Another BF question from a brand new mommy

Hi everyone. I'm a new mommy, had my DS last Monday. I hope you don't mind another BF'ing question, I searched but couldn't find any help.

I had a c-section, and I am still really tired and sore. I really wanted to BF, but DS is so demanding for food that we've started to supplement with formula. I feel like I'm not producing enough milk and with how I'm feeling, I just could not get up every single time he wanted to eat (every 1-3 hours). So DH gets up at night and gives him formula.

Well, now, DS only seems to want the formula and his breast latch has gotten really weak. I am so sad, frustrated and disappointed over this. Should I just giving up? I feel like a total failure either way- he goes hungry if I force EBF'ing or he has the formula and misses out on all of the health and other benefits of BF'ing.

Has anyone else dealt with this and still successfully BF'ed? Thanks.

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

First off congrats! I too had a CS (2) & w/ my first they supplemented her w/ formula in the NICU so when I started to BF, she wouldn't latch at all. I was so frustrated. I decided to pump & then once I was home from the hospital, I kept trying & by 7-10 days she was latching fine. I then decided to nurse her only in the am/last b4 bedtime & I gave her the pumped milk otherwise.

Don't give up; it does get easier.

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking about buying a pump, but wasn't sure if it would help. I think I will just go get one and see if pumping and feeding him that instead of formula might help.

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

If you want to continue to BF- I would just continue to put him to the breast everytime he is hungry...keep trying to get him to latch...

After putting him to the breast give him some formula to supplement if you feel he isnt getting enough... but put him to the breast first...

Your body is still trying to figure out what it needs...so the more times you put him to the breast, the better!

Try eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and drinks lots of water...it will also help your supply!!!

If you decide to buy a pump, just make sure you buy a double electric pump (like the medela PIS-something of that grade) pump every 2 hrs, or after each feeding (or attempt feeding)

If you want this to work, dont give up- you def. can get the ball rolling again!

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

I'm still new at this also but I think in order to get your milk supply it helps to pump or feed her through the night also. If you keep trying it will happen eventually, good luck!!!

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

Keep trying to get him to latch. Please remember that this is a learning process for the both of you. It is not easy in the beginning at all. I have done it twice. If you want to supplement that is fine but my advice is to first put him to breast and if he is still hungry get him to supplement. He probably is going through nipple confusion right now which is causing him to not latch properly. FM me if you need any more help.

Re: Another BF question from a brand new mommy

Since you are still healing, can you have your DH bring him to you at night to nurse. The more times you attempt the easier it will become.