I've been working so hard to breastfeed and she's so resistant. I don't know why. Even out of a bottle, she'd rather have formula then me. I wanted so bad to have that special bond with her, but I don't know how much more I can take of this. Its driving me crazy, when I try to nurse her she's so lazy about latching on. And if I with hold formula, it won't matter how much I nurse her she'll keep me up all night crying. I can't take much more of this. I was so committed to breastfeeding but she isn't in the least bit interested.

One thing to remember is that you have only been at this for 5 days. You have to decide where you stand. If you are truly committed to bfing and want to do it more than anything, I would say stick it out or you risk regretting giving it up. If you are really more on the fence in terms of your beliefs about bfing, then you need to decide if it's worth it to keep going. If you are on the fence and your sanity is in jeapardy, then maybe quit or do both as much as possible.

If on the other hand you are truly committed to bfing, remember these things. You are in toughest part. I read once that if you are not 120% committed to bfing, you will easily find 100 reasons to quit. It's hard, and they don't always tell you that ahead of time. For many mothers/babes, it does not come naturally. In addition, you are post-birth hormonal and any little thing will lead you to feel overwhelmed. This is really not a good time to be making any big decisions. If you want to keep bfing, I recommend the following: Make a decision you will not quit on bfing for at least the next 2 weeks to get you through this tough part (6 weeks is when things usually start to get better/easier). Scrap formula all together- in a matter of days she will forget it exists. Spend the next week (if this is possible) doing NOTHING but bfing and sleeping. Lay naked in bed with her. If she cries, give her the boob. If she keeps crying, keep giving her the boob. There are times in the beginning where literally I am in bed for 3 hours with my nipple in their mouth (surviving this abuse requires LOTS of lanolin salve). Sleep WHENEVER you can- this will help with hormones and keeping your sanity. Truly dedicate the next week to doing nothing but taking care of yourself and bfing. And remember- it requires a TON of patience- up to 6 weeks for you both to figure it out. Also try not to get to frustrated- babies sense our mood and react to them- so if you are frustrated she may become fussy (easier said than done, I know).

Here is the thing, you need to feel good about whatever decision you make. if you are on the fence about bfing, you can probably quit or breast/formula feed and feel good about your choice. But if you (like me), believe 120% in the importance of bfing for you, you will probably end up regretting quitting when, later, you hear about how much easier it got for people at 6 or so weeks. So figure out where you are on this issue philosophically and make your decision based on just that- your beliefs. You can't really decide based on how tired you are, how overwhelmed you feel, how hard it is, etc because if you go against your beliefs, when you feel better you will wish you had decided differently. Most of all, regardless of what you do, hang in there- this is such a difficult time you and your body are going through, but it will pass

Well said, Ragirl.

You need to really want to breastfeed. If you don't, then it won't work for you. But let me tell you, when you get past the first 6 weeks, it becomes sooo much easier.

x

Just keep tring hun it is hard but you can do it , be positive about and it will work ..

I PROMISE you that if you cant get through the first 2/3 weeks you can do anything and once you have both mastered it, it is amazing! xx

As the other girls have said those first few days are so so so tough, no-one prepares you for it. I was in tears every day those first couple of weeks because Amelia wouldn't stop crying she would feed for hours and hours, i was so sore got thrush and mastitis!
She was the laziest feeder in the world (maybe exaggeration but it felt like it), she would fall asleep a minute after feeding i would have to keep stroking her cheek and blowing in her face i even got my DH to tickle her feet, this continued for about 3wks.
I was so jealous of those mums who's babies would latch on perfectly by themselves, Amelia wouldn't open her mouth wide enough and i would have to relatch her several times each feed.
BUT now it is soo amazing, she latches on by herself she feeds pretty quickly in about 10-20mins every 2hours at the moment (growth spurt) and i am so proud of myself for not giving up and sticking at it and it really took everything i had to not give up, i just wanted to prove all those negative people wrong, those that told me it was harder than i thought and told me i wouldn't be able to do it for long!

If you really really want it, then you can do it

I can agree with other girls at 100%! As well as it's getting better when some time pass. 5 days it's nothing, nothing for breastfeeding!!! I've started feeling better after 3 weeks I think and 100% better after 6 weeks. Before I had such times when thought 'f*k off this breastfeeding' (pardon my French) although I knew that it's very-very important for my little one, especially when I was crying together with him. Plus my OH kept telling me - if you suffer so much just give formula. But luckily I was strong and never gave up. And now I really-really enjoy the proccess, more and more every day!

Hope it'll work for u too!!!

Everyone has said it all - if you want it to work, you have to work through the tough times. I've cried too. I felt like giving up. I almost caved and just gave her a bottle and I considered myself incredibly committed to BFing this time. But as hard as it is, its such a small amount of time out of your life and it will come right. But you mustnt make yourself ill over it. If its not for you then dont make yourself miserable.

Sensible words. Nice one Lisa. xx

Hang in there, it is hard work but give it time and I'm sure you'll soon both be getting along great with the BF