I had some problems getting breast feeding established until dd was 5 weeks old. My nipples are flat, I had mastitis, badly cracked nipples etc It is still painful to feed from one side as nipple is flatter than the other one, and I manage this with ibuprofen. I was also having to use formula on occasion when I was unable to express enough milk for a feed.
I resolved my problems by seeing a breast feeding counsellor however due to the amount of time it took me to get hold of one (dd was 4 weeks old), my supply had been affected. I resolved this by using domperidone and my supply became not dissimilar to when my milk first came in (breasts very full and leaking if I did not feed) after a few days.
My GP would not prescribe the domperidone as I was requesting it for an off licence use, so I was was buying it over the counter. To get the recommended dose for increasing lactation, I was having to use over a box worth a day. The problem I had with this was that many chemists would refuse to sell me more than a box at a time (I didn't tell them what I was using them for in case they wouldn't sell them to me at all), so this necessitated picking up a box each time I passed any chemist.
I cut down my use as I was in fear of getting mastitis again, and we seemed to be doing well with the breast feeding and not using any formula at all. We saw the health visitor on Wednesday and felt quite proud to say that breasfeeding was finally sorted. HV told me that dd was not putting on enough weight (had put on 3oz in two weeks) and maybe I should consider going back to the combintion feeding I had been doing.
I have not enjoyed breasfeeding at all, but have persisted with it because of the benefits to my daughter. The HV is also aware of the financial cost of using the domperidone (at a cost of over £5 a day beacause I couldn't get it prescribed-much more expensive than formula) as well of the aggro of touring pharmacies to get enough, this is not something you would do for the fun of it. I am now paranoid about feeding my daughter as she seemed satisfied after breasfeeding and feel bad that I have not been doing enough for her. I'm loathed to use formula again, but have been today because the last thing I want to do is deprive her of food. Any advice greatfully received. Thank you.