Not being able to breast feed

Emily - posted on 01/23/2010

Lots of women think they don't have enough milk but most of them are wrong. Not saying this is true in your case, but truly only a very small percentage of the population is unable to breastfeed. It is NORMAL for babies to nurse every 2 hours, or even every hour during a growth spurt. This does not mean you're not making any milk. Also, the amount you are pumping has nothing to do with how much milk you are making. Pumps simply cannot replicate a baby sucking. Easier said than done, but you really need to trust your body. If you are determined to continue, I highly recommend seeking help through LLL or a lactation consultant. Also remember there are women who combine breastfeeding and formula feeding. Your breasts produce milk based on supply and demand, so even if you only want to breastfeed a couple times a day, you can do so.

Kristen - posted on 01/23/2010

I felt the same way! i had my twins 9 weeks early by emergancy c-section. I produced a little colustrum but that was it. the sickest of the two got anything i could get out, and the bigger one got formula from the start. The nurses kept pushing it, i would go in to see the boys in NICU and the first thing the nurses would say "got any milk for us today" i felt so little and like a faliure. The lactation consultant put me on tablets that was met to get it flowing, but they didnt work, and cause i was using a press pump cause i wasnt aloud to hold my boys just made it that more stressing. I was crying all the time. And then one nurse said to me, that she had it happen to her and that its ok use formula. I felt like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Once i had made the decsion to use formula i was happy, my boys were still getting the nutrience they needed and in the end, thats all that mattered. My boys are 4 now and they are healthy and strong and you would know they were premie :) its just another thing in life that can happen, but your certinalty no less of a women because of it. Take care

Kathryn - posted on 01/23/2010

Hello - great that you want to breastfeed, I did and loved it, will take a while to get used to, are you sitting or laying down whilst feeding, you need to drink fluids - it is thirsty work!!! YOU and your baby need to be relaxed, warm, have you tried a breat pump - they sound horrible, but are great, have a chat with your midwife/doctor for peace of mind, good luck

Iysha - posted on 01/23/2010

You aren't the only one...a lot of women find producing enough milk nearly impossible. I was one of them too. It isn't a big deal if you don't let it be. Sure some women will look down on you and say that you didn't try hard enough or that you gave up and so on and so on. Those women are just so absorbed in themselves and what they think is the best possible thing. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding and a lot of people make it sound like it is the worst thing anyone can do to their child.



I personally love bottle feeding more than I could ever like breastfeeding. I hated it and I hated pumping and now that I have been using formula, I am happy and feel like I can enjoy my baby and not have to worry about how much she is eating. I know the exact amount and can determine if she is eating enough. Look at the positives of formula feeding...not what others say is negative. In my opinion, breastfeeding isn't all it's cracked up to be. Everytime I breast fed, I was miserable and after I tried.... and right as soon as I looked at the clock and knew my baby was going to be hungry soon. I was completely miserable that whole time. I didn't enjoy that part of motherhood one bit! As soon as it was bottle feeding all the time, I was a completely different person. I loved feeding my baby and was able to have that bonding time that I feel I lacked with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding felt like a chore rather than something I wanted to do.

Sarah - posted on 01/23/2010

At the age he is he may well be going through a growth spurt. He will want to feed more often to increase your supply to meet his needs. This may be every hour or even more!How do you know you're not producing enough? Is he producing wet and dirty nappies? Is he generally happy? Make sure you give him plenty of time on each breast to ensure he gets th hindmilk.

Brittani - posted on 01/23/2010

I had the same troubles my son and I successfully breastfeed for three months until I was admitted into the hospital for five days. I used a natural herb called fenugreek and a tea called mother milk. You can purchase both of them at a vitamin store or online. My personal preference is the Vitamin Shoppe. They have 200 capsules for $10.00 which is the best deal. You take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day and drink plenty of fluids make sure you are eating healthy and getting the calories that you need. I hope I helped :)

Rae - posted on 01/23/2010

I have fibrocystic breast and had a devil of a time breast feeding.I had trouble at the hospital and talked to a lactation consultant. It sort of worked there but they just said to keep trying. At my son's three day check-up he lost one whole pound. i felt like a failure. I tired it all and the only thing that seemed to work was using a heating pad for 10 minuted before I tired to nurse my son or express milk. It got to the point where I was so stressed about being able to nurse that I was not enjoying time with my son. I stopped at four months and used formula exclusively.

