getting back to breastfeeding...

[carolynb]

Hello,

My son is 7 weeks old and at about 4 weeks old he hurt my nipples while breastfeeding. I began pumping and giving him the breast milk in a bottle. I had every intention of getting back to BF when my nipples healed but it's not working out so well. He will nurse for an hour and only extract about 1.5 ounces of milk before pulling at the nipple and becoming very agitated. He needs about 4-5 oz. (which is how much I usually pump out) so I still end up pumping and giving him the rest in a bottle. He feeds appx every 3 hours. I feel like I am constantly attached to the pump and I really miss the intimate feeling and convenience of BF. I need to get back to it, I am not sure how much longer I can torture myself with constant pumping. This is not how I envisioned BF to be.

I will gladly take any help and suggestions

Thanks,

CarolynB

[caryn]

I would find a lactation consultant in your area to help him to adjust back to the breast. Try massaging the chest wall forward on the breast he is on while he is nursing - this should improve the flow.
The sore nipples could be simply positioning him turned into you,belly to belly, with him getting a deep latch - or perhaps an oral anatomical anomaly that needs to be examined (tongue tie, recessed chin, etc.) so check into being seen by a local IBCLC.

[carolynb]

He does latch on and I do massage the breast while he is feeding. He was fine at nursing the first few weeks before my nipples got sore. In your professional opinion, do you think that I have a good chance of getting him back on the breast and if so how long do you think this transition may take?

I will definately contact a LC in my area. If you know of any in the Baltimore, MD area I would appreciate the contact info.

Thanks very much.

[caryn]

This site has a map that you can use to locate an IBCLC :)
If you have a good supply, which appears you do, I would suggest trying to latch him on w/ a nipple shield, and pumping after each nursing session as well.

[TARI]

I was in the same boat. Had to switch to Medela bottles and bought low-flow nipples to simulate the breast. After about 7 weeks on the bottle, he was ready to go back on the breast no problems. Are you using slow flow?

[carolynb]

Since he could nurse for one hour before getting bored with feeding do you suggest I let him nurse that long or just 15-20 min on each side?

[carolynb]

Tari-

I am using a playtex slow flow nipple on the bottle but it does not seem slow at all. The milk flows very generously from it. I am glad to hear your son reacclamated to the breast, I hope I have the same results. :)

[TARI]

the avent were the same for the flow, said it was slow flow but they were not slow enough! The Medelas can be turned upside down and nothing will come out of them. My little guy now prefers the breast over the bottle, I think the nipple is easier, lol. Good luck, I really hope he can get back on there for you!

[carolynb]

Thanks for the support! How long did you have to use the Medela bottles before you were able to get him back on the breast?

[TARI]

about 3 weeks. one day I just tried to put him back on the breast and he took. I was relieved. I had to pump and feed and pump and feed for so long. No sleep which did not help. Don't give up.

[caryn]

TARI you rock

[TARI]

lol and you roll!

[caryn]

yes I do - often!