Myth having terrible problems feeding my gorgeous 8 day old DS
He was born full term but shocked after a forceps delivery. So, had low glucose levels and was put in SCBU. whilst in there, he was fed 60mls of formula every 3 hours . I was desperate to establish breast feeding which they knew so expressed syringes of colostrum but it was all very hard as he was so full of formula. Eventually, I did get him back on the ward and for the two days before discharge had some success in feeding but only with a lot of midwife help
Basically, I have pretty large breasts with flat nipples. I can express do we have been topping DS up with EBM. However, the breast feeding is going really badly as I just cannot get him to latch on properly. I know my nipple needs to hit the top of his mouth but he keeps shutting his mouth before I can get there. Plus with flat nipples, its really hard to get them in, even holding them. DS then sucks a little and then flops off (probably 10 - 12 sucks)
We did go and see a breast feeding counsellor yesterday and she got him latched on very quickly but I just can't replicate it.
Poor DH is having to put up with floods of tears as I feel so guilty and sad.
In term of topping him up, we've been giving around 40mls per feed (prob 5 per day) as well as whatever he gets from the crappy breast feeding. I'm not even sure this is enough as he seems to sleep for about 4.5 hrs n feeds sometimes and I don't know if we should be waking him up but I dread feeding him.
I'm currently feeding on a pillow and using cross cradle and also rugby ball. Can't see when I lie down.
DH goes back to work on Thursday and I'm in floods of tears just thinking about it. My mum has been down to stay and just left today but coming back on Tuesday night as I feel I can't be alone.
I feel ive gone from being a strong, capable, professional to a sobbing wreck and I have terrible guilt as I feel I've ruined DS' first days at home for him and for DH. I'm sobbing now as I'm posting this and I'm terrified I'm going to get PND. It's just not how I imagined being a mum would be. I thought I would be elated and instead I feel such terrible guilt and sadness.
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Infant feeding
8 day old baby - latch not right - feeling desperate
17 replies
shinyblackgrape · 06/12/2012 19:18
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