Breastfeeding
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40580
Printed Date: 06 August 2025 at 3:34am
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Topic: Breastfeeding
Posted By: LivMcD
Subject: Breastfeeding
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 3:14pm
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Hey there, Im a bit nervous about bringing up a controversial subject but here goes (and please no judgement) - With DD, I breastfed for four months. I exclusivly breastfed for 2 weeks, until I found out she was losing weight rapidly (basically she was starving), so my MW suggested topping up with formula, which worked wonders, she became a happy baby, slept well and more. So my regime from 2 weeks to 4 months was I would breast feed her for 10 minutes each side, feed her a top up of formula and then I would pump both sides for 10 minutes each side (to help increase my milk supply) - this whole process took about an hour to an hour and a half each feed even the 3 feeds at night. I was stressed, wasnt sleeping, hardly eating, hardly going out because god forbid if I needed to feed her while I was out lol. At 4 months old DD decided she didnt want my boobs anymore, so I moved her onto just formula. After this happened she became even more happy she slept 12 hours over night, I was happy, I started to become me again. I got so much s**t from plunket, other mums etc. about "giving up too soon". Basically, this is probably just a rant but Im 10 weeks pregnant and this time I have decided that Im going to give breastfeeding two weeks, and if its not working for me or if baby is not happening, Im going to give bubs the next best option - formula, which as you can imagine has come with even more criticsm. My question is - has anyone else had a easier/better time the second time around? I do not want to run myself into the ground like last time just because people gave me the guilts. Thanks everyone ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: CrazyCass
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 3:41pm
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I think my sister b/fed her second bubs for about 7months, before switching to formula so she wasn't continually 'tied' to her bubs.
With her first she B/fed for 5months if you were lucky, when same as you bubs started loosing weight and wasn't thriving as well. My sister actually asked me the other day what my aim for b'feeding was - second time round hers had been 2 weeks, anything after that was a bonus. I'll try for as long as I can, but know I wont be doing any 'harm' switching should I need to. Well done for sticking with B'feeding as long as you did first time round, and wanting to give it another shot this time!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: didi99
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 3:58pm
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Sorry not a personal experiance from me but a good one I think so worth telling.
My best friend was the same as you and had so much trouble with her first. With her second things just worked right from the begining and she really enjoyed breastfeeding. We had a conversation about it when her second was a few months old and she thought maybe it was partly as she wasn't as stressed about it 2nd time round (I think she went in with the if it work it works if not it's not a big deal attitude) plus baby 2 just seemed to latch better and her supply was better. So yes there are people out there that have a much better round 2, best of luck for your second go. -------------  Angel Babies Nov 09, May 10, Dec 10
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 4:20pm
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Thanks CrazyCass, to be honest Im only giving it two weeks because I cant be bothered with the sh*t Ill get from the nurses at the hospital if I take in a can of formula lol I hated breast feeding, I still bonded awesomly with DD when she was on the bottle and we have such a great relationship now. But as didi99 said next time around could be better. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 4:40pm
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Hey chick I BF'd for 6 weeks with DS1 but he couldn't latch properly so had to use nipple shields and he was lactose intolerant so I had to change my diet, he had severe GERD, TBH it was just difficult. Second time round I figured same as you if it wasnt working it wasn't happening but DS2 latched on within minutes of being born and he fed like a trooper, in fact he refused bottle or dummies for months lol next time round I'd definitely give it another go because like birth, every BFing experience is different, but I certainly wouldn't feel too stressed about it.
HTH and GL!!! -------------   
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Posted By: Bobchannz
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 8:27pm
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First time it was tricky, but nutted through and fed to nine months when she went cold turkey! It took nearly a month to get latching right with her. This time round I was 1000 times more relaxed and had a very good midwife. DD2 latched for the first time within 24hrs and is still BF at 14 months. Different babies give different experiences!!
