I gave birth to my son, Titus, September 27th of this year. I have been exclusively breastfeeding him since birth and need expertise since I am about to throw in the towel and switch to formula. I desperately want to keep breastfeeding, however since he was 2 weeks of age nursing him is a constant battle. Feedings for the exception of middle of night feeding (now down to one) he latches on, sucks for 2 minutes then pulls off and cries. I feed him every 2 hrs or so, sometimes I feed him more than that depending on his temperment. It has gradually gotten worse since two weeks and now it's just terrible all the time. I have researched and tried everything. I have spoken to two different breastfeeding educators (one being the classes you offer at Finley) and both have told me he is latching on ok, my nipples are "perfect" and our position is fine.
Since two weeks of age I have tried relaxation breathing, block feeding, pumping before he nurses in case letdown is too fast, pumping often, tried him on top of me, lay down position, nursing sitting him up straight. I have also tried feeding him often and then tried feeding him every 3 hours---it's all the same.
He occasionally chokes I have noticed and then cries. People have said when you feel let down, remove him and let it spray in a cup. I don't really know what let down feels like, but I have tried this when I have anticipated him starting to cry (he often kicks, gets red in the face), but nothing ever sprays out. I don't leak during the day and I don't get overly full. I defiantly get full, but not un-bearingly. I don't need to wear nursing pads only occasionally at night.
No one can help me and I really want to make this work. I know this is not normal and it's NOT enjoyable or something we can bond over. He takes a bottle of expressed breast milk just fine from my husband after offering the breast and him not nursing(this is occasionally). I refused to give a bottle in the beginning, but after weeks of frustration I have given in.
My main concern now is our nursing relationship has resulted to 5 minutes total during most feedings...8 minutes if I'm lucky (after he wakes up from a nap and he is drowsy). So, I offer him my breast often during the day. One educator said he may be efficient at getting your milk out, but since he cries a lot at night I'm wondering if he's only getting fore milk during these "snackings" and is not getting the nutrition he needs. 3-5 minutes can't possibly be enough! It could explain why he seems to be a fussy baby!?! He has dark yellow stools(not seedy really) and plenty of wet diapers throughout the day. I can't understand how he can have enough wet diapers since it seems he does not feed enough!!!! All I know is the crying and little time on breast does not seem normal.