Advice on how to return to EBF

[Smellga]

My son was born 3 weeks ago following a traumatic birth which has resulted in a number of on going health difficulties for me. We were in hospital for 5 days following his birth and it appeared that we both took to breast feeding well. Observed to have good latch, regularly feeing etc. When he was weighed by our midwife following discharge on day 6 he had lost 20% of his body weight which was a huge upsetting shock as up until that point I was kept positive that the birth had only impacted upon me and not him. She suggested that my health issues were affecting my milk supply and told me that I had to provide formula top ups after every feed or return to hospital. Since providing the top ups he has steadily continued to put on weight and is thankfully now back to birth weight. He will switch between breast and bottle without issue but I really want to get him off the formula and back onto full breast feeds. Any advice would be massively appreciated x

[VisualiseAHorse]

I managed to get back to EBF at 12 weeks I think, after initial weight loss and formula top ups.

There will be a growth spurt at about 6 weeks (if your baby was born near his due date - adjust if needed!) which really doesn't help getting back, we had a big set-back at that point - so feed as much as you possibly can. It can be done.

How many breast feeds vs formula feeds is he having? Does he take from both breasts at each feed?

[Smellga]

I am giving him free access to my breasts for feeding and for comfort. I was told by midwife to follow a feed with a formula top up every 3 hours so currently he is having 3 ozs of formula after a feed every 3 hours. He is on each breast for about 10-15mins each feed, though I think some of that time he is just sucking rather than feeding. Im just not sure what to reduce and when, midwife just said that I might always have to mix feed but I really don't want to if its at all possible. Breast feeding is the one thing I can do for him at the moment and I want to do it well! I also have massive guilt over having to give him the formula.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

So sorry to hear of your traumatic start but well done for continuing to bf after such a rocky start

There is some good information on kellymom but think you need some RL help with this. Is there a Breastfeeding support group you can get to? You need a BFC to observe a whole feed and to check for tongue tie. It might be useful getting your latch checked too. There are some useful videos here

When you say he is spending 10 to 15 minutes on each breast, is he coming off by himself? If he doesn't appear to be actively feeding have you tried breast compressions?

Has the mw talked to you about having a debrief on your birth or mentioned birth trauma association?

[Smellga]

Thanks for the links, he generally feeds until he comes off but sometimes can get agitated as if things aren't happening fast enough. One of the difficulties I have is that feeling has not yet returned to one of my legs post birth and so my mobility (as well as what I can do and where I can go) is limited. Not sure if the emotions linked to this are also affecting my milk. Will try and practice breast compressions see if they help. I love breast feeding and he seems to enjoy it too so I really want to make it work !