I’m struggling so bad with breastfeeding

[Jasmin1356]

I’m on the verge of giving up, I cry at every feed because my 10 day old just won’t latch. He did so good in the hospital but because of jaundice and weight I had to give him the bottle, since day 4 he hasn’t been latching instead screaming at the breast and getting worked up. He would have my nipple in his mouth and still not close just scream. He has a tongue tie so I don’t know if it’s cause of that.

Are there any breastfeeding support groups in your area? Have you seen your midwife or health visitor since you got home?

I feel for you. It can be so hard. Is the tongue tie going to be cut? My baby did much better after that.

Oh love the early days are so so hard. I echo what pp said. Have you seen the Hv? Get them to point you in the direction of breast feeding support groups. Lots of skin to skin. Don’t wait till baby is screaming to put to the breast. When they are calm try then. Also look at getting the younger tie snipped.

I found watching lots of videos about positioning and attachment helpful. Offering breast well before baby is starving and worked up. Getting real life support. It’s not easy at the start, but promise it won’t be like this forever. Agree get tongue tie seen to asap.

There are support groups you can call. It really helped me and I found it easy in the end, but it can be tricky to master. Ten days is so early in, so ask for support and remember we all go through it.

Switch to bottles. Baby will thrive and so will you.

I can assure you, you’re not alone with this OP. I’ve been there and plenty others have been! I found that once DD was screaming, she wouldn’t latch well at all, I would soothe her then once she was calm try again. Bring her to the breast rather than me to her, essentially allow her to latch herself. I did find some dated but helpful videos on YouTube.
If you have the support, an experienced breastfeeding friend are a godsend. Reach out!

I have reached out to lactation specialist and they helped but as soon I come home he just does the same and its really affecting me mentally. I have been referred for the tongue tie now it’s just a waiting game. But I’m getting worried his getting use to the bottle. Why does he hate me ? I have spent up to two hours at time offering the breast. I’ve offered it when he’s not that hungry, I’ve offered when sleepy still screams, or will take it in his mouth and won’t suck. I literally have milk dripping from me which will now dry up cause my child won’t have it

I'm so sorry that this is happening and causing you so much distress.

My little boy was born in November, and we had exactly the same situation you find yourself in, jaundice, weight loss, and screaming at the breast. I felt like you too OP, but it isn't anything you have done wrong and your baby doesn't hate you. You are both learning a new skill, and it is difficult, especially with hormones and exhaustion. Please try not to beat yourself up about it.

I agree with others and urge you to ask the HV for support, or see if there are local lactation specialists who can come to your house to help you. Ultimately, I decided to give up with breast feeding and formula feed, and my little boy is thriving. But you can still persevere if you get the help you need.