Too many bottles? Sore nipples, low supply
by Jennifer
My baby has always been frantic at the breast...she shakes her head, waves her hands, flicks the nipple with her nose and eventually offers a wide mouth. But as the weeks have gone on, she's latching and unlatching within seconds, over and over again. We've gone from breastfeeding during day and once at night with a bottle or two of formula overnight to 50% breastfeeding and 50% formula feeding. Now, she seems to only want the breast for comfort and not for feeding. In addition, I have the Medela Pump in Style pump and have been using it since she was born. From the onset, I have never pumped more than 1-1.5 oz TOTAL from my breasts. I feel that I have latch and supply issues and Lorna has never seemed to be satiated at the breast from the beginning. I feel like giving up and trying again with our next child. But a part of me wonders if I could relactate to have the proper supply and also address the latch and "franticness" issue. Would very much appreciate your input. Answer from the lactation consultant: Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem. This is more than likely simple nipple confusion. Your nipple injury and frequent relatch are signs of a shallow latch. (she is trying to recreate the way a bottle feels in her mouth) Because she has been introduced to a bottle nipple from the very beginning, she has sucked improperly at your breast. They are two completely different skills. My answer to you is concrete. If you want to get her back on the breast, there is a step by step way to get it done. 1. First we must re-establish your milk supply. Begin pumping for 30 minutes every 2 hours around the clock, yes even at night. Do this for 48 hours. If you are not getting at least 2 ounces at each puming session at 48 hours then start taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle (these can be obtained at a health food store). (you can continue to suckle her anytime during this window. 2. ONLY after you have your milk supply back: make an appointment with a lactation consultant or la leche league leader for latch assessment. At this appointment, have them explain to you again what a breastfed schedule is like (it is NOTHING like a bottle schedule) aslo have them explain what to watch for with hydration. Once you have achieved a good latch then 3. Absolutely NO MORE BOTTLES! If you want her to breastfeed then you must stop giving bottles. This is the tough part. It will not be easy. She will be upset, you will be upset but if you want to get her back on the breast there is simply no other way. You must stop confusing her. . OVERVIEW: Bottles are easy, the breast takes effort on the babies end. Everytime she takes a bottle she is getting further and further away skill wise from successful breastfeeding. You lose your confidence and she loses her ability. It is a lose/lose. Breastfeeding is a challenge sometimes, but if you put the effort forth and tough it out for a few days, she will get the hang of it. You will need to be TOTALLY committed though and your partner too. Agree, NO BOTTLES. If you are weak then that is when you will call your lactation consultant or your la leche league leader for support. Many moms who have seen a baby sleep for 4 hours after a bottle assume that a breastfed baby is not "satisfied" when they want to eat after an hour. This is far from truth. The time it takes formula to digest should not be compared to the far superior nutritional value of breastmilk. Breastfed babies simply eat more frequently because that is how it is designed. It is the perfect nutrition for your baby. Maybe not the easy answer you wanted to hear. But it is the path you must take if you want to get her back on the breast. In my opinion, giving up should not be an option. Breastmilk is the best nutrition for her. Period. I feel I would be neglegent saying anything else.
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