Community› The Bump Month Clubs› June 2014 Moms
June 2014 Moms
New Discussion

For EP'ers or those struggling with BF

austinlynsaustinlyns member
in June 2014 Moms
Just a word of encouragement! Yes, breastfeeding can be so hard and no matter what tricks you use, some babies are just terrible at it. This is baby #4 and I have had a variety of experiences. I just wanted to give some encouragement.

- Breastfeeding is always hard in the first few weeks. Usually by the time you reach 1 month, your boobs won't be so huge, your supply won't be so crazy, your baby will stay awake better, and the whole process gets easier.

- don't be afraid to use a shield if your nipples are bleeding or if baby can't latch well. Usually you just need it temporarily until the baby gets the hang of things or until you heal. It is not a big deal and won't ruin your nursing. A bloody nipple is MUCH worse, so protect yourself so you can keep nursing.

- Sometimes babies who can't nurse in the beginning figure it out after a few weeks. I have been EPing for this baby because he couldn't latch, but I kept trying once every couple of days and suddenly at 5 weeks he has the hang of nursing. Don't give up if you aren't content with pumping.

-go see a lactation consultant! It is usually free at any hospital and they can work wonders.

-You are a great mommy and breastfeeding struggles are so common in the beginning. Be gentle with yourself and realize that it doesn't have to be perfect to be good for you and LO. If you need to use a shield, supplement when you go out, pump for a while- it is ok! Do what works best for you and gets you a few more weeks along until you hit the easier times. I promise it usually gets easier every week!
Report Reply to Post

Re: For EP'ers or those struggling with BF

  • babyglo350babyglo350 member
    My baby hated the boob from the moment he was born. I have been pumping and hate it. Ladies, do not feel guilty if you switch to formula. Happy mommy = happy baby. It took a lot for me to accept this without feeling guilty. With the support of our amazing pediatrician we are making the transition. The doctor said to make my decision and not look back. No matter what my son will be healthy and continue to grow and that I have to remember that my happiness is important too. Breast feeding is definitely tough and you moms doing it or pumping long term are super heroes.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • MrsP419MrsP419 member
    austinlyns !! My twins have been off of the shield for about 3 weeks, but I think we may need to try it again for my healing.  I hope they take it!  Last time I tried they didn't know what to do with it.

    @babyglo350 - you are a superhero too!  Formula feeding has its own set of challenges, and it is important to know when a change is necessary and best for your family.  
    DD- Born 03/09/2010
    DS- Born 01/21/2012
                                              Lilypie First Birthday tickers
                                                  

    Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
    Report Reply
  • brooklyngirl46brooklyngirl46 member
    Thanks for this. Today has been a bad pumping day. My boobs hurt, lo is having a high needs-only wants to be held kind of day, and is going through a growth spurt. I have had a diet coke for breakfast. I feel like by the time she is fed, and calmed, its time to pump again. The motivation and support helps at a time like this

    Being with my LO rocks! DD born 6/13/14.
    image
    Report Reply
  • fsumomfsumom member
    edited July 2014
    Thank you for this post! Unfortunately we are still struggling and DS is 6 weeks old today. I see an ENT doctor tomorrow to see if he has tongue tie. I'm mostly EP but I hope it's not too late to start nursing. I've done just about everything I can.
    ~Jessica~ 


    Report Reply
  • coffee89coffee89 member
    This is such an important boost that I needed to hear. Last week I was one more bad night from giving up and switching to EP but I kept telling myself "just try one more time." Between the horrible latch in the start, the lack of support, LO's spitting up half of his feeds and my horrible letdown/over supply causing him to fight feeding I was in tears and hating feeding time. I felt like I needed to have a bottle on hand at any time of day and wouldn't be able to nurse outside the house ever.

    Somehow over the last 3 or so days (LO is 3 weeks now) things have been improving, I guess LO and I found a system that is semi working for now.  I have to detach him when I let down and hand express and block feed while juggling a screaming baby but he isn't spitting up nearly as much, choking less and feeding longer (staying at the breast 15 minutes average vs 5). 

    I still don't LOVE to breast feed but I am enjoying more of the time that only I can have with my son.
    BFP: July 2013 M/C August 5, 2013
    BFP: October 22, 2013 EDD: June 21, 2014
    Baby boy arrived June 23, 2014

    BFP: February 2016 EDD: October 17, 2016
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"