I've bf my ds since birth despite numerous problems (mastitis, torn nipples, blood in his possets and his poos). I love feeding him and would have no desire to stop until he is weaned to cows' milk. Fed my dd until she was 16 months.
Had serious problems 2 months ago with blood in ds's system which was very worrying, agonisingly painful feeds, bleeding nipples etc. Got lots of help on here as well as RL help - turned out was not thrush etc, was obviously latch as changing to rugby grip for 2 weeks solved the problem.
Two months on, ds is becoming 'rougher' when feeding, but my dd must also have been like that with no ill effect. He's just sicked up blood for first time in ages, I've looked down and nipple is torn open. For last week have been airing it, using lansinoh after every feed, varying position etc. I feel LOW.
I can go back to expressing off that side, but is major faff requiring planning and time that I don't really have with 3 yr old and 6 month old.
My choices seem to be:
- express for the time being, vary position once it's healed up a bit and try to find a way of continuing
- OR feed from the good side only. Going to start BLW very soon. Would I have enough to feed only from one side or should I consider mixed feeding, using formula for alternate feeds? Have never considered formula before tbh. But ds socking up blood is hellish and he has been ebf for his first 6 months, which was non-negotiable for me (obv because my bf problems didn't prevent this, understand totally many don't have this choice).
To clarify what I'm asking - would feeding from one side alongside BLW require formula feeds too? TIA