Breastfeeding Preemie from Bottle to Breast? How to Get Rid of Bottle?

B.,

I don't have any answers for you, but it looks like you did get some good advice. The only thing I can say is that it is super important for you as the Mom to relax. Nursing is really hard (for many of us) if you are stressed out... and it sounds like you are (understandably!!). Anyway, I just wanted to send you a note of encouragement and let you know you are doing a great job! Pumping and nursing are both hard work at first... hang in there.

Jessica

I know you said you've gone to lactation consultants. Is there any way of taking your daughter with you and getting her to latch on and eat with the help of a lactation consultant. Sorry I'm not much help. I had the opposite problem with both kids. They both hated the bottle and preffered to breastfeed.

I had the same problem, and didn't get anywhere until I met with a lactation consultant. I highly recommend taking up the previous poster's offer, or if costs/coverage is a concern you can get a really good book and accompanying video from the La Leche League International on how to feed a premie. As for the consultant who helped me, she set me up with something called a "nursing trainer" which is a special nursing bottle you wear that has tubing that you wear on your breast to help babies that a weak nursers get accostomed to breastfeeding. It worked for me very well. Go to the following link to see/buy one, if you surf that site, you will find the book and video too, just go to the "shop" page and then cliick on "special needs"...these are kinda pricey here, but if you order through a consultant or hospital, you can get one at a reduced price...or without the extras;

http://store.llli.org/public/profile/139

She also showed me how to use liquid droppers and feeding cups (they look like the little plastic dosage cups that come with cough syrup) to also help get the baby used to taking the breast.

It is a really tough process, and somewhat exhausting I know because you get worried about dehydration and more. Just hang in there! If you need more help, on the same site I mentioned above www.llli.org you can also search your area for a mom support group. Often the groups are made up of everyone from lactation consultants to moms like yourself (some who have been trained to help with breastfeeding issues too) and the best part is its free advice and help..AND you meet other moms like yourself.

I hope this helps. If you have questions you can PM me.

Hi B.,
I am a lactation counselor and my best advice is to go into a lactation consultant's office now and have them help you through a complete feeding. If you are in the twin cities you could call Abbott-Norhtwestern's Infant Feeding Center at ###-###-####. Otherwise, the hospital you delivered at, or that discharged her should be able to refer you to a lactation consultant. La Leche League is another source of support, though volunteer based and I believe that their website is www.lalecheleague.org.

I would also recommend starting feedings when she is sleepy and not super hungry, she may be more agreeable to trying the breast then. Spending lots of time with your bare skin against her bare skin (wear her inside your shirt, with her naked except for diaper) can help, too.

An option that has helped some people in similar situations is to use a nipple shield. These devices do have drawbacks (potential to reduce milk supply, damage nipple if used incorrectly) and should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant but they are available online and at some stores like babies r us.

I know this is a very tough time. I am sure it is exhausting to be up so often in the night, and it must be very difficult to struggle at each feeding with your baby. If you can hang in there, and get help, it is very likely that your breastfeeding problems can be solved and that you will be able to feed your baby with less work than it takes now. No matter how things turn out though, feeding-wise, she is a lucky baby to have such a loving and caring mother. Best wishes to you.

This is a difficult time (been there) but it does get better. Breastfeeding was really hard at first for me, and the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at was not the greatest help, so I went to a different hospital to the lactation consultants. I think I saw 5-6 different ones and they all helped in different ways. I would recommend seeing more than one. Also, offer the breast before she is really hungry, she may be less frustrated that way. Like some one else said, skin to skin contact, and wearing your baby in a sling or other carrier may help. You didn't say if you are using a pacifier; I have read that babies who use a paci can get their sucking needs met there, and are less likely to nurse as well. I'm not saying that pacifier use and breastfeeding can't go together, but when you are having difficulties, it may be something to consider holding off on til breastfeeding is established.
When I pump, I read, because it is relaxing to me. I know that only works if someone is helping with the baby, but another idea for you. Also, relaxing music helps.

Most important, do what is right for you & your daughter. Don't feel guilty about whatever you do, you sound like a wonderful, caring mommy! Good luck and if you want to talk to someone who's been there, send me a message! I'd be happy to just listen!

B.,

I feel for you and your baby! Before I had my little one I planned to breastfeed for a min of 9 months...then my little one was born at 32 weeks and he would only take a bottle. My plans changed. I pumped and then feed him by bottle for as long as I could. It was a very long process. If you switch to formula start with half and half until your breast milk is gone. My little one adjusted well when I made the switch. Since switching to formula I have had more time to play with my little man and I am not as stressed.

Please try not to be frazzed, take time to enjoy your new little one and if it means to stop pumping then so be it. Time is too precious to be stressed about it.

Take care of your new little addition!