I'm 2 weeks PP and having a hard time with EBF.... Most of the time it's very painful (he has a small mouth and an intense suck). I'm often in tears when BF and when he cluster feeds my nipples are really sore. I'm using a shield now and it still hurts. I went to see a lactation consultant and besides other positions, it didn't help much. Trying to grin and bear it but I'm so miserable and just sick of being I pain since birth (have several stitches).
Is it this hard for everyone? At what stage do I "give up" and go to formula? Anyone else rxperienxe similar? Have you switched and wished you had earlier?
Re: Anyone stopped BF?
I love that I can still give baby the nutrients she needs from my breastmilk, my number one reason for breastfeeding. Formula also does have nutrients that breastmilk does not, so we feel like we're giving baby the best of both. And, we don't spend that much money on formula because it's only used 50% of the time - we have only spent $11 in 8 days on formula!
It was hard the first day or so to realize that breastfeeding wasn't for us, but now everyone is happy, my boobs don't kill, baby is getting the food she needs and gaining weight like a champ, I can share feeding responsibilities with hubby, it makes leaving baby (for a quick nap, date night, etc) easier because family/friends can feed her on their own, and it will make my transition back to work easier because baby will already be used to the bottle.
TTC #1 since 3/2011
DX: anovulatory and severe MFI
DH is a testicular cancer survivor
IVF#1 w/ICSI lupron, gonal f, ovidrel
ER 6/15/12 6R 6M 6F! ET 6/20/12
Beta #1: 154 Beta #2: 509 Beta #3: 7326
Baby Boy born 3/1/2013
TTC#2: 6/2014 all testing came back normal
IVF#2 (#1 for LO#2) 9/2014 - 17R 10M 10F 4 blasts frozen on day 6.
FET #1 10/15/14 - Beta #1: 216 Beta #2: 823
Baby Boy born 7/10/2015
It was rough in the beginning and my husband at one point asked if I wanted to do formula but I didn't wanna give up.
Baby #2 06/07/17
My supply has never been the problem... I produce plenty of milk but the latch was an issue. Lactation consultants really didn't help us to be honest. Then I got a referral to a breastfeeding clinic, which is medical doctors that are trained specifically in breastfeeding. They helped so much with the latch and our time spent breastfeeding has decreased greatly as baby is getting the milk he needs easier. I don't have to pump anymore to supplement him, but I still am to freeze some up. If there is a clinic in your area, give that a go. I won't tell you to persist with the EBF if it is that horrible for you - a stressed out and unhappy momma doesn't make for a happy baby! Do what works best for both of you... You're doing awesome! And if you end up resorting to formula it doesn't make you a bad mom, you're still feeding your baby!!
@bridgitd - thank you! I was avoiding the LC again as she was helpful, but it didn't help that much with his small mouth/latch. I wonder if she could refer me though...
We started to supplement with 1 Similac, and I have expressed more. Admittedly I already feel like a load had lifted, And it has given my nipples the rest they clearly needed.
You do whatever you feel is best for you. If your struggling and crying, your baby can feel that. If you want to switch.. Switch. Don't feel guilty about it. As long as your baby is fed and loved that is all that matters
The one side that hurts most I do the football hold or with him lying on me. The shield has helped a lot. As have you're responses here - I'm glad up hear others have experienced this and I'm not alone, thanks
This helped me with getting a good latch hugely!!