Upset Over BFing :(

I really wanted to breast feed DD , but she wouldn't latch properly & really tore apart my nipples to the point I was in tears the whole feeding & she wasn't eating enough. I am pumping because I think it's so important that breast milk is the primary food source for baby. But I have run into a huge problem. My supply has stopped coming in as much as it was , & I can't keep up with DD's needs. She's eating anywhere from 4-6 ounces a feeding , & she's eating every 3 hours (roughly). I'm trying to pump before or after every feeding , but that doesn't always happen as I'm sure you can imagine. She's only 3 weeks old , & I really don't want to supplement with formula. Although I've bought some low iron formula just incase , because I'm running out of stored breast milk ! I only have about 5 4oz bags left   I've called my health nurse , & she suggested more skin on skin with baby & trying to get her back on the breast since my nipples are finally healed. Well , I tried , & I'm producing a bit more milk , but still not enough. I tried getting her back on the breast & it's just so painful ! She doesn't latch right so when she sucks , it really hurts. She won't open her mouth wide enough to get a good latch either. & I just get so frustrated when I'm trying to breast feed , because she squirms , she cries , she'll push my boob away from her or block her mouth .... & When she finally DOES latch & get some milk , I get so irritated because I don't know how much she's eating (& that's what I like about bottle feeding , I have the control , whereas when I breast feed , she has the control). I've booked an appointment with a lactation consultant for Tuesday morning , but I'm worried my stored milk won't last that long & I'm going to run out & need to use that formula    It just makes me really upset , because I thought breast feeding was supposed to come so naturally , but IT'S SO HARD !!!  

Kee trying to put her on the breast like you were told. But maybe use a nipple shield if it's really that painful. At least until u see the Lc.

Nipple shields helped me when I was putting baby to breast... Helps reduce the pain... secondly, drink LOTS of water.. it helps with production. Cranberry juice helps too... Another tip I can give you is if you have a pump with different levels of suction, put it to where baby is when baby sucks and KEEP pumping even when the milk has stopped. Your body will produce according to what it thinks baby needs. You have to stimulate extra sometimes. I know it's frustrating, my son was eating 8oz every 3hrs for a while and it was hard to keep up.. these are some of the tricks I used and it helped.. I hope it helps you too. Good luck! xo

I went throught the same thing, and then I ended up with a breast infection, so I wasnt producing at all on one side. Plus he wouldnt sleep unless I held him, and my milk was making him sick. I felt like a failure, and I was trying so hard to breastfeed, I would cry all the time. I had to supplement with formula, and I noticed he wouldnt get as sick, then my doc suggested the soy formula, and he did really well with it, but eventually my milk dried up, so I had to switch over completely. Breastfeeding is really hard for some of us. Dont give up mama. I plan on trying again with this baby. Have you tried the nipple sheilds?

Try not to worry about how much shes eating and just feed her till she pulls away. My daughter is ebf and I have no idea how many ounces she eats at once. They will let you know when they're full.

If she doesn't latch right put your finger in there and break the latch. Wait until she opens her mouth REALLY wide and then shove your boob back in her mouth. Just keep doing this, don't let her nurse with a bad latch. Also you could buy some Mothers Milk tea or Fenugreek!

Exact same problems happened with me. You're doing your very best. Tried the shield for a few days and it really helped to draw the nipple out for a better latch while they healed. It helps to have someone hold one od ger hands down while you latch her so they won't be in the way. Just keep trying and it won't be the end of the world if you need to use formula once or twice. the important thing is you're doing all you can to give her your milk.

Does she have a shallow latch? Is she tongue tied? There is also a bing support group from 10-12 on Monday's at keyano sport and wellness center, there's always at least one LC there and often a couple of doulas, I'll bet someone there could have some advice for you