Is it too late?

[Natissa35]

Hello, I'm a first time mom with a 2 month old son. My son latched fine in the hospital, but when we got home he wouldn't latch. My Dr. suggested to pump and feed him w/ a bottle (which I wish I would've never done). My milk is going away and we have started supplementing w/ formula, which is causing my son digestive issues. Is it too late to get back to breast feeding only? Also any advice on getting him to latch, he seems to get so upset when I try.

[Nurseliz]

Hi there,
In my opinion, it is never too late. I just gave a lengthy post on another thread that I will move over here addressing this topic exactly.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com

[Nurseliz]

Due to some confusion with the last post. Can you clarify what your desired outcome is?
1. Do you want to stop bottles all together and exclusively breastfeed?
or
2. Do you want to increase your supply so that you can offer more EXPRESSED breastmilk in a bottle?
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconstultant.com

[Natissa35]

Either one is better then formula, but I would really like to just breast feed.

[Nurseliz]

These suggestions are based on the assumption you want to not give bottles anymore and go to exclusive breastfeeding.
I will add these steps since the baby does not suckle at all.
A. Begin pumping for 20-30 minutes every 2 hours during the day and 4 hours during the night.
B. Start Fenugreek and Blessed thistle orally http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/herbs.html
Once you have your supply up to NEAR what baby is taking (within an ounce or so)then
C. Make an appointment with a la leche league leader
Then start the following process:


1. Stop bottle all together. NO MORE BOTTLES.
2. Feed the baby at the breast with an SNS (supplemental nursing system) of only 20-30 ml at the most) over 30-40 minutes. Suckling will help to stimulate milk supply AND reinforce latch/feed to baby. Yes, baby will want to feed again, soon but this is a good thing to get your supply back up.
3. Pump for 10 minutes after every feeding. (with a good double electric pump :lansinoh, ameda or medela : consider renting one if you cant afford a new one)Even if nothing is coming out, which I would predict be the case. DEMAND MORE by stimulating.
4. Plan to feed every 2 hours (or sooner if baby is hungry) 24 hours a day until your supply is re-established. No long stretches at night, maybe 4 hours at the most but better if every 2. It will take 48-72 hours in most cases to get your full supply back. I call it a nursing holiday. Plan on doing little else BUT nursing for an entire weekend. Just relax, snuggle, nurse, nap, repeat.
PLEASE follow the earlier posts and find a local lactation consultant or la leche leader who will support you during this process.

You can do it!
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com