offers a support group on Wednesday but because M only nurses from the left, that nipple was never getting a break. I decided to pump today and LO took the bottle perfectly! I'm going to do this until Wednesday just so my nipples get a break and then see what they say at the support group.

again, I can't thank you ladies enough. I feel so much better!! :x :x
@bepandnick I had no idea you pumped until there wasn't anymore milk. I was missing out on a lot! thank you!!

TessyMessy · February 2014

((Hugs)) This is the hardest part of BF. The only thing I have to add to the above advice is get yourself a set of breast shells. They will keep your ravaged nipples from rubbing against your bra/clothes and allow them to air out. I got the Medela breast shells from BRU and they are amazing! APNO+breast shells = happy nipples!

VeronicaAnn143 · February 2014

I ep and it is very hard. I'm not a good ep role model because I don't pump often enough. I've been pumping for 7 weeks, EPing for 6. If you have any questions you can feel free to pm me!

Firefly9 · February 2014

bepandnick said:

As an EPer, I would strongly recommend seeing an LC before switching to pumping only. It's a lot of work and can be emotionally and physically exhausting. If you are going to EP, here's a few tips I've learned after the past 6 weeks: Pump every 2-3 hours religiously. Missing even one pump can mess with your supply. Drink lots of water, more than you think you'll need. Get extra pump parts. I have 5 sets, which cuts down on dishes. Pump until there is no milk, try not to focus on the time it takes. I have a second letdown around 20 min that I was missing when I was going by time guidelines. Get or make a hands free bra, it's a life changer. Prepare yourself to not get much milk in the beginning. 6 weeks later, I'm still having to use some formula. You may be lucky and have a great supply, but I think it's good to know up front. It took us several tries before we found bottles that worked for E. I'm sure there's more ... pm me if you want!

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. All the ladies give good advice. I EPed with my first. I didn't think it was to much if a pain, but I wish we would have worked a little harder nursing, it would have been so much more convenient if he could have nursed.

I agree with everything said above. A hand-free bra is a must. Extra pump parts are so nice to have. Pump while you are feeding a bottle, baby can lay in your lap or next to you in a Boppy.

Definitely see an LC before you give up, but I think a few days after you get home is definitely the most stressful. Good luck!

Edited because one handed typing on a tablet is tough.

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Overwhelmed. Need advice please! (rach521)

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