Weaning from top-up bottle back to breast....struggling

[EmmaCate]

I don't do bf very well; this time (and who knows, perhaps with DS too) DD had tongue-tie that stymied attempts to establish supply. End result told to top up. Trying several things to increase supply now and TT is sorted, but DD frets at breast and refuses to hold her latch, so I end up giving bottle.

How long can it take to wean back to breast? Any tips from people?

Just generally am not sure I am selfless enough to make a good go of bf. I like a glass of wine occasionally and I like to be able to be away from my babies every now and then. I have 21 month DS too and worry intensive feeding will impact the quality time I can give him. Feeling will give it a couple of weeks of putting DD on/ expressing, then jack it if nothing improves.

Please give feedback on my general thoughts. I did originally really want to succeed with bf having failed miserably with DS. Wonder if now I'm trying to see the bright side of not bfing because I expect to fail. I really can't be doing with letting her cry with hunger to force her to work harder at the breast. It makes me tense and then I'm much less able to cope with the toddler shite that DS throws at me...

i think it would be good for you to get some support from a la leche advisor. See if there is a local one you can call to come and talk things through and give you the help you need to try and establish feeding well. best of luck

Right firstly you can drink and bf (the amount of alcohol that may pass though to your milk is not likely to be more than the amount that passes into your blood, which is hardly a huge amount), you can leave bf babies after the initial setting up supply and demand period (yes some might like to nurse lots if you are there but if you aren't they can be distracted) plus atleast there is no tedious prep to do with bf so you might have more time with your toddler once you get this bit sorted.

Just trying to give you the other side of the coin here on specific things you mention .

My feedback tbh is that you sound down and negative and lacking in support from those who see breastfeeding as something that is achievable for most women. La Leche or other breastfeeding support group is a great idea.

How old is dd?

Are you topping up with breastmilk? Hand expressing is often easier than using pumps. Also she may prefer the bottle as its less work to get milk - other options are cup or syringe feeding. Also a supplimental nursing system is another thing to consider to get her used to having milk from the breast.

I wouldn't try letting her get starving to force her to work harder. Have you tried the opposite - offering milk another way and then once the hungry sucking has eased off, offer the breast. Also lots of skin to skin so she enjoys being at the breast and you can both try and relax (get someone to take the toddler out for special treat).

(Sorry if this sounds bossy, trying to mention too many things probably).

Thanks both. Albrecht you don't sound bossy - helpful advice. Things bit better today so hope with time can get bf established. DD is 4 weeks nearly. I sometimes can offer breastmilk as top up but only manage about 1oz each time I express so not practical for every feed.

Hello,
I'm going through the same thing at the moment. Thomas is 3 weeks old and has just been diagnosed with tongue tie which will be divided on Monday. BF has been really painful as he clamps his gums to get latched on and chomps on me. He has lost weight and cries lots as hungry. I've been giving formula top ups as I can only express 3 quarters of an oz and it takes forever... I am trying to keep up BF as he seems so comforted by it but my milk is dwindling.
It would be great to hear from someone also going through the same thing - I am also in 2 minds about whether or not just to FF. Hope things are going ok...

Sorry HobNobs didn't come back to the thread until now. I failed; FF exclusively now. DD doing well though and there is always a bright side.

I just wish NHS, after banging on in every other place possible about BF being the best, could fund someone to look at your baby the day it's born and assess for TT or even just get a BF expert to assess your latch etc. With DS my latch was poor, so I gave up to not be in agony; I feel DD's was better but I lost it this time with the supply due to poor milk extraction.