a bfing update

I thought I would share what I am learning for some of the moms to be.

As many of you know Molly and I hit a few bfing snags while in the hospital. When I was discharged on Sat. 11/29 she was totally refusing the breast and only wanted bottles. I was heartbroken. My family just kept telling me that bfing doesn't always work out, you know all the stories of other new moms who bfing didn't work out for yada..yada..yada...well, partly due the fact that I was/am already very upset over the whole birth problems and required c-section I just HAD to make bfing work somehow so I contacted a lacation consultant in Babylon. I saw her first on the Tuesday after my discharge. It has been worth every penny- although not a very inexpensive penny. Molly and I are at about 30% breast milk and 70% formula after about 2 weeks. My supply has really increased noticably and we are latching-on MUCH better. I hope to get to almost all breast milk over the next few weeks.

I am still adjusting to the lifestyle changes- such as having to pump a number of times per day plus bfing during the day, plus doing it with others around (although I use my room a lot, depending on who is in the house). It is amazing to me how I don't feel very uncomfortable bfing since I know I am feeding my baby- not doing a lapdance

I wish that my mom or stepmom had breastfeed their children so that I would have more support. The lack of family support really can hurt your chances of sucess IMO since people love to push the 'you don't know how much the baby has eaten' idea on you and make you totally paronoid that your baby will starve to dealth at every moment if you try to breastfeed instead of use a bottle.

The formula company gives you a 'breast feeding' sucess diaper bag in the hospital with FORMULA in it. How is that going to help my bfing effort? Not sure- but it is a cute diaper bag with the ice packs in it.

Not all doctors/peds are truly educated about bfing or care to help you with it. Ask the ped before you choice one about their views on bfing vs. formula feeding. I swear the moron ped in the hospital hurt my bfing effort A LOT because she was quick to supplement but didn't offer me ANY bfing help at all. The two should have been a combination, not one or the other.

I know some moms can bfing super easy but if you are really committed to it and have problems I really recommend calling someone very quickly after you come out of the hospital.

You may want to have the names/numbers of some LCs in your area in the house before you come home from the hospital just in case you need them.
And bring your bfing info to the hospital with you. That really helped me when NONE of the staff would help!

Just wanted to offer you support. It must be hard when the families don't quite understand.

You can do it!!! Mia was a bottle fed baby FIRST... she didn't latch on until at least 6 weeks, I did pump the whole time but boy is that time consuming!!

One day out of the blue I tried it again, of course after the cracked bleeding and bruising healed (she knawed on me in the hospital) she just latched on and hasn't been off ever since! she will be 5 months old and I love it and so does she, so there is hope out there. Good Luck!!

We had a similar situation, Lyla took a bottle from day 1, during her first couple of months she had anywhere from 25-75% formula, while we learned to latch on. I also pumped for 1 month to increase my supply, and by the time she was 3 months old, we didn't need formula anymore. And, by the time she was 4 months, she now refuses the bottle!! I really can't believe it, so for you moms who are just starting out, keep giving that bottle to your baby, otherwise you'll be stuck like I am now!

There were a billion times that I was going to give up bfding, but I was so determined and committed, so like Michele said it can be done with lots of effort and support.

Thanks gals for encouragement. I do use you as inspiration that I can make this work..even when I feel like it will never really work out.

Just wanted to tell you ladies I really admire and think its wonderful that you all have the patience and will to stick it out.
I know how frustrating it can be. I am one of those that 'gave up' cause I lost patience and felt so uncomfortable with the size of my breasts.
It was a tough decision for me at the time but I have so much respect for all of you that stick it out

Michele, you and Miss Molly are doing GREAT!! Keep up the good work!

And, if ANYONE says to you, that 'you don't know how much the baby is getting' tell them that the BABY is smart enough to know when she's full, and you just take your cues from her!