I've messed up breastfeeding for good :(

[lamppost123]

I want to pump but that's not really working. Breastfeeding is difficult for me, and now baby won't latch. I'm not even sure if anything comes out anymore :/

I'm three weeks post baby. I have no hope?

Thanks everyone. I will respond and read later. Had a very mindful day with the little one which is good?

Managed to pump 100ml. This was after not pumping for a while, cuddling baby all day, massaging boobs.

I exclusively pump as well. It isn’t an easy option, but there are benefits as well.

Nipple shields? Nursing pillow?

100 ml is good. How long (estimate) between this and the previous feed/pumping session?

Has your baby been checked for a tongue tie by a professional (certified lactation consultant)?

I actually had issues with our first ( premature, she lacked strength but it alsk took me months to find a position that SHE found comfortable to feed). With the second I needed a lot of help with correct positioning... lots of pillows, practicing how to hold my arms and hands. So this is normal!

Do your parents hinder breastfeeding, accidentally, by making up bottles as soon as needed?

@lamppost123 hope you are okay.

I can remember reading these threads when my first was hospitalised because he lost so much weight.

I found the decision to give up very hard even though it was the right thing to do for our circumstances). I beat myself up badly but, while others might be able to stay in the house for three weeks solid and pump round the clock, I knew my mental health couldn't take that.

This isn't a criticism of those that take the other path. Just that like lock down showed, some people thrive at home and others do not.

Breast feeding is great if it works. It's great if it's done in combination with formula. But formula feeding is also fine (the one of my three fed mostly on formula had by far the fewest days off school and he's 10 now!)

There are no benefits to breastfeeding that outweigh losing your mental health so whatever you decide, be kind to yourself and remember that no one ever gets exactly the same set of circumstances. Every baby is different. Everyone's production is different. So don't upset yourself comparing your journey to other people's.

Keep trying but only within parameters that aren't detrimental to your mental (or physical) wellbeing.

Thanks.

I've spent over £100 on the equipment (rental) so wanting to give it a few more weeks (until it needs to be returned).

Shields aren't required, according to the woman who was helping me feed. I have itchy boobs from not wearing a bra etc.

Nursing pillow I should buy one, is that for breast feeding?

I had to use nipple shields from the very beginning to get my DD latch and I wouldn't have been able to breastfeed without them at all. I would advise you to try as it might change it all for you. I had a C shape nursing pillow that I used every time and it made a massive difference as it supported DD so it was easier to get her to the right position.

I called them. I'm ok feeding the baby on the bed. I've ordered a C pillow as well.

I have that pump ;)

@wudubelieveit I'm not on any medication. If I was to take mental health medication I wouldn't provide breast milk. I know that it's "safe" but I don't want to risk it.

what other support are you getting for your post natal psychosis(i am presuming thats what you meant by PNP please correct me if I'm wrong!?)? how are you feeling at the moment? If you are declining meds because you want to BF then I would also suggest you try and weigh the balance as likewise I resisted for 3 months because of my skewed perceptions as to what was "best" for baby...having come through the other side(twice!) I would say, hands-down, getting optimum treatment for PNP/PND is FAR more important long term than breast milk ,solely because it is incredibly hard to function and bond as a mum when you are mentally unwell. The sleep deprivation long term is hard for any mum ,even those in good mental health, and you need to prioritise your recovery. (but equally I dont know your situation/circumstances so totally your choice)I likewise didn't want to feed on meds even thought the midwives kept saying it was " safe" which as I had many fears about stuff happening to my baby didn't make me feel reassured!

..and to add to that, we do all know that "breast is best" but theres really no reason why your baby wont thrive on formula and for me, being on medication and moving my baby onto formula was ultimately best.....and many other mums do the same . The BF at all costs message was really detrimental to me and I sacrificed my mental health because of it but a "happy mum is best"!good luckxx

Shields saved my breastfeeding..I genuinely think they should be given out on hospital wards. Yes a bit of a pain to wean off but that's so much easier than trying to establish breastfeeding with a tongue tied baby or flat nipples. I also know several people who never weaned off them and fed successfully using shields for years.

@Dynamoat definitely. I had to use them all the way until DD decided to stop breastfeeding. I am so grateful to this one nurse on the ward who suggested them and gave me some.

@wudubelieveit sorry it's PND.