Breast feeding is best but not when it takes the focus off of your baby.

Tanya - posted on 01/23/2010

Don't feel so bad. I went through something similar. For the first 2 weeks, I didn't sleep very much I was always feeding my daughter. She just wasn't getting full, I wasn't producing enough to fill her up. I tried everything my doctor recommended. Pumping even though nothing cam out, hot showers, massaging my breasts, drinking barley very nasty. Nothing worked I felt like a horrible mom for a little while. My sister had so much milk she could squirt across the room. I started her on formula, she did great. It helped a lot when I had to go back to work. I didn't leak in my bra, and I didn't have to worry if I left enough milk.

Elise - posted on 01/23/2010

Love the fact that I'm now a part of a group of supportive women! Milk Duds!!!! Love it!!!
I wish I would have had this, or any kind, of support when I was first dealing with this!
I would also recommend avoiding people whose comments cause you to feel bad about this situation.
I'm very impressed at your ability to post this issue. It seems to have helped a lot of us. I know this has helped me.
Thanks.

Elise - posted on 01/23/2010

I have felt your pain. I honestly felt that I was not meant to be a mother because I couldn't breastfeed like everyone else I knew. This affected me so deeply. I can't even put into words what emotions I was going through and have since.
Now my first is 9. He is happy, healthy and brilliant! I since have had 2 more. I have been able to nurse each a bit more than the last. My 6 mo old nursed (with a lot of supplementing) till he was 12 weeks.
I beat myself up for 8 years about my inability to be a good nursing mother. My kids don't care. They don't know the difference. We (thankfully) live in a time that formula is a good option. May not be ideal but I have needed to learn the JOYS of bottle feeding! I get to date my hubby!!!!
My suggestion is to look for the good and do your best to ditch the hateful things we say to ourselves.
Good luck and know that you are not alone in this.
Besides, that baby of yours is gorgeous!!!! Good job mommy!!!

Jennifer - posted on 01/22/2010

I ahd the same problem. I felt useless and I still feel sad that my milk didn't come in. Logan latched on 6 minutes after being born and he got all the benefits of my colostrom but at 6 days he was admitted back into hospital into the neo-natal unit because he had severe jaundice and had also lost too much weight - from 6lb12oz to 5lb9oz. It was there that I found out my milk hadn't come in preoperly when I tried expressing because he was going to be fed by tube due to having light therapy. I was devastated! But there was no time for trying drugs to encourage milk supply as he had basically been starving for the past 4 or so days =[ so I had to make the horrible decision of putting him on formula. 1 in 1000 women can't breastfeed and I was one of those =[ My mam had the same problem too. It's hard to accept but you can still have closeness with skin-to-skin and at least they're getting nutrition=]

Sophie - posted on 01/22/2010

How old is your baby? How long have you tried? What do you mean by you are not producing anything? Did u have colostrum? I have no idea how old is you baby and how long this has been happening so it is really difficult to give any advice.

Mary - posted on 01/21/2010

# 1 talk to a lactation consultant # 2 Malt helps milk come in. An example of malt is Wendy's chocolate frosties. You can also buy malt in a store to add to milk. Drink lots of fluids make sure you are eating healthy & taking a prenatal vitamin.

Renee - posted on 01/21/2010

My daughter, Danielle, just had a baby boy and she has been having some strong will problems with her son. He is two weeks old, & she has been very diligent with her efforts & it is truly paying off. He is latching on more often, she & her husband are working with a breast consultant. We have all been through the breast feeding dilema, please don't feel alone, you're not, I promise you. It took several weeks for me to get Danielle, my 28 year old, to successfully take the breast when she was a newborn & I felt the way you did! "Why can't I do this, everyone else can??". Don't give up! Best Wishes, Renee :o)

DEB - posted on 01/21/2010

I know lots of women that just couldn't breast feed. My daughter and my daughter in -law they were also upset about this but the main thing to remember is as long as your child gets the nutrition it needs and is healthy thats what matters most. As a mother of a new baby there will be lots of things to worry about make the ones you can control more important .

Tara - posted on 01/21/2010

It takes a good 4 days or so for your milk to come in...how old is your baby? I felt the same way until my milk came in. Breast feeding is hard at first, give it a good 3 weeks.

