Formula to breast feeding

[stephn88]

Hey,

So I've just had a little girl, she's 1 week old and she will be my last baby. I have a 3.5 year old son.

I've so far been formula feeding and she has been gaining weight and doing well. But I've just suddenly got the urge to want to breast feed as will never have the opportunity to ever again. Is this a good idea??

How do I go about starting this now I'm one week on from the birth? There is milk in my breast so could I just start by pumping or feeding her straight away or what?

Any tips/advice would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!!

I'd just start feeding straight away, nothing to lose! She might struggle at first, but it always takes a bit of time to settle so give it time. Good luck!

Forgot to say that I have been taking codeine for pain relief after c section. I last took one at 3am, so when would I be safe to try breast feeding? Is 24 hours ok? Thanks!

Ooh, codeine is one of the few things you absolutely can't breastfeed after having so be careful and check your exact dose with a health professional or using the leaflet from the pack.

Using the half life of codeine as 3 hours – it takes 15 hours for a dose to be regarded as no longer in breastmilk.

This is directly from the breastfeeding network.

So do you have a pump you can use first thing in the morning? If so, I'd give pumping a go to stimulate supply but dump the milk.

After a week, unless you have major complications, you should be fine on just paracetamol and ibuprofen from now on.

6 weeks post c section here - I was on codeine for about two weeks and exclusively breastfed fed the whole time (I double checked with multiple midwives and they all confirmed it was okay for me to BF on demand with the pain relief!)

also in terms of your actual question I would start by encouraging her to latch (which may take time) and try feeding at the breast asap. in between I would also start pumping to increase your supply (to have a ‘full’ supply you need to feed or pump around 8x day) - it works on a supply and demand basis and you’ve had no demand for a week plus if she doesn’t latch right away your body won’t know how much your actually need it to produce. I hope this helps!

You can also give La Leche League, the National Breastfeeding Helpline or the NCT Breastfeeding Helplines a call. All free. I used to ring them all the time when trying to establish breastfeeding. For some women and babies the two of you learn it very quickly. Go for it! I had a tricky start and wasn't off pumping and formula tops until gone 10 weeks but am still feeding my 19m old now and we love it.

Even if you manage a few weeks you'll be doing baby a world of good. lactationnetwork.com/blog/the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-a-timeline-for-the-ages/

Also check if codeine or dihydracodeine (the second is more usually given post c -section and is fine to breastfeed with.)

It is dihydracodeine..

Going to give midwife a call this morning and double check what they recommend with regards to the meds.

Got a breast pump on the way, very excited to start this journey!!

Thanks everyone

I know it can be a struggle sometimes, but once established, I've found it to be lovely - and actually so easy. No need to prep anything, or pack anything for feeds when out and about, night feeds are quick and easy.