Quitting Breastfeeding????

Do you quit everything that seems hard? I thought not. But it sounds like there are a few things that you can do for yourself.

I would schedule a visit with a lactation consultant about the latching. At 8 weeks this really shouldn't be hurting at all (I don't think). You want to make sure your son really gets a big huge mouthful of your breast - if he doesn't, take him off and re-latch.

Babies go through growth spurts and so there are, unfortuantely, times when you probably *are* feeding him a lot. But your son may be a lazy eater (taking 45 minutes to finish a meal rather than 20-30, for example), or he may not be getting much milk b/c of a poor latch. Another possibility is that he may be used to "snacking" and never really gets properly full. The problem with this is that the milk he gets first tends to be less fatty so it won't stick with him as long. If you haven't been alternating which breast he starts on, you should do this. Also, you can try feeding him on just one side per meal. Let him *completely* empty the side before you switch.

For the "lazy eater" issue you'll just need to find a way to keep him awake through the meal - tickle his feet, undress him, rub his tummy etc.

As for not pumping when he has a bottle - you really need to do this or the whole supply/demand thing doesn't work. For example, if you go out shopping and come back and he had 1 4 oz bottle while you were gone, you should really take the time to go pump 4 oz either before or during your next feeding (with a little coordination you can hand pump on one side while he eats off the other - you get A LOT of milk this way because he takes care of the let-down for you). Or if you're out for more than about 3 hours bring the hand pump with you. You can always pump in a bathroom stall (not glamourous, but it is ok). And if you bring a lid for the collection bottle you can probably even just bring it back with you. Breastmilk is ok for up to 8 hours at room temp.

If you're with him most of the time you really don't need an electric pump, IMHO (I only got one when I went back to work full time - used a hand pump for the occasional missed feeding).

I would not give this up just yet. DO talk to someone - either a lactation consultant or a good friend who has successfully breastfed a child (maybe your mom breastfed you?). It sounds like the latch issue is one you need to work on. This shouldn't be hurting by now. Good luck - hang in there - it gets better I promise!

ps - you are NOT a bad mother if you decide to give up. But I really do think that breastfeeding is worth the effort - in many situations it is so much easier than bottle feeding would be. It's a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It's great snuggle time. It's cheaper than formula. You *always* have food with you - it's always at the right temperature and ready to go instantly. It's wonderful comfort for your baby (after shots, for example). It's an amazing way to lose your baby weight. It's healthy for your baby.

Hi M.,

I breastfed my daughter for 4.5 months. I returned to work just 10 weeks after she was born (now 10 mos). A couple of things to note...are your nipples black and blue? This happened to me and the nurse told me she wasn't latching on properly. Once I got the hang of it, it went away. As for the soreness, that goes away too. I put Lasinoh gel on after my showers. It just takes some time. It's hard to tell how much they are getting. I started my daughter on a bottle (breastmilk) at 4 weeks because I had to go to work. I liked it this way because it was easier to know how much she was getting. Pumping....it might not be too late. Call your hospital and see if you can rent one. I also had the Avent hand pump. Going out.....I couldn't do it either. The first time I went out I didn't realize I needed to pump about 3 hours later. I was sooo engorged and had to rush home. I took her to the mall once and unfortuneatley, people don't quite understand breastfeeding in public (I was in a corner and totally covered up). Ohhh adn formula is sooo expensive :o)

One thing to remember...something someone said to me and it's so true. Charish all of those nights when you are up nursing. It's only the two of you awake and the house is soooo quiet. I miss that soooo much.

M.:

you are sore because there is a problem with the latch - not because you did not use some cream.

he is nursing constantly because he is not latched properly and so is not getting enough to eat when he is at the breast so he is there more often.

a pump will not fix the problem.

see a lactation consultant who can help you with this. you can look on the ilca ( international lactation consultant association) website. www.ilca.org

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

It probably doesn't just SEEM that you are feeding him all the time, you probably are. That's totally normal. He could be going through a growth spurt or just a ravenous nurser. YOu shouldn't be sore though by 8 weeks post-partum. I agree with other posters, you should see a lactation consultant. It's well worth it and your insurance may cover it if you're lucky. Check out your local LLL meetings, I have found them incredibly helpful and supportive. It sometimes seems that no one else around you breastfeeds until you go to a meeting. Also, depending on where you delivered, they may have a breastfeeding support group that is usually free. I know that hindsdale hospital has one. Also, if you go to Cafemom.com and join the breastfeeeding group, you can get a lot of advice from the moms there.

From my experience, and I've had 18 months experience, breastfeeding is so very worth it. the bond you have with your child is immeasurable and amazing. You also lose weight a lot faster than if you were bottlefeeding. That's just one of the perks. Try and stick with it, it gets easier and they eventually can go more than 10 minutes at a time without wanting to nurse.
Also, try a sling, it's really helpful when you have another child to take care of or want to go out and don't want to lug a heavy car seat around. The baby can nurse whenever it wants and it benefits from being so close to you all day too.
Good luck, it's hard work but then so is being a mother anyway.

Contact your local La Leche League or a lactation consultant. They should be able to assist you with your unique issues.

Everyone has different views of breastfeeding and reasons why they continue or stop. You need to decide what is best for you and your family. If it is to continue breastfeeding, then enjoy it. If it is to discontinue breastfeeding, you have not failed as a mother nor should you beat yourself up with guilt.

Breastfeeding or formula, your child will grow up just fine. There are benefits to both mom and baby for each.

I went through all of this and stuck with it and I am so glad. Yes nursing will make your nipples sore. You may need to check with a LC to make sure the latching is correct. Try the silicone gel things that you can put on your nipples to help. They feel so good!! Your newborn is nursing a lot and that is normal. It is called cluster feeding and they will do this at certain points when they are having growth spurts and it will end and then it will resemble a more regular nursing schedule. I dreaded nursing in the beginning and it was because of the pain. My husband supported me and I went to the LC and it got much better. By the 3rd month things were great and I wasn't in any pain any longer. I am am SO glad I continued with it and I was able to nurse my son until he was 13 months. It really is much easier and cheaper in the end. But the most wonderful things in life don't come easy and nursing is one of them. Good luck with your decision but know that all you mentioned is normal and a visit to LC will really help you with the nursing and with your confidence in doing it!!