Holly - posted on 01/21/2010

It sounds like you're doing everything right. I work in the maternity center in a hospital and sometimes regardless, it just doesn't work out. Even nurses who help babies feed every day have this problem with their own babies. Sounds like you have a healthy baby otherwise, so count your blessings. If you're going to have to supplement, did you know you can do it right at your breast with a small tube. So, baby is actually sucking on you at the same time? Back to your original statement, why do you think you cant produce enough for your baby? Have the doctors talked to you about this?

Lisette - posted on 01/20/2010

Sometimes we just cant beat nature. You can try to pump your breast to see if this will work if not than its ok there is nothing wrong with you and you can still bond with your baby and your baby will still be healthy if you dont breast feed. No worries....

Andrea - posted on 01/20/2010

My baby is a month and a half today. Ive fed him every 2 hours then pumped every hour. I changed my diet, increase water intake... taken the herbs. Just no luck.

Shelagh - posted on 01/20/2010

You don't say how old your baby is. It took 5 days for my milk to come in with both my babies, so maybe there's time yet.

Beth - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't beat yourself about it. you are not less of a woman if you cannot produce enough milk. have you tried using a breast pump every 30 to 45 minutes to produce more milk.. Natasha is 100% right on every thing she wrote I agree totally...

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2010

The supplement is called Fenegreek, & it does help!! Don't Give Up, I know its really hard the first few weeks, but it really does get easier and well worth it!! My son is 13 weeks and breastfeeding is our bonding time together after I get home from work!!

Holly - posted on 01/20/2010

There's an herbal supplement a lot of nurses at my work use that helps increase the amount of milk you produce, only I forget the name of it. You could call a lactation consultant and I' m sure they could help you with the name.

Medic - posted on 01/20/2010

first of all moms that chose not to breastfeed are not "lazy and selfish" kemberley.
Don't feel bad I tried to BF my first and lasted only four weeks because he was never full and I was always crying. Using formula was a godsend to both of our happieness.

Krystal - posted on 01/20/2010

hi i know how you feel, i wasnt able to breast feed, my son wouldnt latch on and he wouldnt accept my milk, also turned out i had an infection and the infection turned my milk bad(thats why he wouldnt accept it) so i had no choice but to bottle feed, my son went without any milk for 12 hours, i would try with nurses and they would say lets try again in an hour, a specialist came checked his blood sugar levels and said it was extreamly low, it was at that point i gave up and formula fed him, the specialist had to teach my son how to suck, my milk dried up within 2 days. hes now 8 months old and is perfectly healthy, i would of loved to of breast fed him but making sure my baby was safe and healthy was more inportant to me, i dont feel less of a women or bad at all because i know my baby is happy, healthy and perfect in every way and thats all that matters, i hope everything works out for you, best wishes :)

Kimberley - posted on 01/20/2010

hey dont get ur self down over this , at least u tried there are so many lazy selfish mums out there that wouldnt even give it a try, i can imagin how u feel tho but on a brighter side scientists have proved that there is nothing benifical about breast milk now because formula has developed so much so ur baby isnt missing out on anything =]
x

Trina - posted on 01/20/2010

I had the same problem. It was slow to start and at three months a stessfull job event caused me to dry up completely and I had to go to formula. Thankfull I had pumped extra to make the transition easier. Try pumping when you are not feeding. Your baby is small and is not eating much so your body may not understand to make milk. Save this milk in the freezer for a later date. May come in handy when brestfeeding is not possible...babysitter etc. The extra pumping should trigger your body to produce better milk. Drink a lot of water and healthy stuff!!!! It was easier with my second and I made just evough milk!!!! Hang in there and know that even if the milk does not come you are OK!!!!

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2010

I am so sorry. I know how you feel. I tried to breastfeed and couldn't get my son latched on. I finally bought a nipple shield and got him latched on to that but I wasn't producing enough to keep him fed and he started getting dehydrated. I was heartbroken when the pediatrician told me that I had to start bottle feeding. I started drinking Mother's Milk Tea and pumped like crazy trying to up my supply. I started producing just enough to mix with his formula so at least he got a little bit from me. But, it was very saddening and frustrating. Bottle feeding ended up being best for my baby and I accepted that. I tried to see some positives in it. My husband was able to feed him which helped them bond and I was able to get a break.

