Breastfeeding and Pumping
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@Stephanie I have two one I got from my insurance and I was gifted, I think a momcozy from a friend.
Lactation consultant
@Kelly I have a momcozy and that’s what I use. The hospital should have a lactation consultant to help baby with latch as well.
Babygirl did the same thing on day 2, day 3 was much better and she started latching again, had her first pediatrician appointment and her dr said its normal for some babies to not want to eat or not latch the 2nd day of life. I pumped on her second day and just gave her a bottle that she took well, but ended up having an oversupply now, so be aware of that. You got this mama!
I will second the lactation consultant suggestion. My baby's initial latch was so painful the first couple days. Their tips helped tremendously. I also have been using a nipple balm and silverettes and things feel like they have improved significantly in the last 24 hours or so with all of those changes
I wanted to breastfeed so bad but I honestly don't think it would benefit my mental health. And I'm only on like an hour of sleep in Ober 36 hours give or take
I really wanted to breastfeed as well but it just didn’t work out for us. I exclusively pump and give my baby bottles and honestly it has been so much better, I am way less stressed plus his dad can feed him as well. Pumping took a bit to figure out, Correct flange size, how to position the flange so it suctioned correctly, knowing when to stop pumping. It took a few days to figure out but I am glad I stuck with it.
I had to do syringes of colostrum with my baby so I pumped in the hospital and then stuck some in his mouth with a syringe and then put my pinky in his mouth to get him to suckle. He is 2 days old and still having a hard time latching. They released me but said I would need to supplement some formula so his weight is okay. BUT im still working on breastfeeding. Your baby is new to this too, just like you might be (im assuming here). It will take time. Mine is getting better at latching every time/every day. Every baby is different but mine doesn’t like being on his back to latch he likes skin to skin tummy to tummy to latch so my tip would be try lotssss of different positions to latch. I would try to get the baby to latch before going to feeding him another way, and after an unsuccessful attempt then I would supplement with pumped milk. Sometimes when he’s starving and mad and crying really hard I will let him eat a little bit, then try to get him to latch again and when unsuccessful
Go for the pumped milk. I’m not trying to make this all about me and my baby but just maybe you can get some inspo from my story and see if any of this helps. Also remember to be relaxed and calm when trying to let him latch. Let him kind of find the boob / nipple on his own and work for it for 10~ish minutes if need be! And just remember it’s a process for you both but it is possible and your baby can definitely learn hopefully how to. Don’t give up hope!
If you decide to pump I would pump every 3 hours and divide it by 2 oz for baby. Also get a pump that’s gonna fit your lifestyle I personally use a wireless portable pump.