Mixed Feeding - 7 week baby now fussing at the breast...need advice

[Elsbells]

I feel like I am on a sea saw of what to do bf DD.

We have had a myriad of issues incl low milk supply (I DID stop BF/expressing for nearly 3 days so YES it is LOW) hence supplementing.

Over the last few days DD is taking LESS breast and pretty much screams and screams and low and behold I whip out the bottle which not only soothers her, she eats up.

I have pretty much resigned myself to stopping bf all together as at 7 weeks we still aren't getting it right.

Then today she decides at her mid-morning feed she would bf BEAUTIFULLY. Great latch, 25min on left breast, 15min on the other etc. But she hasn't done so again today.

BUT for the rest of the day, I have decided NOT to use a bottle and been syringing her when she rejects the breast and DD is getting in a state. She takes down the milk BUT cries and cries. I just want her to stop taking comfort from the bottle and not me.

Is this being unfair to her? Is she too used to the bottle for this to work? I can't imagine supplementing her with a syringe for too long - especially if it makes her get upset. Is it something that will need doing for days? weeks?

I have been doing lots of skin to skin (especially today as she has not been allowed a bottle) to help with this.

Oh, I don't know...I really am starting to doubt we will make the 2month mark or beyond.

You can do it!!! If you put her on every hour during the day, for a couple of days, your milk supply will return.

Bottle feeding is the quick fix and easy option for her, so she will like it! However this just isn't the same as bf, and once your supply is at full speed she'll probably be spitting teats out!!

Hang on in there. It may be a tough couple of days, but you'll get there.

do you have a bf support counsellor near you or a bf cafe? i would stop the bottle al together - your milk will come in more - its all supply and demand. whats most important though is that you are both happy.

you could speak to Association of bf mothers, or beatfeeding support network.

cx

BREASTfeeding support network!

I have spoken to La Leche and they have suggested to keep putting her to the breast and supplement WITHOUT a bottle (hence the syringe) to start but slowly giver her less and less supplement (watching her weight and nappies of course).

I just feel so mean syringing her milk as it makes her unhappy BUT I want her to get pleasure from feeding through ME NOT a bottle.