Is it possible to BF after failing at it twice?

[Kayzr]

I am expecting DC3 in June and I am starting to panic about BF. I feel like I failed with DS1&2 and have convinced myself that it wont happen with DC3 either. Even though I really want to.

DS1 was always going to be a problem as I didn't want to BF but the MW persuaded me to try and if I still didn't want to then I could just stop. But that it was much harder to start FF then want to change. I had pethedine and he was just really tired and I couldn't get him to latch on. I was worried about him so gave him formula.

DS2 was 10lb 5oz and born at home. He seemed to latch on fine when the MW was there and it was tricky but I thought we were getting somewhere. But he dropped to 9lb 6oz and it was a different MW then. She said that due to his weight he would never be able to cope on just BM and he had to have formula top ups. She told my now XH to go and get formula. I tried to argue but I was exhausted and emotional (aren't we all after giving birth) and she told me that if I didn't top him up then he would be taken to hospital and have to be tube fed. I really didn't want that to happen.
I really struggle to get him to latch on after he had the first few bottle feeds. He gained weight well after that and it was mentioned a few times before we were discharged from MW that it was obviously my BM that was the problem.
When he was about 13 weeks I stopped trying to feed him myself and just went with the formula as each time I BF I ended up in tears.

I really really want to BF this baby. I was planning on going to a BF group but they have just closed. The hospital stopped them using the room as a money saving measure and as yet they haven't found anywhere else to go.

I just feel like as I haven't been able to do it twice now I won't be able to do it now. DP keeps saying things like "3rd time lucky" and has said try not to worry about it too much now.

I think I need someone to tell me that it is possible and give me any and all hints and tips you can think of that might help.

Thanks if you got through that ramble.

Yes you can do it. I bf ds1 for 2 weeks, ds2 for 4 weeks, and am currently bfing dd and she is 7 months old.

Read lots of mn threads on it before the birth, and see if there are any othe bfing groups in the area. I have found knowledge is power wrt bfing. The more you know about what to expect, the more confident you will feel.

Good luck, and just come on here with any questions even if you think they are stupid There are some really helpful knowledgable people on here.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breast_and_bottle_feeding/a1380966-The-most-helpful-thing-about-breastfeeding-you-wish-youd-known

Sorry- just burning supper so in a rush, but thought this thread might be a good start.

Thanks. I will have a look at that thread.

Yes, you can! I BF DS's 1,2 and 3 10 days, 3 days and 3 weeks respectively and am now BF DD, aged 7 1/2 months and she's never had a drop of formula.

I would say get as much info as possible beforehand (maybe try LLL?) and be determined.

I made sure I wouldn't have any drugs in labour that might make DD sleepy and prepared for every eventuality.

It's really nice to hear that other people have managed it too. thanks.