breastfeeding woes

I guess this is my first official post on this board.

I've been having a hard time breastfeeding- b/c the baby was in the Nicu and away from me, I never really bonded w/ her in the hospital and they gave her a bottle w/ formula. I met with a LC at the hospital in the Nicu and tried a few times- and continue to try- but the baby just wants nothing to do with my breast.

I have the pump in style, but i'm only getting 1/2 an ounce every 3 hours from BOTH sides... not enough to even give her since she takes 2- 2 1/2 ounces a feeding (she's 11 days old).

i sort of feel like a failure... everything I "planned" for didn't happen- the emergency c section, being put under general anesthsia (sp), etc... now this..

all my friends, family tell me she is growing and gaining weight and to just let it go- but I guess these past 9 months of hearing how much better the breast milk is just makes me feel like garbage.

Re: breastfeeding woes

My first daughter was in the NICU and I also didn't really get much bonding time with her right away. Is the problem with breastfeeding that you can't get her to latch? I had a very hard time with my first, it took me weeks to get her on. Don't feel bad about giving her formula, and if you're determined to breastfeed just keep trying. Breastfeeding takes a lot of practice, and if you're willing to work at it I'm sure you will be able to. If you need any help or info just ask.

Re: breastfeeding woes

Please don't be so hard on yourself, you are doing a great job She is getting some BM and that's better than nothing. Keep pumping to build your supply, it will be okay I promise

this website is awesome for info and tips to build supply

www.kellymom.com


Please don't 'feel guilty, you are doing great!!!

Do you have an LC you can call now for help?

Message edited 11/8/2006 7:35:14 PM.

Re: breastfeeding woes

yes
there is the same LC that I met with at the hospital that I can call...
the baby just will not take my breast- she cries and turns her head- and I keep pumping but I get no where near what she needs...

I am just not willing to not give the baby a bottle at all b/c the pediatrician told me the most important thing to do is have her eating & gaining weight.

Re: breastfeeding woes

Has she ever had a good latch, or have you struggled with that from the beginning?

Re: breastfeeding woes

You are doing a great job!! I was never able to get DS to latch after trying for weeks. I went to a LC numerous times and he just wanted no part of it.

I decided to stick with pumping. In the beginning, I wasn't getting much at all, and I supplemented DS with formula. As time went on, my supply increased and I didn't have to supplement anymore. It was definitely hard, but it worked. DS is now 6 months and is strictly on BM.

The best advice I can give is to do what is going to make you happy which will in turn make your baby happy. Whether he is on BM or formula, you are doing a great job!

Re: breastfeeding woes

Re: breastfeeding woes

If it gives you hope, a friend of mine had a premature baby who she finger fed for months, and was able to get to latch on after two months.

If the thought of struggling that long is too much to handle, go easy on yourself. We've all had to make compromises on our parenting ideals when faced with the realities of our newborns.

If one lactation consultant isn't finding an answer for you, try another. All lactation consultants have different approaches. You may also want to call La Leche if you need a cheering squad.

Re: breastfeeding woes

I sent you an FM. I know all about feeling like a failure! It is the worst feeling ever. If you want to BF then we will all help you figure this out. It takes time and patience but it can be done
You are doing a GREAT job. First off, you need a hospital grade pump. Your PIS is for a women with an established milk supply, not for a women trying to establish one. Your LC should know that. So I think you need a new LC. No LC should tell you to use a PIS after what you have been thru. I can help you find a new one if you need help.
Then eat oatmeal and drink a full glass of water with each pumping session.
How often are you pumping? For how long? Are you tryng to latch at all?

Re: breastfeeding woes

Exactly. As long as she is gaining that is what matters. If you keep pumping your supply should increase, I know it's frustrating and it seems like it takes forever but it gets easier. (I was/am so sick of hearing that, but it is true) Do not feel like garbage if you end up giving formula, your baby will NOT Love you any less and you will still totally have the mommy bond . I had to stop bf after 6 wks because of my babies allergies, I felt awful but it was for the best as he needs special formula. Sometimes things don't work out how we planned or ever thought, but they usually end up Ok. hang in there you are doing so great by even attempting to bf!! It is not always as easy as people make it out to be but know that you are NOT alone!!

