36 weeks pregnant, BF didn't work with DD considering trying again with this baby, any tips for success?

7 replies

mendipgirl · 25/01/2011 10:59

DD is 2, tried very hard to BF her but it didn't work. I'm not sure why and no-one has ever really explained why to me, but I think it was probably a number of factors.

To summarise previous attempt: DD was small at birth 5lb12, had an EMCS, then she got jaundice, in hospital for 5 days, hospital very busy not much support, had to express a lot in there, when we came out we weren't seen by midwives for 5 days and by that time DD had dropped 20% of her weight, dehydrated, temperature dropping, admitted to NICU for a couple of days, continued to BF with FF top-ups after each feed. Came home with an electric pump so tried BF, top up with EBM and then expressing every 2-3 hours for a couple of weeks (complete misery). Weight started dropping again and was told if she didn't gain weight we would have to go back in to hospital, so gave her a bottle....which she loved, first time I saw her content after a feed since she was born. So moved to FF and haven't looked back.

Everyone who saw me feed said the latch was fine and didn't have any pain so really not sure where we went wrong. Did have loads of confusing advice though, used to leave her on the breast for up to an hour and HV said that was too long and she would be getting exhausted, but others say leave them on there as long as they want.

Anyway DC2 due soon, will have an ELCS this time, any tips for success would be great!!

OP posts:

sparklyjewlz · 25/01/2011 11:10

I've no advice because I had a similar experience. But hopefully someone will be along with some helpful advice (and not that old chestnut" Anyone can breastfeed!") it's not always easy that's for sure.

EauRouge · 25/01/2011 11:25

Sounds like you had a really tough time in the early days with your DD :( the right support is really important. If there is a BF group near you then I would go along as soon as you can or make contact with them so that you know who to speak to if you have problems again.

japhrimel · 25/01/2011 11:28

Stick at it and see a breastfeeding counsellor early on. My Dd was in scbu for 3 days, drip & tube fed then needed top-ups + we had feeding issues when home that meant she dropped 15%. An NCT bf counsellor really helped, not least by pointing out that as DD was used to bottles it would do no harm to just bottle feed her with ebm and formula for a day or two while I concentrated on pumping regularly and getting rest. Starting bottles does not have to mean the end of breastfeeding - DD is now 6 weeks and thriving on just breastmilk.

harverina · 25/01/2011 13:49

I echo what the other have siad - either see a breastfeeding counsellor early on or start attending a local bf group now. That way you are building a support network before even starting. You will also get an opportunity to chat to other mums and to see them breastfeeding, which I have always found helpful.

In hospital ask for as much help as possible. Initiailly my DD would not latch on and I rang the bell every time I was trying to feed her.

emsyj · 25/01/2011 13:57

I had a really similar experience to you, but better support. DD was born at 37 weeks by crash section weighing 6pm. She would latch but not suck. With the support of an infant feeding midwife, bf counsellor or midwife/student midwife at every single attempted feed (every 2 hours night and day) I did manage to establish feeding. It took a week and was hard but with determination and support I just about got there.

I didn't have the same issues with DD's weight loss though - she lost half a pound in the first week but midwife said that was ok. She was cup fed by the midwives so she must have been getting enough to get her by I guess. Possibly the support and cup feeding is what made the difference so although it took her a long time to start feeding, she didn't go too long without at least a little bit of milk.

Good luck. I am sure it will be easier this time. EMCS makes it hard, you won't be in that position this time. Get all the contact details together for bf support networks in your area.

emsyj · 25/01/2011 14:00

6pm = 6lb

Autocorrect strikes again!

jaffacake79 · 25/01/2011 14:01

Your body was probably in shock from all that you'd been through. Did you make sure that you were eating properly, drinking enough and resting enough? Without those three key things, and you being relaxed about it bf'ing will be hard.

Remember though, that even though it feels important to you to bf your baby, as long as you're both happy it doesn't actually matter whether they are bf or ff!

Find some local resources so that if you do have a problem, you know who to contact easily.

Flip