I think two weeks is quite a short time for both you and the baby to get the hang of feeding - (although if the baby is loosing weight obviously you need to do something about it) but for positioning and latching I think it can take around a month to sort out. In the beginning with my first daughter I found it faster to express then feed her the EBM from a bottle! But after a few weeks the feeds start gettting shorter and shorter as the baby gets stronger. It means that you don't feel as tied to the couch! Good luck. I think it worth mentioning your difficulty the first time round to your midwife so she can work out what services to offer you. I hope it all goes well for you, whatever you end up doing! ------------- www.makedomum.blogspot.co.nz |
Posted By: newme
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 9:20pm
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I would really recommend you go to a La Leche League meeting, or at least phone them, during your pregnancy. They will be able to provide information and support, in a non-judgmental way, and help get you off to the best start with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is different with each child, so you may well find it easier this time around. Good luck. |
Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 23 September 2011 at 10:37pm
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Liv McD - my situation was a bit different but I am still feeding my 14 month old chubba today! Its one of my greatest mum achievements ever - so I say find out as much as you can, but I will share and hope it gives you some hope
Totally hear you on the pumping drama- argh!! My first born was born with a congenital heart defect - and only 2.72kg - because of her condition she would get breathless and exhausted from feeding - she had an Nasogastric tube, so I would feed her til she crashed out, them pump and top her up. She had to have an exact amount of fluid at every feed so not to overload her heart and so had to be fed 2 hourly for the first 4 weeks!! sometimes though stress and share exhaustion I didnt even have enough after pumping to top her up - so she got a bit of formula too I desperately wanted to feed her - this was the only thing I could do for my baby. We were both in the hospital for 8 weeks - the lactation consultant visited every single blimin day!! honestly - they just about shove their boobs in your mouth! (dont get me wrong - I wouldnt be where I am today without the lovely weegee or the B/F class I attended but some are just breast nazis) So I struggled with this for 14 weeks, then one morning I picked my tiny baby up , held her to the breast and she arched her back and grabbed the bottle I had waiting to top her up - end of story - formula fed she was I love breastfeeding, Im a fierce advocate TBH, but there is soo much satisfaction in giving your baby and lovely full tummy and the nutrition they need -just sometimes its not mummas milk. My mummy guilt was very short lived when I realised I was still doing the best I could for my bub This time I attended a breastfeeding class at birthcare - guessing you have an equivalent in CHC, LLL, or your midwife could give you a contact - It was really interesting. Confirmed what I already knew, and gave me a few pointers that I probably ignored or forgot first time round I had a section so my milk was slow to come in , so I used natropharm spray - it is awesome!! Also since then I have learned that you can begin expressing colostrum from 37(?) weeks to get your milk going before birth so I will do that next time The best support are your fellow mummas - and the good old mantra - keep calm and carry on - the first 6 weeks may well suck (excuse the pun) mine did as my bubba was a wee piglet but it was soo worth it... good luck I hope it works for you - do the best you can x ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 7:32am
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Just to clear something up, DD had an awesome latch, my lactation consultant thought so anyway, as well as positioning was fine - I just had no milk. Someone mentioned the La Leche group, been there done that. I tried alsorts of remedys to get more millk, expressing to build up milk supply, Fenugreek tablets, Metoclomprimde tablets, different diets etc etc. So basically as my lactation consultant said bubs and I had it all down pat we were awesome breatsfeeders (lol) but I had no milk. Even though DD did not have alot of breastmilk, she is one healthy baby, she has only had one minor cold her entire life (14months) and no other sickness, we have an awesome bond and she has an even better bond with her dad because he was able to feed her as well. So my question is - is putting your own health at risk (stress related) worth giving your bubs breastmilk if Ive proved formula can be just as good? My goal for the future is to make formula a NON taboo subject and stop making mums feel guilty about using it. Thanks for all your answers and comments ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 8:01am
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sorry i thought from your original post that your question was has anybody successfully breastfed second time round. Not to that you wanted to justify using formula, you dont have to justify your choices for your baby to anyone
It has been proven that breastmilk is best for baby, but if its to the detriment of the mother then formula clearly works just fine in regards to nurtition and growth I had no success with fenugreek, metocloperamide etc etc,but natropharm still worked well for me, and I in my opinion if your really want to breastfeed, you need to try for a good 4 to 6 weeks. In most cases thats how long it takes to establish breastfeeding, and its hard work, even stressful, but no one said it was easy, so you either commit to it or you dont, Im sure all your baby expects of you is the best you can do and a full belly ------------- http://lilypie.com]
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Posted By: newme
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 9:07am
You have proven formula can be just as good??? No. It is not. You have not proven that. Study after study after study have proven that breastmilk is best. It is the normal way to feed an baby, and breastmilk is the perfect food for a babys body. They are always finding out more and more benefits to breatfeeding and breastmilk. Breastmilk is vastly superior to formula. I agree that in some cases breasfeeding doesn't work, and in these cases formula has its place, for sure. But no, it isn't just as good. It sounds like you have pretty much decided you want to formula feed, so if you want to make it non-taboo, then why don't you just go ahead and do it, and be proud of your decision? |
LivMcD wrote:Posted By: Cinderella
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 9:30am
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I had a simular experience to you. My son wa a happy healthy baby and things went well for the first 6 weeks and then my milk started to dry up. There were 2 things that I discovered years later that posibly contributed to this. One I wasn't drinking enough fluid each day and 2 I had back problems.
