Jessyann, How's it going

How is it going with BF? Are you seeing a lactation consultant? They really can help. Around here the hospitals have free breastfeeding clinics. You might call around to see what's available. It's really important to try to nurse as often as possible (at least every 3 hours, 2 hours is better), and to really reduce the amount of formula you're giving (if any) and pump a lot if necessary. What is your schedule like? I know how hard it is to transition to BF, but it is really worth it! You'll be so happy when you don't have to wash tons and tons of bottles every day

Is the problem that she won't latch? An LC would help make sure she doesn't have any sucking probs (tongue tied, etc) and can really help with positioning and stuff. Is the problem that she won't stay awake? There are things you can do to help her stay awake--undress, cool washcloth, switch sides.

It is so hard when you can't BF right away and the baby gets some formula. It always goes downhill from there--but it is reversable!! If you're trying to wean from formula the LC on the parentsplace breastfeeding board has a plan to do this.

Also have you seen kellymom's site? There is just about everything you ever wanted to know about BF there.

I've been through this and just wanted to offer my advice--now is the critical time to make sure you're pumping enough if you're not EBF. Some moms can make a ton of milk even though they don't pump that often and the baby doesn't nurse well, and other moms (like me) can't make enough by pumping alone no matter how often they pump. So I really encourage you to go see a LC if you want to BF.

Here is how you can find one toohttp://www.breastfeeding.com/directory/lcd...cdirectory.html
kellysap
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppbre...ed/?msg=68897.5

Good luck and let us know how it goes! I know it is really hard, but it is so worth it!!

Steph

Hey thanks for asking about me! I cant bf right now because im on antibiodics i had an infection after having a c-section. I only actually got to bf one time and then the stupid nurses told me that i couldnt bf (doctor said i could grrr) she latched on right away and did REALLY good! We are still working on a schedule its really hard because i have never done this being a mom stuff yet so im working on it! Well thanks again i will have to check that stuff out later because she is awake and wanting to eat!

I breastfed on antibiotics when Daniel was 3 weeks---and my sister had to be on antibiotics and BF right after the delivery, and there were no problems. I would call the doc again and check. I hope it all works out for you and BF---it's so worth it!

I've breastfeed on antibiotics as well. A couple of times. Maybe you are on a higher dosage than usual?

See that's what totally ticks me off. There is no reason you couldn't BF right away and another doc goes and tries to ruin a perfectly good BF relationship. Both Iain and I were pumped so full of antibiotics we were sizzling clean but no probs with my milk.

And what's the deal, you can feed her pumped milk but not BF??? That's just stupid. Anyway, I'm mad at your doc not at you.


Really, do go see a Lactation Consultant. It is really hard to get started and know what to do. I never could have figured it out without someone there to help me. I was afraid to push his head closer to my breast, but that's exactly what you have to do.

Just keep trying, and it will get a lot easier!

the antibiodic that i was on at first wasnt working fast enough so i had to be put on another antibiodic which isnt safe for bf, so he told me to pump to keep up my supply but i cant feed that to her so for right now she a formula baby but starting tomorrow im going to bf i hope that im making enough im afraid i got stupid and didnt pump enough so for today im going to pump every hour on the hour, wish me luck on that one.

I would LOVE to go see a lactation consultant im sure that would be WONDERFUL, but we dont have ANYTHING like that around here which is REALL stupid! So the first time i did it i had a some instructions on how to do it and it worked. I feel so bad for her now she wants to nurse so bad...and i bet it would help her sleep at night too...my poor baby!

Hi JessyAnn,
Just wanted to back up what Steph said. Even if there are no actual lactation consultants in your area, very often the nurses in the maternity dept of any hospital are extremely knowledgable, and you could probably call them or even stop in. Most hospitals offer bf classes, as do a lot of HMO's. Sometimes you have to ask around a little. And if all else fails, La Leche League has consultants right online on their website that will answer you back immediately and follow you until you are ready to do it on your own. I consulted with them and they were extremely helpful. This was my 3rd kid, and I still had questions. It's a little bit of work at 1st as the others mentioned, but soooooooooo worth it for you both. Just seek out as much support as you need, we're all here for you!

Hey JessyAnn... that's great that you get to start BF tomorrow. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!