BTDT Moms-WWYD?

I just had my third child 4 days ago. My plan was to breast feed this time. While at the hospital I chose not to breast feed due to my pain level and anxiety on top of the idea of the pain associated with breast feeding(I have a low threshold) I did not breast feed with my first two (only slightly with my second, pumping wasn't going to last either) Well after being home the first night, I woke early in the morning for a first feed, my boobs were sore/full, so I decided to breast feed. DD did great, good latch, good suck, was satisfied. (me in pain and am still very sore, just trying to get past the sore nipple stage). 24 hrs go by and time for her dr. appt. I noticed she's was yellowing, and not having enough wet/dirty diapers (bringing that concern with us). Turns out DD billrubin levels are high. She needs the billiblanket and supplement with formula. Granted they said an ounce is just fine. But here's where my dilemma is...

I have two beautiful healthy children that were formula fed, no issues, except one had excessive spitting up. Why would I keep putting myself through the pain of breast feeding and anxiety associated with it for me when I can just formula feed and not worrying about her getting enough? How can I talk myself out of quitting breast feeding? How can I not be afraid to put her to the breast (or even turn on the pump)? I'm sitting here watching DD all lite up for her treatment, with a bottle of formula next to me.

Not sure what I'm asking for, maybe just getting my thoughts out. Opinions are appreciated. I know it's my choice in the end, but if you were in the same situation, how would you handle it?

TIA

eta: her bilirubin level in the hospital while on formula was perfect. She skyrocketed at home being breastfed

Message edited 8/18/2012 3:08:11 PM.

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

breastfeeding is really very personnel. That being, said I wish my twins were able to do it. We BF, bottle fed and pumped around the clock form months after they came home from the nicu. AFter 3 months of all 3, they were still not nursing effectively and something had to give. I miss that closeness with them.
As for the nipple pain... It will subside.

GL with your decision, it is not an easy one. You could always try for a little longer and see how you feel. I found that when evaluating my daily goal of one more day, I was always willing to go one more day.

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

Have you considered doing both equally? I BF and FF my twins. I don't think I could've handled EBF. As pp mentioned, every time I thought I would give up I said let me just get through today. I BF for 6 weeks. I wish I would've hung in longer but at the same time, I never thought I'd last 3 days BF so I'm pretty proud of myself for that.

My only advice is take it day by day and see how you feel. GL!

BTDT Moms-WWYD?

Definitely supplement with formula to get past the jaundice. DS had it in the hospital when I was just breastfeeding. Once I supplemented with formula and he wen tunderthe lights it gotnbetter.

BTDT Moms-WWYD?

Definately a personal decision only you can make. not even your husband because it isn't his body..... I'd consider both.... Honestly when ds was born I had all intentions of pumping milk like crazy in addition to BF. However he went straight into the ICU and I was so weak/medicated they didn't have me pump til day 2. I pumped alot, but ds also had jaundice so they also wanted more formula. When I went for day feeds thy set me up with a lactation consults and it hurt more than the pumping did. Once ds was out of the ICU I I slowed up on the pumping and went through reserve. At that point I was sore, they hurt when they were full and it was a bad pumping time, and I just decided I was done.

When

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

It is absolutely possible to EBF a baby with jaundice. You do not have to supplement.

jaundice

That said, BFing is a personal decision. I don't think any of us can talk you into or out of anything. Go with your gut. If you want to do it, know that it means time and effort to get it going. If you're not interested, don't do it.

Message edited 8/18/2012 8:22:41 PM.

BTDT Moms-WWYD?

I never breast fed, but I just wanted to say that my DD was 100% formula fed and still became jaundice. Don't let the jaundice deter you from breast feeding. It can happen to any child no matter how they are fed, and DD's old Dr said it usually rears its ugly head approx 72 hours to one week after birth.

Good luck with your decision and your new DD.

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

I had SUCH a hard time wit BFing. I had so much pain with it. For my first I pumped for six weeks and then he latched well and it didn't hurt finally. We BF for six months and it was great. I loved it.

For #2 and #3 I couldnt pump that long with other children at home and the nipple pain from nursing was just too much. I was VERY torn and upset about it but in the end all of my children needed a healthy and happy mom so I let go of the guilt and FF. They are just as healthy and happy as #1.

In the end, I believe regarding BF and FF- whatever works for YOU and your FAMILY will work for your child.

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

only you can decide what is best for you. Do NOT let anyone make you guilty for formula feeding or breastfeeding.

I can tell you I went into it wanting to try Breastfeeding. The nurses at the hospital were of no help..and amazingly the week I delivered was the week all the lactation consultants were on vacation.

They asked me at the hospital if i would be BF or bottlefeeding like 100 effing times and yet they gave him formula in the nursery after delivery. they said his sugar was low. whatever..they got him hooked on the bottle and he never latched. and honestly, nothing ever came in for me either. I pumped maybe like 2oz and it was the colustrum (Sp?) i believe. I never swelled or anything.

I felt like a failure but I got over it b/c i was so miserable trying to do it, that i was like screw this..the kid wants a bottle, so be it.

a happy mom is more important, I think, than one struggling and in pain.

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

Of course you have to do what you think is best for you and your child, but please don't get scared off from breastfeeding because of the elevated bilirubin levels. Breastfeeding helps to eliminate bilirubin from a baby's body. Bilirubin exits the body in the infant's stools, and because breastmilk has a laxative effect, babies that are breastfed frequently tend to have lots of soiled diapers and thus, lower bilirubin levels.

My DD was born with elevated bilirubin levels also and had to receive 3 days of round the clock phototherapy in the hospital. I did have to supplement with formula and pumped milk as well because we had a rocky start with BF due to a bad latch. Once we got past the first few weeks (which are by far the hardest), things fell into place and I've been successfully EBF for 6 months now. I promise, it does get easier

If you are unsure of how you want to proceed or want to supplement for now, I would suggest pumping to make up for those missed nursing sessions so that it does not affect your milk supply.

Good luck and congrats!!

Re: BTDT Moms-WWYD?

Thank you all for your stories and help. I chose to FF since my post, I started with one feeding decision at a time. DD had soaking wet diapers and a massive bowel movement after the third feeding. She fed between every 3-4 hours and slept otherwise (best night I've had yet). She is very gassy and spits up more now but seems very satisfied. I'm still struggling whether I want to stop BF, if I should pump or not. I do feel by taking a "break" I have not done my supply any justice. But I can say my mood has improved, because I see my DD "getting better". Now I just have to decide if I can handle the feelings of giving up and self disappointment of not choosing to BF and finalizing the decision to FF. We'll see how well DD has progressed as we have her Dr. appointment today at 1:45.