So from 6 weeks when he was screaming from hunger the doctor recomended formular and he never looked back. He is now 15 and is the healthyist person in the family. He has been sick maybe 3 days in his life. He rides a 14 km round trip to school each day even in winter and is so fit and strong it surprises most people. So formular certainly didn't hold him back. With my second son I went to a chiropractor through most or my pregnancy and she made sure the issue with my back was resolved before I gave birth. I breast fed him till 9 months and by then he wanted more solid food than milk so used formular for a little while to suppliment his food. He has asthma and has had arthritis since 15 months. Untill 6 months ago he was on really heavy drugs to control inflamation through most of his body which then gave him a lower immunity and skin problems. he is finally out growing it with puberty and is now alot healthier. With this baby I will breast feed but I have to believe that in some cases formular has its place. Is my first son healthier because of it? I don't know. Everyone needs to decided what is right for them and NO ONE else has the right to judge a person just because they don't agree with their decision. Good luck this time around LivMcD. I hope if you do breast feed it is a nicer experience for you. |
Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 11:07am
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Thank you Cinderella, that was a really helpful answer and it makes me feel like I may be able to do it 2nd time around. The reason I am justifying formula is because sometime it is the only optin for some mothers, and they are made to feel guilty and a bad mum by Plunket, other mums etc. because they cannot breast fed. When I say formula is just as good - what I mean is my DD is a healthy happy baby, and is going so well for her age, and from what I gather this would have happened whether she had breastmilk or formula. I am proud of my descion and I am only giving it so little time because I am not running myself into the ground like last time. I will give it a good go this time because breat is best blah blah blah Thank you to all who gave me non-biased answers, and actually helped me and didnt make me feel bad about my descion. No need to reply again ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 12:09pm
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You sound kind of defensive about your decision. You don't need to be. You're the only person who can make it, because you're the only person who's living your life and has been in your position.
All other things being equal, breastfeeding is best. All other things rarely are  -------------   
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Posted By: Harley
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 1:49pm
Liv - I think we must have been going through similar things at the same time with our girls! I really struggled with BF and DD's weight had dropped more than 10% by the time we got home from Birthcare. I feel like I missed out on bonding with her in the early days because it was just feed, express, sleep, feed, express, sleep. And the feeding was even more painful than labour sometimes! But it came right after a month. However her weight gain was never very good and by 6 months she had dropped to the 5th percentile for her age, and by 7 months I was still feeding her every 3 hours up until her dream feed, and she was sleeping 5 times a day! It frustrates me that no one told me it could be my milk supply, and when I did wean her onto formula I did so within 2 days, with not a single drop of milk leaking from me when I switched breastfeeding to bottle, which tells me my milk supply must have been really low. I feel a bit guilty about that now, that I didn't change things sooner, so my lesson I've learnt from it all (which I think someone else has said too) is that next time round I'll be more confident in making decisions, and realizing I have options. And I'll be a supportive April mummy no matter what the outcome is  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 24 September 2011 at 2:02pm
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Thanks Harley that really means alot! I think if you can breastfed that is awesome, I just hope that other ladies out there understand there are other options and they are not bad mums if they cant breastfed. Luckly I had an awesome MW who really supported my descion ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 11:37am
| I'm not being harsh or judgy when i write this - but it took me over 3 months before i could breastfeed my boy successfully. I had no supply issues but he was a 'bad' latcher and had a tounge tie that remained uncut until he was 2 months old. We feed with no problems today though. If you want to breastfeed, my advice would be to give it longer then 2 weeks, book in to see a lactation consultant and consider a group like LLL for support. Things are different with a second baby, and you might not have the same problems again :) |
Posted By: Bky
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 12:42pm
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I had a lot of the same issues you describe, but my MW's and everyone I went to did some kind of awful combination of telling me I wasn't trying hard enough or brushed me off. It kind of had the opposite effect of making me so flipping mad I carried on out of pure stubbornness and found my own way (needed to top up until 7 months, used an at breast supplementer). So I totally get you wanting to set limits. I think it's a good idea personally, though I'd agree with some of the previous posters in maybe giving it a bit longer. I've probably gone the other route and armed myself with lots of information (I suspect a tongue tie in our case, though it could have been low supply as I have markers for that). I've also set limits as well, if I need to exclusively express in the future I'm just not going to. I'll stop right there because I know it doesn't work well for me and it's not fair to DD.
