Breastfeeding question

Stressed new Mom and please don't flame me...

I tried to BF my son for the first week I was home from the hospital.

I was successful, he was gaining weight and eating, but it was SO much on me. I was locked in my room because I had family staying with me to "help", I developed sore cracked bleeding nipples and thought I was going crazy from sleep deprivation. I also had a very traumatic birth experience. I hemorrhaged after giving birth and they thought I was going to have to have emergency surgery on my uterus. I lost so much blood that I may still need a blood transfusion.

My DH is away in military training, missed the birth, and wasn't too supportive about the idea of me BF-ing either.

So, on Tuesday night I folded and gave him formula. He seems to be doing okay on it, but I feel SO guilty. I am in tears as I sit here writing this. I have always been the type of person who does the right thing, and I feel like I know in my heart that bf-ing is the best thing for him.

So my question is, would it be too late for me to start pumping now and introducing BM back in? I haven't breastfed since Tuesday and it is now Friday morning. How would I know if my Milk has dried up? At this point, I would pump and I don't think I would try to put him back on me because I don't think he ever latched properly.

Thanks so much for any advice.

Message edited 3/13/2009 1:18:26 PM.

Re: Breastfeeding question

If this is something you want to do then you might want to consult a lactation consultant for help with latching.

But, if you're miserable and you would rather FF, DON'T FEEL GUILTY!!

If you want to continue BF you should probably pump or get him back on you ASAP to get your supply up.

Hang in there, the beginning is rough!!

Re: Breastfeeding question

There is no "right" thing when it comes to raising a child. Happy mom equals happy baby. And if BF was taking too big of a toll on you, then you were not doing DC and favors. Please don't beat yourslef up. What work for one person may not work for another an dthere's no shame in that.

Re: Breastfeeding question

If you want to begin pumping, go right ahead! It isn't too late.

Never feel guilty about your decisions.

I also had a horrible birth experience. I went back into the hospital less than 48 hours after being released. DS was getting some formula since I was so ill. For the first few weeks I was trying to BF, but screamed everytime he latched. I never thought I'd have a good supply. I was so confused on what I was doing with BF, FF, pumping and medical tests.

I contacted La Leche. They have girls in every area that you can just call and ask questions. They helped me so much!

If you figure out it isn't for you, then don't beat yourself up. You need to be happy.

Re: Breastfeeding question

Most moms can relactate. Check out Kellymom.com It is an awesome site. Just remember to do what is best for you. You can do both you can bf and supplement with formula or formula feed and supplent with breast milk. There is no right or wrong answer. bf'ing is not easy and you have to want to do it. I stuck it out through the cracked bleeding nipples and am glad I did but I really wanted to bf my son. And I had my dh and my sister who were very supportive. Good luck

Re: Breastfeeding question

Since it seems like you really want to bf I would suggest calling a lactation consultnat or a local la leche league person. You should have him latch on as that will get your supply back up. I have been ebf for over 6 mos and it really does get easier. I hope that you can stick it out!!

Re: Breastfeeding question

The beginning is very tough. I almost quit several times. My nipples didn't toughen up till almost 4 weeks.
All I can say is you gave it a try and did the best you could. BFing is not easy!!!
If you wanna try and pump I say why not, hopefully you will still have something.

Re: Breastfeeding question

Just wanted to give you some HUGS!!!

Sounds like you are doing this without much support. First if family is there .... THEY need to leave the room NOT you! You sit on your couch or in whatever room you want to be in. They cater to the new mom not the other way around!!
Yes you should be able to contine to lactate although you may not get as much milk with pumping. Can someone stay with you at night you can pump a bottle and have have someone else give a nighttime feeding so you can get one good stretch of sleep. you seem like you really WANT to bf! Its SOOOOOOOO Hard in the beginning, I was in tears MANY nights but now at one year... its so easy. YOU do need support. Plesase call a lactation consultant and Le Leche League... They are very helpful and will support your decision. Im so sorry your dh was away... must have been so hard. You are doing a great job!

Re: Breastfeeding question

I had a very hard time with it too. I continued because I felt like you did....guilt. Even though I KNOW plenty of mothers who have perfectly healthy kids that were formula fed, I got this idea in my head that formula is bad. I had DD on formula the first few days and she was gasy....so I pushed to BF....even though I hated it in the beginning. You can probably still pump. You can also try the nipple shields that they sell. I used that with DD in the beginning because she had latching problems too. It really helped. And Lansinoh really helps with the cracked nipples. It sucks in the beginning...no pun intended .....but it gets better, a lot better.

If you can't do it don't feel bad. I know how you feel now. But it is not the end of the world.

As far as people being in your house. Just have them step out of the room until the baby is latched and then put a small blanket over.