Advise please on what to do...

[sby]

Hi everyone. Am new to this but would like some advise if poss.
My baby is coming up to 6 weeks old. Was BF fine up until about 4 weeks. Then things went abit erratic with her feeding for less time but more frequently also very unsettled and not sleeping.... Went on for several days and I was exhausted so gave in and FF.
Now still FF and trying to keep up BF although she seems to fight me and pull off after few minutes when on the breast....I presume she finds it easier and faster getting fed from a bottle. Am expressing and giving her this but want her to go back to breast as hassle constantly expressing and sterilising bottles etc..
What should I do? Do really want to cont BF and have felt some guilt when giving her FF.

[twinklesky]

Don't feel guilty, ever.

The important thing is not how you feel about how you are feeding your child, but that she is getting the nutrients she needs to thrive.

I went on a short holiday while my DS was 5 months old. I was still breastfeeding and I pumped 3 types a day to keep my milk flowing. He was bottle fed for the three days I was away (I needed a break!!)

I recommend you express milk up to three times a day. Chose times when you are relaxed and haven't just fed or are just about to feed your DD - this will give your supply a chance to build up. You should only have to do this for a few days to really stimulate your flow again. Continue feeding your daughter when she needs it by breast. You can always top up with formula if you need to, but once you get your flow going again, by stimulating with the pump, you will find that you won't need to.

I guarentee you'll see results in a few days. I hope this helps!!

[floradora]

Soemthing similar happened to me when DD was a bit older (maybe 2 - 3 mo)- it had me really distressed and in tears until I rang our wonderful local BF counsellor. Sh esuggested it might be baby getting frustrated by the effort required when foremilk starts to change to hindmilk, and recommended I switch sides when DD did this, even switching sides up to 10 times in half an hour. It also apparently has the effect of stimulating your flow so it kind of "goes up a gear". I did this and it worked for us and she settled eventually. I was BF except for a bottle at bedtime and it all worked out fine in the end, despite tears and frustration at times from me and DD!! IT does feel awful as I remeber feeling DD was somehow rejecting me but the BF counsellor made me see it for something physical that could be solved - good luck and well done for asking for help! Echo twinklesky, don't feel guilty!

[sby]

Thanks guys. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
Will give your suggestions a go.