He did awesome at the 2pm feeding and ate happily for about 40 minutes. Then at 5:30 he flipped out the moment breastfeeding started and was not about it whatsoever. I gave him a bottle of formula after fifteen minutes of trying, and then tried to express. I used the manual medela one and after a while of pumping, only had about 3/4 oz. Do you think it could be that my boobs are too big for the pump?
Sometimes standard flanges are too large or small. Have a look at the pictures here:
https://www.ameda.com/breastpumping/most/fit.aspx
If you think the flange is too small, you could try changing to a pump that has a changeable flange (like a Medela one). I've got extremely large boobs and expressed successfully.
The let down reflex is greatly affected by stress - when upset or worried I could only get drops. The upset over the feed could have caused you not not be able to get much milk. Also, fulltime breastfeeding mothers often only get 1oz or so from pumping. A baby is much more effecient. Most also find they pumpless later in the day.
Hae you seen a breastfeeding counsellor? They can often advise on good positions for large breasts. I find having LO led on my lap on his side, with his tummy cacin me works well. I start with his nose in the middle of my body, then move him out until he meets the nipple. This way, he gets more niple in and he doesn't get a noseful of boob.
When my LO gets very hungry, he gets fussy and faffy at the breast. AWhen do you feed LO? What hunger cues are you getting? We find it best to feed at the first sign of hunger (usually him rubbing his face on my chest).
Keeping going Mummy, you are doing great
