in breast-feeding and formula feeding support

At a crossroads

My goal was to exclusively breastfeed, but I had to supplement with formula week 1 because baby boy lost too much weight. Breastfeeding has been a challenge. I have seen a lactation consultant multiple times. My supply improved and I thought I was at a point where I could stop supplementing with formula. However, we had an incident last week where after days of significant pain to my left breast, baby boy bit too hard. He spit up bloody milk and that was very traumatic. (Pic below) Fortunately he is fine. Urgent care suggested taking a break from that breast, but I stopped breastfeeding all together for six days. I’ve been pumping and using formula. I pump about 21 oz a day, but my boy drinks about 26-30 oz a day. Pumping is time consuming and difficult to do with 6 week old, especially when I’m alone with him. Also, I’m not making enough for my boy yet. He was fussy waiting for me to prepare a bottle so I tried to breastfeed and he seems like he forgot how to latch. He is sucking, but I don’t think he’s getting much. I now have mixed feelings about breastfeeding. Should I put it behind me and continue the pump / formula combo or try to get him back on the boob? I just don’t know. Anyone else had similar issues? Is it possible for baby boy to learn to latch again?

Show your support

Skin to skin and put him back on your boob! ALL DAY if you can. I’m sorry you’re having a tough time mama. It’s going to be okay, stay consistent. It takes the body some time🩵

I had the same issue (other than the bloody milk). My daughter was losing too much weight, I wasn’t making enough, supplementing formula, not latching…I started with a nipple shield since my daughter couldn’t latch without one. I had to find the right lactation consultant who helped me get her to latch without the shield. After that she said the more I nursed her, the more my body would make and it did. You could also try nursing first and then pumping for 10 min after to try to increase your supply. I was a weekend away from quitting breastfeeding and now I’m 10 months in and don’t supplement anymore. I would say do what is best for you and your little guy. Most importantly what is best for your mental health. A less stressed mama is best!

I'm also pumping and getting my little girl to breastfeed and use formula but struggling with breastfeeding When should I stop trying?

My daughter is 2 months now, and we are both just learning to latch. I have been pumping exclusively for over 8 weeks now and it’s been exhausting so, I can relate to your struggle. I’ld say skin to skin, patience and practicing when the baby isn’t so hungry. A lactation consultant is also a good idea, I had to go through 4 to find the right one 😮‍💨.

this can be very stressful but you have to remain calm bc it can lower ur milk supply. you could try skin to skin more often. seems like baby is a little confused bc of the switching , but baby can relearn to latch again. Drinking plenty of water and eating lots of oat help me with my supply. baby feels your worry so possibly take breaks .

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