Hi all,
This is my first posting.
In summary - I had DS 6 weeks ago, born at 33+2, weight 4lb 10oz, spent 17 days on neonatal unit. During which he was fed by EBM via a nasogastric tube. I spent every day trying him on the breast and expressing near him.
2 days prior to being discharged, his tube was removed and he was put on demand BF. This was not working - not attaching, tired and whingy. I felt desperate and starting fretting about weight loss.
Finally i agreed to EBM bottle feeds. He gluged it down and we were discharged.
Been home almost 4 weeks now - still putting him to breast, seems to attach much better, and does upto 35 mins. But sucks and swallow are not great and crys for more after 10 mins. Then given EBM top up and then i express.
His weight is coming up gradually 0 2 days ago 6lb 2oz. Was hoping he would be solely BF by now as finding the whole one and half hour feeding process incredibly draining.
I must add - and by no means am i bragging - i have a very large bust and i feel this has made feeding and attachment much harder. What has driven me to write today is silly really. I was in mothercare and had to feed and was sat with 2 mums and was outstanded at the ease with which they BF. Admittedly the babies were older adn not premature but still. Resulted in tears as felt like it must be my boobs all along and guilt built up as wearing DS out by trying constantly.
Expressing is working - me adn husband always agreed we would be pleased to get to full gestation on breast milk and nearly there but now feel disappointed. Embarrassed to say but felt envious listening to the other babies slurp away with such ease.
Every time he crys after 15-30mins after BF he doesn't tend to leave EBM which is why i have carried on with bottles thinking with time he will improve.
So full of fustration over entire process. I know it could be worse, at least i can give EBM. Sorry if i wound ungrateful!