On that note, I was not impressed with Plunket on this topic. I was possibly bullied into topping up by my midwives, but I got quite the telling off for doing so from my Plunket nurse when she showed up at 5 weeks. But then she had no idea where I could get help, and when we got back to exclusive BF (at 7.5 months) and I mentioned it (being a bit proud of myself) at the 8 month appointment I was told that BF wasn't beneficial any more so I might as well stop. ------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015 |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 1:07pm
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The only thing I'd add is your comment about being totally stressed out and hardly eating is probably a major contributor to why you had a low supply. My dairy farmer friends have kindly reminded me I should be eating like a lactating cow whilst BF - and they are quite right! Eating and drinking well makes a big difference. As does stress, although that's a harder one to combat, but hopefully having some limits around how long you *have* to try for might ease that a bit.
I hope you find it easier this time around ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: InthemiddleMummy
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 1:23pm
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Every baby and every mum is different.
Here is my friends and my story. If you dont want to b.f that is your choice, its not your MW or your plunket lady or your mums, its your choice. My friend didnt really enjoy BF at all, had a lot of sore nipples and felt all the pressures the first time around. 2nd baby her and her husband made the decision to feed for max of 2weeks to ensure bubs got colustrum then changed to FF. It worked well for her, cos she got the decision in her head whilst pregnant she was confident with her decision. With me I was bit more see what happens, I had no great plan, I took each day as it went. I BF using nipple shields for 8months then further 5months un-assisted with DD1, DD2 was 3months N/S then further 6months without. I was a bit different and only BF off one side per feed. theory is then they get all the fore milk and hind milk, rather than just getting fore milk from both sides. It worked for us so I stuck with that. I choose routine feeding over demand feeding (which is another controversy in itself) so I feed 3hourly during the day until bubs was on solids and it worked really well bubs thrived. I knew I could go to shops for 2hours without having to stop and get my boobs out randomly. I knew babys digestive system was regulated to "know" when the milk was coming and she gained well and slept well. DD2 slept really well early thru the night 12wks she did 7pm to 7am, DD1 was 5months but I mostly demand feed as didnt know you could routine BF. With bubs no3 due any day I will again see what happens, my preference is too routine BF as I see the benefits were fantastic with DD2, but Just cos BF was "easy" for first 2 bubbys doesnt mean it will be this time, so Im not worried if it doesnt work this time there is supermarket around the corner fully stocked with FF if we need it, we will do that, I wont feel less of a mother in anyway. You just gotta go with the flow and do what works for you and your baby, dont worry about the "jones" so to speak! |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 1:36pm
Ergh this type of talk is what puts the pressure on to BF in the first place! Yeah breastmilk has more benefits in *MOST* cases (if the mother is eating right, drinking enough and not taking anything that could harm the baby - I make that point because people often have really crap diets, don't drink enough water and yes these days there are a high precentage of mothers who take either illicit drugs or even just meds that aren't brill for baby) but actually formula IS just as good at making sure the babies tummy is full, they have the basic nutrients required and they thrive. It really annoys me when people, intentionally or otherwise, push the breast is best guilt trip. IMO its causing alot more unhappy, guilt-driven mummies than it is causing great BFing bonding experiences. -------------
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 1:38pm
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Hey thanks to the ladies for the last couple of comments! I love the lactating cow comment! Very true about eating alot and I did try my best coz I was always so damn hungry! I guess 2 weeks is probably a bit too short but I guess Im just not one of those women that like/enjoy breastfeeding so I guess getting it into my head that as long as they get the colostrum, Im happy with my descion that if it doesnt work Im happy with formula. As for Plunket, already decided I am not going to them with this little one - I hardly have seen them anyway with DD but when I did they are so bloody judgemental of everything I did grrr! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 1:43pm
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For what it's worth, I did NOT enjoy breastfeeding in the first two weeks - probably for the first month, in fact. And although I have nothing to compare it to, I tend to consider myself as having had no more than the 'average' learning curve with both Bubs and me getting the hang of what to do. So if it helps, I don't think you need to assume you're 'not one of those women that like/enjoy breastfeeding' because you didn't in the first two weeks. I think it would be rare woman who did love it from the word go, learning any new skill is hard work at first. -------------