Patricia - posted on 01/20/2010

You are not the only one. I went through the same thing almost ten years ago with my son all was great but no milk came! as soon as he stopped wetting diapers I knew he was in trouble and went out and got formula. It hurt me and I cried when I returned the breast cream to the store. What got me through it was watching my beautiful baby grow and strive regardless which yours will too We tried and will continue to always try to do what is best for our children but with all of life sometimes things do not always work out as we planned stay focused on your beautiful child and his/her growth and development you will get through it. I went on to try again with my daughter and she would not even latch on But I would still try again tomorrow even though it may upset me I will always do what is best for my children despite my own feelings that is what moms do. Its tough but we are mommys now and we need to be strong. Good luck and do not let this stop you from trying again each child and situation is different! From someone who understands: )

Sara - posted on 01/20/2010

How old is your baby?...if you are within the first 6-8 weeks your body is still trying to make the milk. Your baby is getting something!!!! Do NOT give up!!! I know it is hard but once you get past that stage it gets so much better. Have you tried pumping?....that can help you to produce.

LEIGH - posted on 01/20/2010

As you can tell you aren't the only one out here. I tried and tried my daughter took to me no problem or so I thought My breasts grew to a size DDD/E hubby loved it - they hurt. She sucked, I pumped - ate all the right things took vitamins took yeast supplements this lasted for three weeks all of a sudden I stopped producing, I cried because with my first one I couldn't and everything started great with my daughter 10 years later. The only thing that got me thru was jokes. I had to deal with the anger, sadness and resentment that other moms could do it. My 10 year old asked if my friend could breastfeed for me (she was as dry as an empty cup her last child was 8yrs ago). Just remember you tried no one can hold it against you so don't hold it against yourself. So what if we have milk duds, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of life. You have a beautiful child and as a mom we only want to love them and feed them. Either way later in life know that their gonna resent you for something. I figure my son will resent the fact I had him circimsized, didn't breast feed him -the same with my daughter (breastfeeding that is) or I didn't get him that special toy he wanted when he was 5 that probably cost way too much. Hey MILK DUDS are MILK DUDS lets ban together because in 15 or more years were gonna worry about something else (in my case it would probably be menopause while my daughter goes thru PMS. Jezz- Now I got myself all depressed. Oh well! I'm gonna have to start trying to find new jokes!) Seriously all joking aside you tried your best that's all anyone can ask for until ...dum, dum dum -that shiny new toy they want. No ones going to love you less and you should always remember your not any less of a woman. You just entered a new phase of momhood (figure you weren't going to breastfeed him until college you would of had to stop at some point) and you joined a new group The MILK DUDS, always remember things might change if you have more children, if not you might be able to help someone else going thru the same issues or like me come up with a few stupid jokes ( believe me they do help ) and remember he's going to love you no matter what because you are his MOM.

BreAnn - posted on 01/20/2010

I had problems with one breast producing and the other not producing. When I went to the Doctor about it, I found out my left breast was clogged from the very begining. I went on to breast feed and pump for one year. Look for little white spots on your nipples, they could be clogged. Good Luck!

Beck - posted on 01/20/2010

There is a reason why formular was created for new borns, and no woman is any less a woman due to any circumstance (including not being able to breast feed). You just delivered a baby, no Man could ever do that. Sure being upset about the fact you may have liked to breast feed but alot of women want everything perfect for their babys and sometimes it just isn't possible. Make the best of the things you can do, and dont worry about those you cant, many women have breast cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, but they are still women and in my eyes its not what can already do, but what you can over come that makes you a better person, better mother and better woman. Take care and be the best woman you can :D

Kristy - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't worry, i had the same problem, i breast fed for no longer than 2 months, i really struggled producing milk for him, I actually dried up by then because my son however was using breast feeding as a comfort because he would never take a dummy. But formula is still healthy and wont make much difference. Drinking a lot of fluid might help however that never helped because i was always drinking water when i was breast feed, i was always thirsty.

Holly - posted on 01/20/2010

Like the other women, I too have not been able to breastfeedI know that feeling of feeling like a failure, BUT YOU ARE NOT. Being a mom means doing WHAT IS BEST for your kids and what is within YOUR ability. If you don't have milk, than you have to feed them another way. Thank goodness we have formula that is healthy for our kids these days and doesn't diminish their IQs.

