leelee
Mammy to 2
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- Nov 9, 2008
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I've just joined formula feeding today.
When pregnant I was 100% pro-breastfeeding and wouldn't even entertain the idea of formula feeding (big apology needed from me to all formula feeders out there).
My LO is now 12 days old and we haven't got on with breastfeeding. She was early and only 5lb8 and we couldn't get her to latch in hospital. Managed at home with nipple shields but she was feeding and crying constantly night and day and I'm ashamed to admit I couldn't handle it with the sleep deprivation and was breaking down and spending my days in tears. I don't think much milk was coming through the nipple shields. My OH decided enough was enough last night and gave her formula to let me get some sleep and again this morning. I've been heading for postnatal depression (my Mum had it severely too) and already feel so guilty that I couldn't handle breastfeeding
I've been using expressed breastmilk through the day and formula at night and my baby is so much more content and I feel a bit saner although really upset and disappointed. I don't really feel like I've had any support from the midwifes either, I just get told to stick with it and it'll get better. My sister and close friend both exclusively breastfeed and have said to me that if it was as hard for them they would have given up too so not to get myself down about it as I gave it my best shot. Still feel awful though xxx
Congrats on your little girl
and
I went through a similar thing with a non-latching baby. I expressed for a month and am proud that my LO got as much of my milk as was possible for 4 weeks. Don't feel like a failure. Every bit of expressed milk your LO gets is amazing. Some ladies on here have had babies latch on when they are a couple of weeks old, but if your LO doesn't, don't worry. Concentrate on bonding, as much skin to skin and cuddling your baby
xxx