Breastfeeding after failing twice

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a success story? Tried for Baby No. 1 and gave up after a week. I think I was just not prepared. Second time around, I saw a lactation consultant twice, but felt like I was constantly feeding and never producing enough. Gave up after two weeks.

I swore I'd just skip right to formula this time, and yet here I am contemplating BF again ...

[Anonymous]

I hear ya'. I failed twice, for pretty much the same reasons as you, and if I had a third (which I won't) I would definitely try again. You are not crazy. If you are anything like me, you will feel guilty if you don't at least try. Now that you really know what you are getting yourself into that should help. However, I had a hard enough trying to do it with #2 when #1 was always bothering me, don't know how people do it with babies #3, 4,5 etc!

[Anonymous]

I had not such a great experience with DC#1, BF'ed for 2 months with formula supplementing along the way, promised my self with #2 it would be better. . .just didn't happen, I pumped for #2 7-8 times a day (yes call me crazy) and also supplemented. While some nursing nazis will tell you to exclusive BF your child, I'm happy knowing that they got good stuff from me and mom was happy because others could give a bottle along the way while mom could rest. Should you try again, only if you want to. . .depending upon the other childrens' ages, could be quite tough.

[Anonymous]

Can't say that I failed twice b.c. I only have one child but I definitely failed with my first. DS is 7 weeks old and I just "threw in the towel". It has totally eaten me alive and broken my heart. All for the exact reasons that you mentioned. Sad thing is I hired a LC ("the best" Pat Shelly) and she could not help me with my supply. It kills me to read about women with problems with strong letdown..... I hope I will get over it soon. It's so hard when all you read is "breast is best" and when professionals make you feel guilty about not bfing (like I didn't try or something).

Guess it's good to know we are not alone in this process. Do whatever works best for you!! Good luck

[Anonymous]

I just spoke with a girlfriend who had her third in February... six months later she is still breastfeeding and didn't with either one or two! She said she found this time she was just really willing to stick with it longer and finally they both got the hang of it. I think she said it was around the 6 week mark or so.... She is soooooo glad so did it this time!

[Anonymous]

Definitely try again! I had a very hard time with baby #1. We both suffered greatly for those first 5-6 weeks (amazing we made it that far even) but I found that support is key. Lactation consultants, your pediatrician, your husband, friends who've done it and can help you....any support you can get. One other note on supply - I learned from the lactation consultants that you essentially "set" your supply in those first few days. So try to get the baby latched on and sucking away as often as possible in those first few days and weeks. That is your best shot at securing your maximal supply. I had a non-latcher, so I was encouraged to pump after each attempted session. I gave the baby the pumped milk, but tried to get him to latch on each side (mostly unsuccessfully) for each feeding. It was a full time job and so tiring, but ultimately worth it. By 6 weeks, we both "got it" and were on our way.

In addition, be sure you are eating and drinking adequately. I know how hard it is to do in those early days, but it can really make a difference in your supply not to mention your energy. Regular meals, plenty to drink. Good luck to you! I hope you have a better experience this time.

[Anonymous]

Find another LC, go to LLL meetings, use the LC's at the hospital until they won't see you anymore, read books, consider supplementing at breast to increase your supply, use an on-line support group. It can be done. I had low supply with my first due to past breast reduction surgery. I used an at-breast supplementer so my baby got enough and it built up my supply. Let the baby nurse all the time, for food and for comfort. Yes, you will feel like all you are doing is feeding for awhile but it will get better!