Hi all
This is my first post, although I'm a long time lurker. I know there's a similar thread, but didn't want to hijack it.
My gorgeous DD was born 9 days ago. I also have a DS who is nearly 3. DS flat refused to breast feed, despite trying everything so I expressed and bottle fed him for 6 months. I didn't have anything to compare it to, so whilst it was quite hard, I just got on with it and it was more than manageable.
DD is considerably more keen on the whole thing and has been breast feeding consistently. However, I think her latch wasn't great to start with and my nipples are completely ravaged (cut, bleeding and scabbed). I saw a lactation consultant yesterday who suggested holding her sitting on my lap facing me. This has helped a bit, but DD still doesn't always get a great latch to start with and the first minute or so is (burst in to tears) agony, even if I take her off and start again. I do have pretty large boobs and flat nipples if that's relevant.
She was feeding on and off through last night and about 4.30 I just couldn't bear her on the more sore side so expressed and bottle fed her. Annoyingly she didn't take it all but the bottle was started too long ago to give it to her when she wakes up.
So, finally, I get to my questions. Sorry for the essay.
- The thought of putting her on the more sore side today just makes me want to sob. Do I need to woman up and feed through it or could I express for a few days to give it a chance to recover? Will I do irreparable damage to her latch/supply?
- I think I can keep feeding from the less sore side for now but don't want to exacerbate a problem there.
- How long should it take before everything feels better? I am seriously struggling to persist with BF when I know expressing works for me. Admittedly my lifestyle is different than when I just had DS, but he is still going to childcare 3 days a week at the moment so I'd only have to occupy him on my own 2 days a week whilst pumping (DH home at weekends and very involved).
Any thoughts/ideas/arse kicks welcome. I'm well aware I could just be being pathetic, but my god it hurts. Thanks!