Too Late??

[loopylou86]

My LO is 6 days old and from the start, he failed to latch on. I havent been able to give him one feed yet off the breast and instantly started using SMA as I couldnt see him scream and go hungry. I tried expressing but was only getting 3oz every 4 hours which is nowhere near enough for him and I didnt like the thought of 70% formula 30% EBM.

I was going to try nipple shields but am worried I have left it all too late. Have I? xx

 

[maybebaby3]

dont think it is too late. put LO to the breast as much as possible and express between feeds to increase supply. good luck

 

[cabaretmum2b]

It's not too late, but could be difficult! Put LO to the breast as much as possible, let him comfort suck etc with the nipple shields (or without if you can!), have lots of skin to skin contact, have baths together if possible, pump between feeds, and you should be fine! If it comes to it, your doctor can prescribe oxytocin I think, or you could use fenugreek, which I hear works well for some people.
Good luck!!!

 

[loopylou86]

dont think it is too late. put LO to the breast as much as possible and express between feeds to increase supply. good luck

But I am worried I am upsetting him tummy by having so little breast milk to offer and feeding mainly on formula.

 

[cabaretmum2b]

dont think it is too late. put LO to the breast as much as possible and express between feeds to increase supply. good luck

But I am worried I am upsetting him tummy by having so little breast milk to offer and feeding mainly on formula.

As far as I've heard, it won't upset his tummy, but maybe you could try talking to a lactation expert or breastfeeding helpline to be sure?

 

[Seity]

3 oz is a lot, especially in the early days. I've almost never been able to pump that much.
I have a low milk supply and combo feed.
His tummy will actually be better off if he can get partial breast milk as it's better for his natural intestinal balance.