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 2:51pm
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Thank you Babe! That is exactly why I got my defences up, I feel exactly the same as you. Yes most of the time breast is best, but what if you dont have enough of it to feed your child?? Thats what happened to me. And Hopes if you read my first post, I wrote that actually breastfed for 4 months with DD and would have gone longer (because plunket, other mums etc guilt trips) but DD decided to wean herself off and everytime I tried to latch her she would scream. So I do understand those first two weeks are the hardest even the first month, sore nipples, getting the hang of it etc. But because after every b/f (which would usually last 40 mins) she would still be starving, I found it hard to enjoy because my baby wasnt getting the sufficeint amount of nutrients. I shudder to think what my happy healthy DD would be like today if my MW didnt suggest I tried supplementing her with formula because I didnt have enough milk. I think a happy and healthy mum = to a happy and healthy baby. I am really hoping by some miracle that this time around ill have an abbundance of breast milk and I wont have to top up, but if I do, I know it works :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 3:39pm
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I did read it, but the other day... and I'd obviously misread because I'd thought you'd only breastfed for two weeks. My bad -------------
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 4:14pm
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All good Hopes, just dont want people to think I didnt give it a good go :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: InthemiddleMummy
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 4:54pm
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liv
meant to say that with the nipple shields (use the smallest size for newborn) you dont get sore/bleeding/cracked nipples) and it doesnt hurt like a vice clamp is on your nipple each time you feed. The MW "gave them to me as last resort" day 3/4 in hosp when she still wouldnt latch, I got told how they reduce your milk flow and blah blah bad for nipple confusion waa whatever. Another good thing about nipple shields is baby doesnt gag from milk spraying into there throat as it "pools" in the teat part of the shield. Anyway with DD2 i feed the colostrum without them then once milk in I definately needed them and I recommend them, although like anything there are many against them. I found they worked well for me & my first 2 babys. Anyway might be something to try if it interests you, Start using them before the soreness settles in, IMO> remeber thou this is just one mum to another mum, im not the LLL who properly shun them, I just wanted to let you know BF was made less painful and simpler by me by using nipple shields and routine feeding, but each to there own choices, you the mum and its your baby, you decide whats best for you both. |
Posted By: InthemiddleMummy
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 4:57pm
| And at the end of the day a HAPPY MUMMY makes a HAPPY BABY, So if BF or FF makes you HAPPY then go with what works. |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 5:31pm
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Nipple shields were a lifesaver here, too - although I'd be a bit reluctant to use them with an already low milk supply. I had excess, so it didn't really matter, and they really helped Jacob latch. -------------
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Posted By: Puddleduck
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 5:41pm
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No advice for you really Liv, just wanted to day good luck
I'll be taking formula to the hospital next time. With DS I didn't sleep for 3 days after he was born because he was literally starving and fed constantly. He lost 500g in the first 3 days and I was super stressed. When he was finally given formula on day 4 we both got a much needed sleep. After that one top up we managed to sort ourselves out and breastfeed successfully (still going). So anyways I'm trying to say that maybe a little topping up in the beginning might help? It sounds like you had a hell of a time first time round though - getting to 4 months must have been a mission and I can completely understand not wanting/being able to do the same with a toddler in tow. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 5:56pm
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Haha yeah I wondered if that was where you were coming from Liv. I hated BFing with #2, he stopped growing at 36 wks and was born with no fat stores so it was constant feeding, constantly and while he latched on like a trooper, I had tons of milk, no sore nipples (except for an excruciating bout of thrush - o.m.g!!!) and everything went smoothly the constant having to stop what I was doing to top up his tummy did my head in. I felt like I never had any breathing space and personal space - what was that? I either had a baby latched on, a toddler needing some love or a DH wanting some cuddles and quality time (just time y'know not BDing lol) and I felt soooo trapped. The guilt outweighed it all though. I felt so awful that I didn't have any issues yet still hated it, I felt like I was failing Ty by weaning him and I felt like 'breast was the ONLY best'. It was such a relief when he went onto a bottle at 8.5 monthes!!!
