Those who didn't manage to BF previously

[MumMumMum]

Due to a number of reasons BF didn't work out last time, despite my best efforts and a number of MWs in and out of hosptial trying to get DD to take to it and trying to express and not getting anywhere.

When I eventually decided with DH that enough was enough and that we would FF the MW said it was for the best, but that they aren't allowed to say that to you. You have to say it for yourselves first so they don't get in trouble.

I beat myself up about it for at least a year. I've decided to try again this time. I have already told the community MW that I intend to try and that I don't want the same pressure as last time, that I want to relax about it. She seemed to understand no problem. The BF 'specialist' was very dismissive and didn't believe what I said about the staff last time. She said I could contact her for advice this time. Don't mind if I don't. I don't think she understood at all what no pressure is and what support actually is.

Anyway. I am more prepared this time that it might not be something that just works straight away. I know now that the amount they told me I should be getting from expressing was too high and hopefully the complications before and after birth won't happen this time. Hopefully I can try and feed this baby asap - DD was away for ages while the docs worked on me.

I guess I'm looking for success stories. Anyone managed to BF after not managing with a previous baby? I'd appreciate any advice

 

[MumToEva]

Hey Hun. Breast feeding didn't work out for me either last time round. Eva was early and really tiny, so she was just too dopey to be interested, and my supply quickly dwindled with an electric pump. I know what it feels like to really want to feed your baby and not be able to, despite your best efforts, and to beat yourself up about it. I personally have decided not to put myself and my family through it again, so I intend formula feeding from the start this time round. But just wanted to say, I really admire you for giving it a go again, and I wish you every sucess. But make sure you don't put so much pressure on yourself this time round - easier said than done, I know! Good luck!

 

[MomPepperdine]

I TRIED with my girls to bf bother weren't gaining well and so the drs had me add formula and eventually I just gave up and then beat myself up for not being able to do it.. I'm going to try my best aging (we can't afford fromula tbh) so hopfully hell want to bf more or be better at it idk good luck doll!

 

[Missy08]

Breastfeeding didn't work for me the first time around either...I was expecting it to be a lot easier than it turned out to be. I'm going to try again this time and go into it with the same mindset as you (knowing it won't be easy).

Anyway, I'll be stalking this thread looking for success stories as well

 

[AP]

BF didnt click for us either first time. She was so premature tbh and barely took to teats on bottles but we got there in the end with bottles. We tried BF so much, even with shields but she just didnt have the reflexes. In hindsight it would have been a nightmare, she had severe projectile reflux, theres no way I would have stayed sane!

Our second was term and honestly, BF went swimmingly for 7 if not 8 months (can't remember now) til I decided on FF. the first few weeks were hard but determination got me through.
Hope this helps someone have faith!

 

[leiapaulsen]

Poppin in from 2nd tri but I have experience with this...

I tried for over a month with DS1, a month with DD, and 2 weeks with DS2 and no matter what I did I was just not able to produce nowhere near enough to support them. The first time with my DS1 I had the shield, hospital grade breast pump and I would sit there for hours and he wasn't getting hardly anything and would fuss and fuss... I had to FF or he would have starved. An hr on a pump wouldn't even get an oz out of one or both breasts. Same story with the other babies my boobies just don't serve their purpose for feeding them however I don't beat myself up about it anymore because I honestly tried my best. I haven't decided yet whether or not to attempt it with DD2 but if nothing else she would get some colostrum and every little bit counts I guess. I'm just not gonna let myself feel pressure to continue if it just dont work out. My babies are all very healthy and very smart so in the end it all worked out. Don't feel upset if it doesn't work because some of us just can't do it and it don't make us any less of a good mommy either way we choose to go.

 

[QueenMummyToBe]

Hey, with no1 we had a traumatic labour, amelia was a very sleepy baby and wasnt interested in feeding or latching, nearly everytime she screamed and screamed, some nights with a midwife to help she would latch but fall asleep soon after & then wouldnt relatch, she list 12% of her birth weight so I chose to express but I tried to latch her on before expressing and after a month she finally did it & I fed her until she was nearly 6 months & I went back to work. I was a bf specialist too and she was lovely and told me after a long traumatic labour it is normal for your body to shut down so baby gets nothing when they suckle leaving them frusustrated & obviously hungry.

With no2 he latched straight away, fed wonderfully.. until he was 2-3 weeks old, then he would scream every time, he couldnt get enough nipple in & i ended up with mastitis & a nipple infection so i expressed until he was 4 months.

This time I am ready to do what it takes, get as much help, go to bf groups & hubby is taking a month off work so I dont have to worry about housework etc he is taking my role whilst I feed and feed lol

Stay positive and believe in yourself x x

 

[jpesosbae]

No 1 I quit bf when she was around 2 weeks old bc I didn't educate myself enough about the whole subject and was a first time mom who didn't really know what she was doing anyway....
No 2 I was determined to bf and got myself nipple shields as my nipples don't stick out enough once my breasts are engorged. I used the shield for about 2 months. My DD bf until I was 20 weeks pregnant with DD3. DD2 was 2 weeks shy of being 2 years old when we quit.
DD3 I bf until she was 15 months old when I decided it was time to get back in shape etc....
DS1 I bf until he was 12 months old bc he lost interest in it unfortunately.
I'm due with DS2 in 4 days and plan on bf him until he's also ready to quit.
So after being unsuccessful the first time around I managed to bf my other 3 for a total of 51 months The first 4 weeks are rough but once you get past that you will be fine. Just remember to put your baby on the breast every time they start fussing. It will help with your milk supply. If you still want to boost your supply I recommend Fenugreek or Mothers Milk Tea. I used both for a while with DD2. None of my last 3 ever had to be supplemented with formula and I'm very proud to say that