Re-start/try breastfeeding again?

[Em1996]

Looking for some advice and similar experiences.

My baby boy is 5 weeks old. I always wanted to ‘combi feed’ but didn’t do much research into breastfeeding prior to his birth as I just wanted to see what would happen.

I tried breastfeeding first couple weeks, I struggled to get a latch and he kept falling asleep. The midwife’s in hospital told me to pump which I did and continued to try get a latch.

I ended up getting very sore blistered and scabbed nipples and then mastitis.

I then got stuck with pumping which was a lot of effort and not enjoyable.

I tried using a shield which did work however I think he was then swallowing a lot air and became very uncomfortable.

I found it all very over whelming and painful when milk came in and just having a newborn as it was my first, in general, putting me off breast feeding. I struggled to make a decision and felt very guilty.

i have now introduced formula for just over a week and milk has nearly dried up. i thought this was the decision I wanted but now im feeling like I want to try breastfeeding again especially now I feel less overwhelmed with having a newborn. (my head has gone round in circles about this decision looking at the pro and cons, my family are sick of me talking about it).

anyone been in similar situation, any advice or support much appreciated.

Thanks

Hi - a woman in my NCT group called in a BF consultant when she was in a similar situation, but ultimately decided it was a lot of effort for not much gain and ended BF then. I think you can up your supply but it’ll take a lot of effort (pumping alongside BFing) and I think you need to think why you really want to do it - a lot of women (myself included) put themselves under enormous pressure and the reality is, it isn’t needed. However if you’re really committed I think you can do it. Good luck

Ask your HV for a referral to the infant feeding team