about to give up

[vegazbaby]

my son as born last week by c section, and we have struggled with latching on from day dot, ive been anxious and emotional about it and 3 days ago decided to go with formula and stop beating my self up.

im now at a point where i am pumping every couple of hours and getting 1oz at a time, im more confident with the baby now and satisfied that he is eating enough, but i really do want to give it one last shot to breast feed.

since yesterday i have been starting every feed with an attempt to breast feed, i have nipples that often shy away and huge boobies, im not entirely sure if the baby is getting much from me, are there ways you can find out ? so after each session of attempted breastfeed approx 10 mins i then give him expressed milk to ensure he is full up.


is there anything wrong with me giving 2 meals a day by breast and the rest formula?
should i just give up and go the formula route?
any tips for knowing that your baby is latched on?

please help this is really upsetting me

thank you

 

[Haack]

I'm definitely not an expert.... but I'd say some breast milk is better than none. I also supplement with formula at night if I don't have any pumped for a bottle. Some nights I am just so stressed and need DH to handle a feeding for me. Sounds like you are doing a good job to me.

The only thing I would worry about is your supply decreasing. But if you are nursing or pumping every 3 hours or so, that shouldn't happen. Does LO stop sucking after 10 minutes at the breast? My lactation consultant suggested I try and keep LO feeding for at least 15 minutes until he seems to stop and then offer the other side to him. Sometimes I follow her advice sometimes I don't.

I am 12 days into breastfeeding. I have thought about giving up pretty much every single day. Because of sore nipples & feeling like I don't get a break. But I am looking forward to the 2 week mark. Everyone says it all gets easier after 2 weeks...