in breast-feeding and formula feeding support

Will I ever get back to breastfeeding exclusively?

I had a very difficult birth. I planned for a homebirth, but two weeks before, I developed sciatica and hip pain that required crutches. When my waters broke, In labour experienced intense contractions within mins, but no dilation for four days—only excruciating hip pain. I ended up needing an emergency C-section. Though I breastfed immediately after, I then hemorrhaged and needed emergency surgery under general anesthesia, losing three liters of blood. The hospital stay was incredibly stressful. While breastfeeding felt natural, my milk came in late, and my baby lost significant weight. The midwife made regular visits to weigh the baby, but after two weeks with no improvement, I had to supplement with formula. Initially, I used cup feeding to avoid bottle preference, but when she still wasn't gaining weight, I needed to increase the supplements. As cup feeding became more challenging, I reluctantly switched to bottle feeding. As expected, she took to the bottle quickly and prefers its faster flow. I'm now struggling to maintain a pumping schedule every few hours. She rarely latches now—mostly in the evening or at night, and usually just for comfort. Currently, I'm primarily formula feeding with 100ml of pumped milk, with occasional breastfeeding sessions. Will I ever return to exclusive breastfeeding? Does anyone know how to help her prefer the breast again? Can anyone recommend a good lactation consultant? Thanks.

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First of all wow you have been so brave and went through so much with your little one! She is fed and happy and thriving despite all of the hardships and i applaud your dedication to pumping every few hours as well. I have a similar story although not as traumatic birth but due to tongue tie we used bottles very early instead of letting the baby starve in my head that made sense at the time that it was the right thing to do however bottle preference has set in and I was almost pumping exclusively to ensure he gets some breast milk. It took months of beating myself up about it consultants and meet ups with breastfeeding groups to keep the triple feeding up until 6 months when we both got sick he stopped latching all together and I stopped producing anything it was so bitter sweet but strangely felt huge relief when that happened as I knew my pumping struggles would finally come to an end . I’d say try to make it to 6 months if you can but if not remember fed is best!!!

I agree with the previous comment-you have been through so much and are a true survivor. Sounds like you are doing the best you can given the circumstances. I can totally empathize, I wasn’t able to breastfeed my first so I fought to breastfeed my second and we were successful! 2 years into breastfeeding her-so when my third came 4 months ago I was sure I’d be able to breastfeed him but like your LO he was very small, had some issues with low blood sugar and feeding/weight gain so to get him out of the hospital I gave in to feeding by bottle and now it’s very rarely that I get him to feed well from the breast & pumping is exhausting so he’s getting mostly formula now. It’s very sad…I keep telling myself what I know to be true-I’m doing the best I can, fed is best, he’s loved and healthy, and the most important thing is that he has a sane, loving mom but it’s hard to let go of the journey you planned for. I hope you are able to find some solutions…

That story is incredible. I hope you get a chance to share that story over and over to prove the hardships you truly have overcome. I’m so so happy for you! Yes it is absolutely never too late to get baby back on the breast, lactation consultants are huuuuge help in this case. And excellent work doing the cup feeding!! It keeps baby remembering how to use the tongue at the breast. As much as possible put baby on your breast first before she bottle feeds, try taking goats rue to make sure your supply is steady and plentiful! I don’t have much for advice but my god keep up the amazing work! I’m so happy for you girl! Don’t forget to care for you when things start to feel more manageable. ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks so much for all your messages... Makes me feel so much better. I guess I don't realise how much I went through. Hard to see it when you're in it

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