Breast Feeding discussion

Sallys_Savings

I do hope you're feeling a little better this evening (((((hugs))))) .....a new baby is pretty demanding, especially with another child.

Theres been some fantastic advice on here...and its lovely to read it all, only wish I'd been on MSE when I had problems breastfeeding with my little ones. Congratulations everyone being so supportive

You have done brilliantly so far, whatever choice you have made will be the right one if you and your baby are happy (a beautiful name by the way )

I breastfeed all of my four children (breastfeeding twins as well) and I must admit it took me at least a month before I was confident about feeding. Strangely enough I would say my middle daughter was the most difficult to feed, she was just under 10lb and was feeding all of the time (or at least it certainly felt like it) so I know how you must be feeling.

Sometimes breastfeeding is portrayed as being "natural" so it must be easy......and in reality it doesn't just fall into place like people expect. If you're unhappy at the moment and its dragging you down you must do what you think is best.

I certainly wish you and your family all the very best.

lorientgirl

Having a C section is a bigger deal than we make out. If you had your appendix out you would expect to spend a lot of time recovering in bed or on the sofa, instead you are trying to recover and look after a baby and supply breast milk all in 11 days. no wonder it's been hard! lots of us have been brought up fine on formula milk but if you want to carry on breast feeding you can. Although the books say you should not mix formula and breastfeeding many of us do because we can't manage to breastfeed all the time, real life gets in the way.
Firstly, you need to get a lot of rest, your body needs to recover from a major trauma (an operation) Secondly, you need to eat well, you don't have to cook , just eat. Thirdly, remember if you put the baby to the breast, the demand will stimulate your supply , you may be able to re establish breast feeding or if not carry on for a bit longer and reduce slowly so that you don't get engorged (which can happen if you stop suddenly). You can tail off the breastfeeding as you give formula but each breast feed you give will just top up the antibody protection for a bit longer and that will take the pressure off and allow you to get some very well earned rest. wish you well

culpepper

Dont know how you are expressing but when i did it,I warmed the bottle part in the microwave,screwed the pump on and the heat made it easier for the milk to come.
We had hassle from the clinic health visitor about my daughters weight and she was so rude , I refused to go anymore and took bub to the doctor who said she was fine.
My son could feed for hours too.
I even wore some special cups inside my bra so that if It leaked it went into the cup and I could save it for the bottle.
I fed DS till he was 11 months when I became pregnant with DD,then DD till she was 10 months when she wasn't really bothered anymore,she wanted to be drinking from a cup like her brother.
Best of luck

CharleneUK

Don't feel bad! You need to do whatever is right for you and your family at the end of the day.

Please take care of yourself. (hugs)

Mics_chick

Please please don't feel guilty Oob - the best thing for your baby is how YOU are feeling. I gave up BF my ds because of PND although I had BF my dd and I don't feel any guilt because of that. My state of mind was more important than anything at that point. So stay strong don't try to cope with everything on your own if anyone offers help take it! If you think PND is a possibility then please mention it to your MW.

Keeping everything crossed for you MC

Zed42

Firstly, congratulations on the birth of your daughter

Right, now .....

Take the night off, sleep well, and think about things tomorrow.

I didn't have a c-section (forceps, long labour) but my milk didn't come in fully for 7 days in which time midwives were so negative it was sad. However, I was bloody minded, but that only goes so far. I tried to express at 4wks and was useless at it, I expressed until she was 6mths and was still useless at it, my body did get better at it, but it took time and it was never easy.

With lack of sleep and continuous feeding, my confidence went way down. I believed my DH when he told me she needed feeding (like he knew!!!!).

Breastfeeding may be best, it may be natural ... but it does need to be learnt .. after all it took my DD 18mths before she "learnt" to walk, why should bf'g come overnight???

Also, remember:

1) that a baby is far more efficient at getting milk out of you than ANY pump, by about an ounce at least.

2) Midwives / HV's are obsessed by weight-gain ... nowt else.

If your DD is producing wet/dirty nappies, is "happy" ... then keep on trucking.

Oh and eat lots and lots of whatever takes your fancy!!!!

PM me if you want to ....

PS 11 days may seem to you like a lifetime .... but it will soon change, honest ... oh and about 11/12 days is typical for a growth spurt ... so yup they will feed continuously ..... 6wks is the next one

PPS It takes your body 3-4 days to adjust to the new expectancy of supply, so you will get a few rough days here and there.

PPPS Good luck

inkie

2) Midwives / HV's are obsessed by weight-gain ... nowt else.

Generalisation - i'm not (see post further up!)

Fritha_2

Oobedoo, I thought you might like to hear about my friend's little girl. She was bottle fed and she's now the happiest, brightest, bubbliest, craziest toddler I have ever met! I firmly believe that the best thing for your baby is the best thing for you, and the best thing for you seems to be to switch to bottle feeding so you can relax a bit.

Take some time out, and remember you're doing a wonderful job. You've not failed: you've made a desicion to bottle feed because that's the best thing for you and Katherine and the rest of your family.


Best of luck Oobedoo (and Katherine)

ooobedoo

Thank you all so much, I think this forum is incredible.

My dh has been ace, he told me to sleep last night and he would do all the feeds. She has fed every 4 hrs and have used SMA gold for her. I feel much brighter today, and feel happier that she is getting not only more sleep but food!.

I am so much happier and have had it pointed out to me that being a martyr isn't helpful to anybody. I have been very moody over the last few days, and been very short with pretty much everybody. I don't want my son to be resentful as I haven't been very tolerent of him, and he's not been naughty just wanting some attention.

Thank you all so much. I really appreciate your kind words and wishes.

Dumyat

glad to hear your are feeling better today. a good sleep can do wonders and you must have needed it. take care and enjoy your bigger family