I found myself in a situation where I am predominantly feeding my 8 week old DS on my right breast. Excuse the lengthy tale...
DS was found after a difficult start and many feeding issues to be tongue tied at 5 weeks. I couldnt wait for the NHS referal. His weight gain was poor and by the time I got him to a privately run clinc to address the tie and my supply had been hugely affected. On top of this, I had been feeding him through thrush which had caused mastitis (in left boob).
Since the tie was adressed, the last three weeks have been focused on feeding and getting the supply back up. Lots of at home time, nursing days, skin contact, cobathing ect. Through this I have watched my milk output crawl up with odd pumping sessions to help stimulate my supply.
However the left boob seems to have never quite recovered? DS is not as interested in it, doesn't feed on it for more than five minutes and the dreaded mastitis has returned this weekend. Im back on antibiotics as of yesterday. Thrush could also be lingering around? but my GP keeps treating them separately and doesn't belive in ductal thrush . But that's a whole other thread!
I have heard that it is possible to BF from just one breast? The latch and feeds on my right side are really great. But my DS has only managed a weight gain of 3oz per week since the tie release. While he has plenty of wet nappies (poop is more irregular) he is yet to consistently pop off the boob and seem satisfied. Often, I find myself switching back and forth until he seems happy (by which point, he has been awake a while, gets overtired and I have a cranky little chap).
After switch nursing to no great affect (spends too long on right boob), I started to power pump on my left side. A small amount of 5ml increments seem to be happening. Still, I'm reaching out as I wonder if I am ever going to get there!
I have tried cranial osteopathy but to no real affect. The lactation consultant on the NHS is like impossibly busy and I'm frankly unable to afford further private help. The GP has suggested formula and I am wondering if I am after all this dedication, if that's where I am heading if right boob alone cant seem to support and satasify my son?
Is it the case that some BF mothers just need both breasts?
Thoughts welcome!
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Infant feeding
Need both boobs to continue BF?
10 replies
AsthmaWose · 16/05/2016 03:18
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