Breastfeeding issues

krystine324 · June 2016

My LO is 6 weeks and I was breastfed the baby for the first 2 days then he had to get readmitted to the hospital for phototherapy and was given formula and he lost weight. Breastfeeding was very painful. I saw a lactation consultant and he would latch on perfectly. However, the minute we got home and had to nurse it went back to being painful. Since then he's been getting formula and pumped breast milk. Pumping and bottle washing is just too time consuming and I was thinking of trying to go back to just breastfeeding. Any thoughts? Does it get better now that i have a milk supply?

Jyoung327 · June 2016

Ive been breastfeeding and pumping since day 1, pumping initially d/t engorgement and to build a freezer supply, but now my husband does one nighttime bottle feed. I honestly did not think I could keep doing it, it was excruciatingly painful for me since the beginning. My nips were destroyed, bleeding, cracked, scabbed, and every time he ate it just re-opened the wounds. I saw the LC two or three times in the hospital and twice within the first two weeks. I would cry almost every feeding. I had literally every family member and friend tell me "it gets better, just stick it out!" And I wanted to punch them all in the face because it was not getting better! I thought of just pumping, but thats also so time consuming as you said, plus i did enjoy the bonding with the baby while feeding. I had a lot of guilt and anxiety the first few weeks and dreaded feeding time. Our LC who is also a pediatrician recommended we cut my sons tongue tie to help and we finally did, and to also change to the football hold position instead of the regular hold, for different mouth position to let my boobs heal, which they have. He's 4 and a half weeks now and I can finally, finally say that it's going much better. I did not ever see the pain ending but for me it has (except for some right at first during let down) so hopefully it can for you. But I do recommend maybe trying different positions, look at a nipple shield, or see if your baby has a tongue or lip tie. The football hold especially is good for babies who struggle with a good latch or for sleepy eaters who slip off easy. Good luck with your decision!

missnc77 · June 2016

We have several great threads on breastfeeding and pumping on the first page. You will also find advice related to your question.

mmemartinez · June 2016

I would get back to a LC if that is a possibility for you. Another option is to try a nipple shield to help with the pain for you and the latch for baby. You can gradually wean them off of it once they've figured it out. When DS1 had trouble latching the shield, football hold and lots of pillows under him helped.

katxattack1212 · June 2016

I started with more pumping and breastfeeding a couple times a day. Last week we started breastfeeding more and I got up to nursing 90%. All was going ok, it seemed. He has a good latch, and seemed to be emptying my breast. He often only wanted one side, so I was switching off. Well... now I have bad mastitis. Clearly he wasn't emptying me fully and I got engorged all of a sudden.
I'd see an LC to make the switch over go smooth. I obviously had an oversupply and switching caused a big problem. Good luck!

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