Hello ladies,

I am in need of some advice/encouragement, both really.. Logan is only 6 days old and i'm already thinking of quitting bf, which breaks my heart

My milk is in, my normally large breasts are now gigantic, solid, aching and so sore i can't explain. I have lumps under my left armpit which my mw thinks is blocked ducts. Logan is a snacker, and we're having problems getting him latched properly, he's basically going on my nipple which is causing me so much pain, but he's a lazy boy, and no amount of teasing will get him to open his mouth wide enough to get enough of my aerola in to make feeding pain free, even my mw has probs when she tries. I had a section, and so am still sore from that, have now been prescribed iron tabs as my iron is so low, i think i have a urine infection too, which i'm waiting on results for.... the whole thing is affecting my enjoyment of our first weeks together, and although i feel so guilty, i'm thinking that switching to formula is our only option to get some normality and happiness back into my life. My 3 year old is suffering too as we've been stuck in the house since we came home, and i really feel for her..

AAAarrrgghhhhhhh!!!!! What would you do in my situation??? Please help i'm desperate!!

i had probs when feeding my little one, i tried pumping a bit off before he had a feed so my boobs werent so hard, also a put warm face flanels on my boobs to ease pain- in the end i brought some nipple sheilds which you put on your nipple then bubs feeds through - these were a life saver (to get started with) and i went on to feed baby for 7 months - health visitor didnt like me using shields but i found them a god send xxx

Do what ever feels right honey....don't feel pressured into breast feeding if its causing you so much upset. If you do decide to stick at it, i promise it will get better. By the end of the second week i was feeling much better and Noah was latching on better/nipples were toughening up and it was less sore. He also started to take a bit more at each feed.

Nipple shields worked for me two. I used them for a couple of days at the beginning of the second week, just to help my cracked nipples heal.

Hope it works out for you.

She's right. You need to do what is right for you, but know that breast feeding will get easier once you guys get the hang of it. I'd try to get rid of the engorgement in the shower if you can, you'll lose a lot of milk, but staying engorged isn't doing anything for it either.
Best of luck, lady.

The first few weeks are so hard! And it sounds as if you have loads of other problems heaping on to make it worse. I had a section, too, and that makes the soreness of holding him and such worse. Are you using a nursing pillow to help support him? Are you taking pain meds to help with the section recovery?

I agree, getting rid of the engorgement may help. Have you tried to manually express? Especially right before he feeds?

What has the midwife told you to do re: blocked ducts. Warm compresses and lots of massage should help.

Try to set small goals -- maybe one day at a time. Tell yourself you can do it one more day! And the next day do the same. But if it comes to it, and you know in your heart you can't, then don't feel guilty. You gave it your best shot.

Hang in there! You are doing great so far!!

Ugh! I know what you are going through to an extent. I had a section as well and had such horrible painful nipples in the beginning. I didn't have the engorgement so I can't help there but I really feel for you right now hun. I agree with diz..Do what's right for you. Not every situation is the same for everyone and if your stressing, the baby will be stressing. You know?! I can tell you after my incision finally started feeling better, the breastfeeding fell into place for me..maybe it would be the same for you? There are so many wonderful women on here who can support you through this if you want to stick with it. I wish you the best of luck hun!

Hi there,
I can totally relate. The first week of breastfeeding was HELL for me. I developed sore,cracked nipples in the first few days that I was pretty much reduced to tears everytime it came to Evies feeding time, and the nights were the worst. It hurt me soooo much it was ruining my first few days/weeks of motherhood and I dreaded it when she cried as I knew it was time to feed. It was heartbreaking to literally DREAD feeding my baby. I came to the point where (usually in evenings) I physically could just NOT do it, I was in so much pain and distress that when she was hungry I went to sleep and let my partner feed her formula upstairs (I couldn't bare to be there as she hates bottles/formula and I felt sooo guilty) So we did that for a few days, me breastfeeding in day and in the evening partner giving formula whilst I slept, and my nipples (along with using nipple cream-lifesaver!) my nipples healed and I started attaching her more properly (as before she was kinda hanging at the nipple) and she got used to opening her mouth wide to let her on. Kinda drag the bottom part of the areola on her bottom lip to encourage her to open, that worked for me. Or if shes really hungry she generally opens her mouth wide like a baby bird anyway,lol. But I really feel for you, as its so hard to start with, and so many times I felt like giving up/felt like a bad mum etc but I pushed through it and got there in the end. But if it doesn't work for you don't feel bad. These things happen. But do whats right for you, don't let this ruin your first few months with your child.x
Oh-and I was suffering with a uterine infection so was on the strongest antibiotics for a week. I had an erpc last monday to remove remains of placenta in me, so I was extra tired and fed up when getting the hang of breastfeeding!

If he won't open his mouth wide enough, try compressing your breast either side of your areola (sort of like sandwiching the nipple) to help him get a proper mouthful. For the engorgement, try putting some cabbage leaves in the fridge (savoy is usually best) then put one leaf in each cup of your bra. The enzymes in the cabbage will relieve your breasts. Hang in there, you're both still learning, before long you'll be a pro.

Just remeber happy mummy happy baby.

I too had a section (emergency) and was put under a general anasetic so couldnt feed straight away. I then after a couple of week got thrush on my nipples off Noah so was in agony.

I got some breast nurse pads which you can use hot and cold from boots, I also found hot water bottles great for the boobies. If breasts get hard and your baby isn't latching on try expressing some milk I find this helps Noah's latch. Also this should stop the blocked duct forming mastitis.

If you really want baby to have the breast but its not working out about feeding EBM?

Ya know .. who ever said breast feeding is natural is a liar

I feel you on the engorgement ... I had this for about 3 weeks. in the begining your boobs will over supply until they are used to what the baby needs. it will go!

For relief, as strange as it sounds ... get a cabbage .. put it in the fridge .. when cold take 2 leaves .. run the under the cold tap .. crack the veins in it and place in your bra until the wilt .. trust me, it really helps!!
Another thing is get 2 nappys, wet them down put them in the freezer to get cold and then put them in your bra! They fit perfectly

You can also try to express some milk between feedings to relieve the pressure. Don't pump until empty, just enough to make you comfortable. You can save this milk and bottle feed it. It lasts 4 to 8 hours at room temp, up to a week in the fridge and up t 6 months in the freezer. Right now while you're engorged would be a good time to pump/freeze a supply! Its what I did

Breast feeding wasn't for me. She had a good latch, but I have flat nipples, so it made it feel like she was chewing my spine out thru my boob as the ligaments around the nipple are tight. I went to exclusively pumping after 3 weeks of misery. Now my over supply has calmed down, I pump when I get up, about 3pm and then before I go to bed. It gives me enough breast milk to give her during the day and then she has formula at night. I like her to still have at least a couple bottles of breast milk a day because of the immunity's they get thru it

You're doing a great job Mamma, do whats best for you. Being stressed out is not good for you or baby. Try pumping for a while and bottle feeding the breast milk. There's nothing wrong with not actually having her take it from the breast.

Failing that, like I said, pump and freeze now and then save some milk for when she's sick. It's a great immunity boost to them