I didn’t realise that the breastfeeding thing would be so hard either when I had my daughter. I had seen my two sister in laws do it without a problem. My time was terrible. I was trying the breastfeeding but she lost weight so I did the expressing thing. I was spending all my time expressing, then sterilizing, then feeding and trying then to get enough for the next feed. DD cried all the time. I was told by my health professional to keep going but it was nearly killing me. Then about 5 weeks the little old Dutch lady(probably about 80yo!) from the house behind us came over because she hadn’t seen me walking with the baby etc and she had been waiting to see the baby. (We only had a waving relationship till then) I told her that I was really busy trying to keep up with feeding. She told me that maybe it was time to think about myself and that I would know what to do. That day I decided to start formula and 3 days later my husband and I woke up in a fright because we hadn’t heard DD and rushed to her room. She was in her cot playing with her fingers and she wasn’t screaming. We were amazed and relieved and I had my sanity back. She has thrived since. Not a health problem at all from being bottle fed.

So whatever happens just remember that it is your decision and you will know what is right for you and bub.

Chris

I had my moments in the early days where I would go to sleep crying hoping that my milk would dry up so I would not have to do it anymore, but thankfully it did not. Went onto feed her till she was over 2 1/2

It seems that having trouble feeding is quite common. It’s a bit demoralising when I was so bent on breastfeeding (there have been a few tears), but at least bub is getting enough to eat and he’s getting a little of mum’s goodness!

We’re back on the breast (now that they have healed from being bloodied and battered) but he has to do a lot of work for very little. We top up with formula and express for extra also. We’ll see the lactation consultant again and probably end up doing the supply line also, although there are times when I feel like giving up. DH was formula fed and spent most of his childhood in hospital with asthma (which may or may not be related) so I want to give our fella the best chance against asthma that I can. And it’s so much more convenient than bottles!

Thanks again for the comments, they are always well received!

My third daughter was born 9lbs (induced at 38 wks!) and I had all end of trouble with milk supply. The Nursing Mothers (ABA is it called now?) were fantastic. I used to part comp with formula and part breast feed using a small line. I continued this for six months. There was also milk I would express in between feeds to give instead of comps. I unfortunately had a very limited supply with this bub. She had quite bad jaundice and was not keen to “work for her meal” In the end I put her fully on formula and although at first I had felt I’d failed (fed my other two for 12mths and 24mths respectively) by only getting her through for 6 months I now see she has thrived (now 10 yo) and whatever you have to choose you do adjust to. Keep positive Melissa, as having a non-stressed Mum works wonders whichever feeding choice you choose. Having a healthy happy bub and Mum is a great mix. Take care

Kind regards,
Kaye

I tried unsuccessfully to breastfeed my boy but he is perfectly fine having been bottlefed. Just do what you can and dont stress.

I know how devastating it is with the breast feeding. I had many difficulties and was constantly in tears for the first few weeks. I felt like a failure and was too embarrassed to feed him a bottle in public because I felt everyone was judging me. You probably know about all the support networks and breast feeding groups in your area. Whatever you do, please be kind on yourself, because whether he is breast milk or formula fed, he is getting the nutrition he needs to grow big and healthy. I ended up hiring a hospital grade breast pump from Pink or Blue (delivered right to my door at the most stressful time of my life) and it was a saviour because I could see how much milk I was producing and was reassured that at least part of his diet was breast milk. These work a lot better than the hand held pumps.

The first weeks/months are incredibly hard but at 6 months onwards they’re eating carrots and potatoes, starting to crawl and they’re a barrel of laughs. Can’t wait to hear more news about your little man. All the best xo

Been there myself with the feeding troubles both times, but we got through them. The ABA is a great support and a bunch of wonderful women who are great to get together for a chat.