Re: breastfeeding woes

Posted by michele31

I sent you an FM. I know all about feeling like a failure! It is the worst feeling ever. If you want to BF then we will all help you figure this out. It takes time and patience but it can be done
You are doing a GREAT job. First off, you need a hospital grade pump. Your PIS is for a women with an established milk supply, not for a women trying to establish one. Your LC should know that. So I think you need a new LC. No LC should tell you to use a PIS after what you have been thru. I can help you find a new one if you need help.
Then eat oatmeal and drink a full glass of water with each pumping session.
How often are you pumping? For how long? Are you tryng to latch at all?

Re: breastfeeding woes

Hi Sassy, I hope you don't mind a word from a mom of many years.... best advice I received about the baby not taking the breast, was to wake her up a few minutes before you expect her to be fully awake. I know that sounds awful b/c we want them to sleep as long as possible, BUT, if you wait until she wakes up wailing, she is too hungry to work so hard. BF is harder work for her than the bottle, and if she is real hungry she will refuse the breast and cry.

SO - if you nuzzle her while she is still sleepy and dreamy (such a beautiful moment!) she may take the breast before she realizes how hungry she is. Don't give up, you are NOT a failure! Best wishes, FM if you want to!

Re: breastfeeding woes

Posted by limama

Hi Sassy, I hope you don't mind a word from a mom of many years.... best advice I received about the baby not taking the breast, was to wake her up a few minutes before you expect her to be fully awake. I know that sounds awful b/c we want them to sleep as long as possible, BUT, if you wait until she wakes up wailing, she is too hungry to work so hard. BF is harder work for her than the bottle, and if she is real hungry she will refuse the breast and cry.

SO - if you nuzzle her while she is still sleepy and dreamy (such a beautiful moment!) she may take the breast before she realizes how hungry she is. Don't give up, you are NOT a failure! Best wishes, FM if you want to!

Re: breastfeeding woes

I had a lot of problems to because Andrew was in NICU. I tried pumping but got nothing. After 2 months of trying and exhaustion I had to stop because Andrew was not gaining weight.

Hang in there. If it's not working then it's not working. I personally regret ever trying with Andrew. I should have listened to my gut and gone the formula route from the beg. I was so depressed the first 2 months because of the BF'ing issues.

Re: breastfeeding woes

Posted by 5ofClubs

I had a lot of problems to because Andrew was in NICU. I tried pumping but got nothing. After 2 months of trying and exhaustion I had to stop because Andrew was not gaining weight.

Hang in there. If it's not working then it's not working. I personally regret ever trying with Andrew. I should have listened to my gut and gone the formula route from the beg. I was so depressed the first 2 months because of the BF'ing issues.

Re: breastfeeding woes

Posted by limama

Hi Sassy, I hope you don't mind a word from a mom of many years.... best advice I received about the baby not taking the breast, was to wake her up a few minutes before you expect her to be fully awake. I know that sounds awful b/c we want them to sleep as long as possible, BUT, if you wait until she wakes up wailing, she is too hungry to work so hard. BF is harder work for her than the bottle, and if she is real hungry she will refuse the breast and cry.

SO - if you nuzzle her while she is still sleepy and dreamy (such a beautiful moment!) she may take the breast before she realizes how hungry she is. Don't give up, you are NOT a failure! Best wishes, FM if you want to!

Re: breastfeeding woes

If you meet with a good LC, they will help you with some alternative methods, like the old bait and switch, and using a supplementive system (where a tube gets milk into the babies mouth while the baby is next to your nipple)

If you want the number for a great LC, FM me and I will give it to you you. She is in Massapequa.

Re: breastfeeding woes

www.medela.com has a list of LC's in your area. Where do you live?

You need a rented hospital grade pump. You will see a HUGE difference. The PIS is great! But that is after you have established your supply. Right now the wrong pump is actually making this more difficult on you.

But hugs to your mom for being so supportive

I sent you an FM. Don't worry. We will all help you figure this out. You need the right pump, a schedule and a good LC and you will be on your way. For now, eat oatmeal and drink your water. That really does help increase supply.