Okay, I've been through a few breakdowns over the past few weeks because I'm battling breastfeeding and just wanting to switch to formula. Which, though it shouldn't, seems like less of a hassle.
I was on the board before under judesmomma but for some reason, I couldn't log in and when I tried to recover my password it said the page didn't exist. Bummer.
Anyway, as I mentioned in previous posts I am doomed to the nipple shield. I had a FANTASTIC appointment with a lactation consultant from the hospital we delivered at. But, I think I only get one appointment due to my insurance. I'm not sure though. I can also see one through WIC, which I may do.... because I'm getting exhausted and discouraged. I want to be off this nipple shield today. I think it's hindering my supply- and I don't feel like I enjoy breastfeeding. I feel like I'm just attaching a nipple to MY nipple and just.. I don't know. I really find myself detaching from it because after the screaming- knocking off the shield- and him refusing to suck on it any other way than like it's a straw... I'm just... I don't know
Like my title says, I was watching a dvd that was given to me through the WIC office about breastfeeding and it was talking about chin led latching -which sounds great b/c all the women on the dvd had fantastic nipples! pointy etc.. I have flat nipples. However when my baby does nurse it comes out just fine. But, he wont nurse without the shield to know that- much.
We tried again today and I did get him to latch and nurse for about 3 - 4 minutes before he realized there was no shield got mad and started freaking out.
Im saying all this to maybe ask for suggestions? Any fast way to get off the sheild without cutting it which is dangerous?
Any technique I'm missing? How to get them before they're histerical. I even tried to get him to latch in between feedings- when he wasn't starving. It made him so upset.
I honestly can't use the shield for the next 12 months. I can't pump exclusively- it depresses me. I tried. I just got frustrated.
I don't know, maybe I need an actual therapist hah.
Any suggestions? LO is 7 weeks, doing fine. Gaining fine, but I'm also giving bottles of formula..(dont worry- i pump when i do that) ... just because it's less stressful.
I want to breastfeed SO BAD b/c my Mom wasn't able to with me for the same mechanical issue of flat nipples- but there wasn't as much support when I was a baby. I want to beat the odds, experience breastfeeding without any fake nipples... I just.. need some advice or just support.
Thanks. Sorry for all the bad spelling.