Breastfeeding woes!

[user1469656580]

Long time lurker, first time poster...

My 4 week old baby is mainly breastfed with one bottle of formula a day (as a top up or pre-bed). He is gaining weight very quickly and is a big lad. He feeds every 2hrs or so (including overnight - max he goes is about 3hrs). Breastfeeding has been challenging though - but oddly enough only on one side? I went from having excruciating let down, to nipple pain, and now on the I have crippling breast and back pain during and after feeding from that side. I love breastfeeding but i am really struggling to see how much longer I can go on with the pain!

I've tried changing positions, pumping from that side then bottle feeding (such a faff), powering through... all to no avail. Pumping still leaves me in pain? He latches well and bar a bit of silent reflux sometimes, is a happy feeder and cheerful baby.

I have the health visitor next week so any suggestions of questions I could ask her or help I can get would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to find any one who has had a similar experience 😔

You poor thing going through this. Is there a breastfeeding counsellor you can speak to in your area? I had a terrible time BF but the BC got me on the right track.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. BF woes are the worst! All the help seems to be online only at the moment which doesn't fill me with much confidence but I maybe should give it a bash. 🙈

Is there any chance he has a tongue tie, maybe a posterior tie? I'd also try different positions on the painful side and check your posture.

I hadn't considered posterior - he's been checked for tongue tie a couple of times (my first baby had it and it was missed - breastfeeding was brutal and he really struggled to latch which I'm not finding this one 😂)
Thank you for replying 😊

I'd really encourage you to call the National Breastfeeding Helpline- 0300 100 0212
They are real experts at support from a distance, and well practiced at talking you through suggestions appropriate to your scenario.

There are so many variables with BF, that really we are just throwing random ideas at you, when you really need someone to unpick what's going on.

Hugs though, it's hard going at this stage - you're nearly at the easy bit though 😊

I will do - thank you! Totally agree - it can be a scattergun approach with advice 😂 but I'll take anything I can get at this point. Can't wait until easy point, it's my holy grail at this stage!