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Various Breastfeeding Problems...

Wendi - posted on 06/02/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

18

16

So here are a few problems I have encountered so far regarding breastfeeding...

1) My 8 1/2 month old is sick and can't breathe through her nose. Everytime I try to breastfeed her, she latches for a second, then pulls away because she's suffocating. So I pumped a bunch of milk and add it to her cereal when I feed her pablum. I also add some formula powder to her pablum as well, to make sure she's getting enough nutrience. I'm afraid this is the beginning of weaning her off my breast. Once her cold is over, she may not want to drink from my breasts.

2) When my daughter isn't sick, and breastfeeding is a normal routine, I find my daughter is constantly distracted and ends up only drinking a small amount of milk before I put the boobs away in frustration. I tried turning the TV off, I tried going into her nursery and using the rocking chair, I've tried music, but there always seems to be some kind of distraction.

3) I bought a Medella pump thinking this would be a good way to pump. For the first 5 months I had no problem with milk, so I didn't bother pumping. When I finally got around to pumping, I found it so difficult and could only get an ounce of milk, maybe 2 at the most. I am starting to wonder if my pump is broken and has been from the beginning.

4) I've been breastfeeding for almost 9 months and I honestly feel like stopping. I know breast is best, but sometimes I think it would just be more convenient to give her a bottle. I've actually tried to put some breastmilk in a bottle, but since it only lasts for 1/2 hour, I find it's a waste because my daughter doesn't really know how to drink from a bottle so she ends up not drinking it. I even tried a sippy cup and she thinks it's a toy and throws it around the room.

In conclusion, I guess I'm just getting frustrated of breastfeeding because I don't have any solutions to the problems I've mentioned above...

Any suggestions?????

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3 Comments

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Amanda - posted on 06/02/2010

50

74

With the cold, she will do the same with a bottle or breast, and the distractions babys go through nursing strikes which can last weeks sometimes, but if you continue to offer it and not fill her with baby food for every meal she will again nurse, and the pump well if she is nursing fulltime you will not get much milk out of your breast (1-2oz. is normal) but if you would like to pump and bottle feed you will need to pump every 3 hours or so. also if you are not relaxed while pumping your breasts may not let down. And for the refusal of the bottle or sippy cup you can also try a regular cup with breastmilk, that is how we have a sitter feed our daughter if we go out. I hope something will be helpful for you. I know it gets frustraiting.

Kristin - posted on 06/02/2010

1,642

40

Okay, first good job for sticking with it this long.



1) get a tissue and try to get the goo out before feeding her or use the bulb thing they gave you after she was born and suck it out. Repeat as often as needed. Offer the breast OFTEN, she needs the fluids more now than ever and it will help keep the goo flowing.



2) Just keep offering, this will pass. You may need to offer more frequently. I found that reading to mine really helped. I just had to hold the book so they could see it. I also made sure it was one they were quite familiar with too.



3) Pumping just feels weird as compared to our babies. It takes dedication and an ability to relax and just let it happen that is difficult to accomplish. If you want to continue, just practice, practice, practice. And maybe try while your daughter is feeding, you are already primed and so may be more productive.



4) If you want to stop, then stop. There is nothing wrong with stopping now if you are done. Just be really sure before you do. It is a pain in the ...., well, you know, to get it going again if at all. If you choose to give anything to her other than the breast, don't bother with a bottle. You will have to start taking it away in a few months when she is one. Just keep offering her the sippy. Water mixed with juice (50/50) is a good way to teach them about these. Keep offering the cup, and maybe try out a few different ones (at least one she has chosen herself too). Mix whatever breastmilk you pump with her cereal. Then it's not wasted and she's still getting what you want her to have.



To sum up, it's just her age. She will settle down again. Be patient with both your daughter and yourself, this will pass. I hope some of this helps and your feeding relationship with your daughter goes back to normal or improves. Good luck and excellent job no matter what you decide.

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