Breastfeeding support

[Chanel05]

I am desperate to breastfeed my daughter but I don't know how to start. She is 6 days old and we have been unable to breastfeed so far as I was hospitalised and unable move from bed and support her. I'm home now and would really like to be able to do it. The midwives weren't interested in helping in hospital. Is it too late? Where can I get support from? We both tried so hard today but couldn't get the latch and my daughter just screamed for milk and I had to give her a bottle. I am feeling so upset that I've not been successful so far in breastfeeding when I had my heart set on it.

Gosh, it sounds like you’ve had a really tough start.

I’m not an expect but didn’t want to read and run.

How about trying after baby has had some bottled milk so baby I’m angry hungry? Or when baby is half asleep?

Loads of skin on skin may help.

Has your milk come in? Are you expressing?

Can you afford to see a private lactation consultant? They are expensive but mine saved my feeding- figured she cost about 8 boxes of formula!

Do you have a local breastfeeding support group (maybe on facebook). If there is one they may well have trained peer supporters who will do a telephone or even a zoom latch assessment and answer your questions.

I'd also recommend "the food of love"
www.amazon.co.uk/Food-Love-Formula-Successful-Breastfeeding/dp/0954930959?tag=mumsnetforu03-21
You can get it from amazon prime.

Hi OP, it is definitely possible in theory! As PP said, lots of skin to skin, try to keep your breasts a “happy place” for both of you so if it’s not working don’t force it.

Most importantly you need to work on protecting your supply! It’s supply and demand so you need to be expressing as much as you can.

I would recommend that you get expert support for this. An IBCLC (lactation consultant) will be suitably qualified to help: lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/

You might also like to find some local LLL or breastfeeding support groups. Many have moved onto Facebook.

I would also recommend you give the National breastfeeding helpline a ring now: 0300 100 0212 it’s open 9:30am to 9:30pm and staffed by qualified breastfeeding counsellors.

Also have a look at Lucy Ruddle IBCLC. She is a relactation expert and has written a book about it that might help. You can also get consultations with her I believe.

Good luck op!!!