My son is almost 5 weeks old and we have had an ugly beginning to breastfeeding. He has a shallow latch and I struggled to get him to open his mouth wide so I could properly latch him. This led to cracked and bleeding nipples. Not just a little blood either.
After all the struggle I decided to exclusively pump. Well I also have a 2yr old and I am a student so pumping constantly while taking care if my 2 kids was not working. I started getting an infection and decided to switch to formula. I have regretted it since the first bottle and want to breastfeed again. It has been a week and I used my manual pump today and got about half an ounce from both sides. I have an Ameda Purely Yours double electric pump as well as an EvenFlo manual. Aside from pumping a lot, I have no idea how to get my supply back, or how to get my baby back to breast. Any help is so appreciated
Hi mama, welcome to the forum! Sorry you had a rough start to breastfeeding. But that's great that you want to get back to it!
Some questions: first, have you been working with a lactation consultant, preferably an IBCLC? Difficulties with latch really benefits from hands-on help. And a lactation consultant can also help with your transition from formula back to breastmilk.
Again, a lactation consultant could help guide you through this as well.
If you can afford it, you might find that renting a hospital-grade pump, which has more power than the Purely Yours, may help get your supply back more quickly. But if you can't afford it, that's fine too - it just might take a bit longer.
I have seen 2 consultants but I don't think they were certified because they were absolutely no help. My nipples were healed but I'm not sure anymore. I've started pumping again and they are red sore and look a little raw :/. I am trying to set an appointment with another consultant soon.
I'm not sure how to tell if my pump shields are the right size. My nipples look better and aren't very sore anymore. I had been latching lo on last night and I'm thinking his latch is still shallow and that's what caused the soreness. The raw spots I was seeing seem to be nearly gone now. The consultant I tried is booked through next week so I am seeing a peer counselor tomorrow to see if she can help some.
Your nipples should move back and forth easily, without the whole areola getting sucked in. If the nipple doesn't move back and forth easily, the flanges may be too small. If the whole areola is getting sucked in, too big. Sometimes different sized flanges are needed for the two breasts.
Relactate after 1week
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