4 days old but is it too late to switch to breastfeeding? feeling guilty...

[studentmum1]

my dd2 is 4 days old, i have so far bottlefed but i have felt totally guilty for not even trying to breastfeed that i now wish i had at least tried to. i bottle fed my dd1 and haven't a clue about breast feeding... have i left it to late? please help! its upsetting me now to think that i've made the wrong decision!

DS1 was 5 days old before attempting to latch on as he was in NICU, so i would say it's not too late from his point of view. You might need help to encourage your supply and you definitely need to get your midwife/health visitor/GP on board.

It shouldn't be too late. Have you tried your baby at the breast? Is your midwife visiting tomorrow?

If you feel very nervous about trying I would ask midwife for help latching on.

I'd also ring one of the specialist bf support organisations. I'll find the numbers

Bumping in case gets lost off active convos.
I think it may be possible. Only way really is to try. So when your dd2 is hungry, try it and see. You'll prob need to feed frequently to stimulate supply.
Would be worth contacting a breastfeeding consultant. The NCT has a helpline as does LLL.
[[www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/directory/[[
This site has the numbers. LLL seems to be 24hours. Worth giving them a call for advice.
Good luck whatever you decide.

www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/directory/

she is due her feed now, i was wondering if it was worth a try now or should i wait till i've spoken to midwife? the midwife will be here on friday tho?

give it a try.

Try now. Is worth seeing whether she latches on OK.
But also try and get your midwife out before Friday and/or call the helpline and get advice.

Student, you need to put your baby to the breast asap. Take your clothes off, get into bed with her and allow to nuzzle. You also need expert advice,something that sadly not all MWs and HVs have. It would be wise to contact a breastfeeding counsellor ASAP.

Numbers on this MNers website, on the right

Best of luck.

give it a go but have a bottle handy just in case

i'm sure someone with experience will be along

but personally i'd just try latching her on.

I'd say try, you have nothing to lose. My DD didn't bfeed until day 8 after a long skin to skin session. Maybe try that? DD just latched herself on after a long cuddle under a blanket with me topless and her in a nappy.

just ringing helpline now x

tips on positioning.

baby should lie with her tummy against yours and not having to turn head.

pop a cushion under her to bring her up level with nipple.

position so baby's nose in level with nipple.

good luck.

You might find they aren't open now... Not sure which ones, if any, are 24hour. Hope you do get through to someone though!

Hi - I'm so glad people have answered you.! I have no personal expertise but didn't wanted you to go without getting a reply! Try "Search for Messages" at the top and put in "start breast" or "relactation". I got lots of bf threads up and then you can sort through and find some with helpful advice for your situation/phone numbers for places like the NCT who could give you advice.

Alternatively, bump or repost your question tomorrow morning - there's a whole different lot of people around during the day.
I don't think you've got anything to lose by having a try now. I think relaxation is the key, so take it easy! Good luck xx

LLL seems to be 24hr.

Lots of skin to skin contact. Cosy up. Tummy to tummy, nose to nipple.
Good luck.

I second moondog - get her on the breast now and let her feed all night. I was able to bf having mix fed (but mainly bottle fed) from day 2 - after 8 wks of mix feeding but gradually reducing the bottles - and allowing constant access to the breast i was able to ditch the bottles entirely. Am still bf at 14months and its brill. Totally doable but get in touch with LLL and make sure you have loads of support at home. Go to bed and stay there for a few days whilst someone else does the cooking etc.

Good luck xx

My DD was cup fed in hospital and bottle fed until the milk came in (prob about 4 days) as she screamed whenever my boob appeared and refused to latch on. For the first fortnight I managed to express milk, and feed with formula and do a bit of BFing but it took us ages to get the hang of it. She is fully BFd now (3 1/2 months old). I'd just try it, and see what happens. If there's no luck try expressing a bottle or give her a usual feed. my Midwife told me to try and breastfeed at every feed time or express a feed until we got the hang of it. good luck and keep trying.

Mel, if there's no luck ,expressing is a good idea but if Student merely replaces with a formula feed, there is less demand on the breasts which will make less milk which means that for the next feed there is even less milk. It is a vicious circle that a lot of people fall into because they don't really understand that breastmilk works on a supply and demand basis. The more you breastfeed (or express) the more milk you make.

Obviously she cannot ditch bottles straight away but she needs expert help in enabling her to increase breastmilk and gradually reduce fromula.

thanks for so many replies so quickly, i've just spoken to lady on helpline and i'm off now to go try dd, we'll see how it goes... wish me luck x

Glad you phoned student. Best of luck! Let us know how you go

NOT TOO LATE!

glad you are getting some help.

please get some more in person asap - your hospital may run breastfeeding clinics as well.

NCT very willing to help - you don't have to be a member and they won't charge you if you are low-income or just a small fee.

good luck for tonight.

people are here. keep asking questions.

Good Luck