I believe breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed your child and yes I will attempt it again with the next bubs because FX this time baby will have good fat stores (like DS1) and not need to feed every half an hour!! But I really feel strongly that the breast is best mantra has been taken too far. With nipple shields I used them with #1. We only BF'd for 6/7 weeks and I couldn't get him latched without them (undiagnosed tonguetie) BUT as a warning to anyone using them I wasn't told that the shields aren't effective in draining the breast so I got a horrible case of mastitis, ended up on ABs and poor Jake had a massive penicillen reaction and ended up in hospital at which point I was a wise mama and said screw this and put him on a bottle  my advice and what I would do if I used them again would be to pump out my breasts every couple of days. Worth keeping in mind anyway -------------
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 6:47pm
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Thanks for that Puddleduck, I was in exactly the same boat as you were! As for the nipple shields, I would be definitly up for trying them if I have a latching problem, but with DD it was more of a low milk supply than anything. And thanks Babe for the great advice, I am also under the impression that the breast is best mantra has gone far to far and new mums are so guilted into doing this and nothing else. I felt absolutly guilty and like the worst mum in the world when I had to buy that first tin of formula, but when I saw how well DD reacted to it, I was hooked! At least I know now that I cant be guilted into doing something that wont benefit myself or bubs if its just not working. Lets hope in say 10 months time I can come back on here and let ya's know how it went! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 7:08pm
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you know Im just gonna put it out there....
Breastfeeding Mums dont go without there fair share of advice, comments, hardship and predjudice either, so Im not really into he breastfeeding mums just think they are so much better the FF mums blah blah. The predjudice i only there if you choose to jump on that bandwagon. Know your rights, make your decision based on educated information and just do what feels right for you. In my case, with both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, I made a decision and got on with it. If you are blaming others for feeling guilty stop taking their bull on board. ------------- http://lilypie.com]
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Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 7:20pm
| I swear i am not some crazy league pusher but they're not shunning nipple shields, in fact there is a woman at my local still feeding a 2 year old with shields. I really only came back in to check i hadnt inadvertantly offended someone. Its such a sensitive topic. Liv, good luck!! I hope things go well for you both x |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 7:49pm
Hey chick,I had a crappy time when feeding my first daughter,persevered and made it to 13 months,but she was on formula topups from a few weeks old. My son though,latched on at birth and fed like a dream until he self weaned himself at 9months,was like night and day.... My third baby was a nightmare to feed,I had mastitis and thrush and was too sore to even walk around (which resulted in me getting a blood clot in my leg) when the MW suggested putting her on formula as well I was all for it,formula definitely has its place,I couldn't have gotten through the first couple of weeks without it. I think you will find that being a mum for a second time,you are a lot better at knowing its noone's business how you feed your baby but yours and just because people have advice,or views and opinions,doesn't mean you have to listen to them,at the end of the day,formula or breasfeeding,you are getting your child fed,and thats what counts
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Posted By: troutpout
Date Posted: 25 September 2011 at 8:46pm
First, huge huge praise for you for doing all that you could to give it a good go, and even though it didn't work out you tried everything and that's what I think matters 
I was very lucky, and actually had an oversupply, so I had my own issues to deal with due to my oversupply causing DD to frequently projectile vomit because her little tummy couldn't swallow it quickly enough! But I know plenty of people who had the opposite problem like you, and I know how heartbreaking it was. Anyways, here is a link to a pretty interesting article on the subject, hope you find some helpful stuff in there. http://www.mobimotherhood.org/MM/article-LMS.aspx - low milk linky Huge hugs, and best of luck with your new bubba! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Dally
Date Posted: 26 September 2011 at 11:09am
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You have to do what is right for you & baby. "Happy mum = happy baby" is my moto!!
I too had an oversupply so had to deal with constant engorment for 5 months until things finally started settling down (so much for 6 weeks like everyone said!)! I will certainly be introducing a bottle next time round & I'm not fased wether its EBM or formula! I made the mistake of not doing that with DS & I had NO freedom until we started weaning which was a 4 and a half month process! |
Posted By: pudgy
Date Posted: 26 September 2011 at 1:55pm
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The best thing you can do is educate yourself Go to a LLL meeting now, before you have baby. Gather all the information you can. Get a support network in place, people to cook meals, clean the house, fold washing etc.
Check out this Www.kellymom.com - Kellymom Learn how breastfeeding works, supply- demand etc and how introducing tops ups and affect supply. I personally don't think two weeks is a fair shot, more like 6-8 . Prepare yourself mentally. Have a plan in place with your mw and gp ( Is it the gp who can prescribe the llikes of domperidone ? ) in case it doesn't work well. Make sure befo the birth you have protein rich snacks available, nuts, eggs etc. Make some la tation cookies and buy some complan. Educating yourself is the best way to prepare. That and having a plan you can follow. Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby , and being able to breastfeed is worth working for ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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