Please help! Breastfeeding problems?

Question

I have heard and read so much about how the more you feed the more milk you'll produce. Well, my baby (11 days) doesn't seem to be getting enough milk no matter what. Today I spent from 11 am till 3 pm breastfeeding on and off and at 3 pm he was still hungry. What am I doing wrong? I feel so upset and I cry because I feel like c**p for not being able to breastfeed my baby. He is hungry all the time even after feedings. Some mothers make it sound so easy, but for me is h**l and it has been since the day he was born. He damaged my nipples and the first 3 days I would hurt so much through feedings. It still hurts now but not as much. I had in plan to breastfeed exclusively but it's becoming almost impossible for me.

Answer 1

Go to target and buy breast shields the are a God send!

I promise you"ll love them! They are just silicone covers for your nipples! They make it easier for the baby to latch on and he will start getting more milk! DONT GIVE UP YET!

Be sure to drink alot of water and make sure you are eating enough!

Answer 2

I was never able to breastfeed exclusively because my nipples would blister so easily and the pain was unbearable.  I ended up having to pump and use bottles.  If you are worried that he isn't getting enough, pump and use bottles to be sure.  If need be, supplement with formula.  The baby won't care.  If he's hungry, he'll eat whatever is in the bottle.  You can even mix milk with formula to make the transition easier.

Above all.  Don't blame yourself.  I know that's easier said than done, but you know you are doing your best.  That's all you can do.  If you have to supplement with formula, it doesn't make you a bad mother.  It makes you a great mother because you are doing whatever you have to in order to make sure your baby is well fed.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Remember that.

I feel for you.  Good luck.

P.S.  Message me if you need to talk about anything.

Answer 3

I have had problems nursing from the get go. My first son I made it till 5 weeks. With my second I am at 6 and a half months. know that your milk is still coming in talk to a lactation consultant most hospitals have them. Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things to do. People tell you that it is natural but I think it takes a lot of work on yours and the babies part. Lack of sleep is playing a big part in it too. Things might get better but if it doesn't know that you tryed and that is all that matters. Yes formula doesn't have all the stuff breast milk does but it is still good for them.

Answer 4

First off well done for at least trying to breastfeed. I am going to suggest that perhaps because your baby is so young that maybe you are misreading the cues your baby is giving you. Maybe your baby is using you for comfort - just sucking to soothe them self. Watch how your baby sucks - are they good big sucks, are they doing lots of swallowing, or are they little sucks here and there. Often if you watch how your baby drinks you will be better able to distinguish if they are really hungry.

Also make sure it isn't something else - gas, colic, reflux, overtired, dirty nappy. All those kinds of things. It will get easier to determine what your baby wants/needs.

Alternatively it could be the latch. If your baby isn't latched correctly this will hinder their efforts to get milk from your b*****s.

You should see a professional for help to determine that what you think is the problem is really the problem. If your nipples get really sore take a break and pump for a feed here or there. Short term pumping will give you a break and keep up your milk supply. My nipples felt like they were getting sliced off for the first few weeks, but it did get better. It is still not perfect but it is bearable. My baby is growing well and has not needed supplements. I too wanted to quit in the beginning everything with breast feeding is so hard, but it is what I really wanted to do and I kept up with it and am so happy I can give my baby the best.

Good luck with whatever you decide! As long as your baby has a full belly all will be ok!

Answer 5

Have you talked to a health nurse? They are helpful with these things.

Answer 6

Hi sweetie, I feel for you!! Im a mum of 3 and I too found brestfeeding difficult. You expect it to be easy but it isnt and you sre not alone. I recomment you get a breastpump. I used a AVENT manual one. It works well and i could express about 60ml in total from both breast in the beginning. This will give your nipples some time to heal and still giving baby breast milk. If you dont have a bottle you will need to buy one for now. Get some cream from the chemist for your nipples...it does help them heal faster. It is true the more you feed the more milk you make. It can take a bit to get the hang of it, dont worry, it will be ok. Make sure baby is latching on properly, this will make him feed better and less chance of sore nipples. If your unsure get someone to help you. I had to do this and i am thankful. I really hope your ok. Dont beat yourself up...it is only natural that you and baby are still learning. He needs time to learn how to feed aswell. Goodluck!!

Answer 7

Aww honey you need a break, call up your closest friend and leave bubs with a trusted loved one and go and have a good gossip session with a girl friend.

I breast fed for 2 and a half months before I switched to formula. My bubs is now 4 and a half months old and is thriving. Breast feeding isn't easy, it's takes patience and endurance and even after all that it's still not enough, as in my case. If you really are truely over getting the smallest amount of breast milk I would convert over to formula. It is safe and just as good for bubs as breast milk. After all your bubs would probably be sensing your stress and in turn start stressing himself. If your still keen to breast feed it's probably worth your while to visit your local nurse and ask for some advice it could be that your little man just isn't latching on 100% and needs a little help to fix that.

Good luck sweets!!

Answer 8

Question....R U swaddling baby?   How can you tell he is hungry?  Do you have anyone who has breastfed before that you can ask for advise?  R u drinking lots of H2o?