Breastfeeding after pumping

I had some complications after dd was born and had to pump and give her bottles. She is just over a week now and I would like to bf but she now prefers the bottle. When I try to bf she cries and pulls away. Any tips on successfully going back to bf??

Breastfeeding after pumping

Keep trying. Use warm compresses on your breasts before so she gets the faster flow. You could also pump or hand express until letdown and then let her nurse until she gets used to it. The problem is basically that shes impatient- she gets milk from the bottle immediately, but it takes a few minutes for letdown while she's nursing.

Re: Breastfeeding after pumping

I agree w/ PP. Also, try getting her to latch before she's actually ready to eat. If she's hungry she will have little patience. I'd let her nurse at the boob as much as you can until she really has it down. I'd even let her nurse for comfort just to promote time at the breast. Good luck!

ETA: do lots of skin to skin, I've heard this encourages the breastfeeding relationship.

Message edited 1/4/2014 12:19:18 PM.

Breastfeeding after pumping

Skin to skin is awesome for this. Start with skin to skin and then move her to the boob. Also not sure where you live but maybe try a la leche meeting.
I'd also try to get your breasts full and feed her then vs around a pumping time. Make sure her latch is good too.
Dr Jack Newman on Facebook has addressed these types of issues if you want to look him up. Good luck

Breastfeeding after pumping

Try a nipple shield. I had a similar issue with DD and I had to use the shield for about 5 wks before I was able to get her to latch directly on. Also I didn't give her a bottle again until she was about 9-10 wks.

Re: Breastfeeding after pumping

Just keep putting her to your breast. If you want you can also get a nipple shield to use for when she starts, then just take it off and she will hopefully keep going.

Breastfeeding after pumping

Thanks! I will definitely try these things. I'm also meeting with an LC next week and hoping she can help as well

Breastfeeding after pumping

Try nipple shields - the shape it close to a bottle nipple

Breastfeeding after pumping

Check on the nipple shield with your LC before going to get one. I'm not sure that is the best route as you are introducing yet another nipple and ultimately that's not where you want to be.

Breastfeeding after pumping

Keep trying - DD1 didn't latch for over a month. I will tell you what a LC told me that kept me going - your baby does NOT prefer the bottle - they always prefer mommy! Like others have said, the bottle is just easier, but baby prefers is straight from the source! GL and congrats!

Re: Breastfeeding after pumping

Re: Breastfeeding after pumping

I would keep trying it. Do it at a time when she isn't really hungry so that she doesn't get frustrated. Have her in just a diaper and put her on your bare chest. Let her get comfortable and see if she finds your breast/nipple herself. If necessary, help her a little and see what happens.

I pumped for 4 weeks when DS2 was born because he wouldn't latch well and the 1st lactation consultant I saw didn't help much. At 4 weeks I saw Dr. Lauren Macaluso (breastfeeding medicine / LC) (and she takes insurance) and she got him to latch and we haven't looked back. GL!