Also, don't be afraid that your child won't "bond" with you. They will just by your cuddling them, changing their diapers, wiping their face, giving them a bath . . . You don't need to breast feed for a child to feel loved and bonded with you. My 4 child is 6 months and is a complete mama's girl.

If you are doing your best and meeting their needs to the best of your ability than YOU ARE A GREAT MOM!

Kylie - posted on 01/20/2010

I had a similar problem with my 1st. The midwives pushed and pushed for me to BF until I was in tears and hating myself with my bub crying constantly because she was hungry. My paediatrician walked in one day, told the midwives off, and gave me a bottle of formula wich stopped her crying, made her happy and let her sleep.
Because of the way I felt back then, I have chosen to bottle feed my other two from the start. What I'm trying to say is don't beat yourself up if you can't BF because in the end, if bub is happy and healthy, what does it matter if they are on formula. If you worry yourself too much, you may not want to BF your next bub and that would be a shame not to try again because of one bad experience. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Tracey - posted on 01/20/2010

I too had this problem for both of my children. Both of them were so starving that they were feeding every 2 hours, falling asleep at the breast and then waking up screaming half an hour later. We saw doctors, pediatricians, local area health nurses. I tried anyone who would listen and everything they suggested; including a breast pump to get some milk in between feeds and then trying to feed this to the baby via the bottle (not that there was much there). Both my children didn't put on weight during this time and one of them was losing weight (can't remember which). At 4 weeks, my eldest was complementary-fed formula and at 6 weeks was on formula full time - totally different baby and I began to feel human again. With the youngest, I was desperate to be a "proper mum" and stretched breastfeeding to 6 weeks (where I had been told that all would be OK), but my youngest become ill with dehydration and I was told that I had a choice: either put her on formula immediately or she would be hospitalised. I bought formula on the way home, dragged the bottles out of the cupboard, and she never looked back.

My children are 9 and 7 now; they don't care that I didn't breastfeed them for months and months. In the scheme of things, what matters is that my children are loved and cared for. They are healthy and active. Breastfeeding would have been nice for me, but it just didn't happen.

You are not alone, and it is no reflection on the kind of mother you are and are going to be. It is not a reflection on the kind of woman you are either. There is more to being a mother and a woman than breastfeeding. I am sure that you have a lot more to offer your son and husband than that.

Julie - posted on 01/20/2010

i know its hard and i have been there you get all upset becouse its the most natural thing in the world and other mums can do it so you why not me well that's what i thought i really tried and in the end my son got jaundice becouse he was not getting enough food i managed for one month and that was it but i had to formula feed as well as breast becouse they were not getting enough in the end with all the tiredness and being drain the milk stopped dont feel sad though becouse at the end of the day there are many women who have difficultly or cant breastfeed and in the end you do whats right for your baby and give the baby formula and know deep down that you tried your very best to breastfeed and you would have loved to have done it so give your self a pat on the back for trying there should be more support grups for women who find it hard to come to terms with not being able to breastfeed

Mel - posted on 01/20/2010

who cares put your baby on formula. Its no big deal. Formula helps them a great deal anyhow and in my personal opinion is better for them. It helps them gain weight quicker so little risk of FTT, meet thier milestones quicker, and sleep longer cause it fills thier little tummys. If you really do want to breast feed you can get a tablet that makes you produce more milk. Other wise dont stress. So many doctors pt kids on formula for many different reasons. You have nothing to be ashamed about. I formula fed as my daughter struggled with weight gain, and I was formula fed for the same reason

Helen - posted on 01/20/2010

I had problems to begin with, and didn't think I would be able to breast feed, but 5 months later I am still breast feeding. When I was having problems and needed someone to talk to, I rang the Australian Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum or visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au. They maybe able to help you feel better on the emotional side of things and give you some good advise.

Bridget - posted on 01/20/2010

I know exactly how you feel!! I too was unable to produce enough for my baby despite trying everything! It took me a while to realise that the reason I was soooooo upset by having to comp with formula was that the CHOICE to breastfeed had been taken away from me - I didn't have the control to decide, it had been decided for me. Having said that though I tried all the techniques - fed my baby EVERY hour for 3 days straight (lost all my baby weight though in 2 weeks), ate a very healthy diet (definitely eating enough as I started to gain some of that baby weight again), tried the medicine the doctors recommended, had a lactation consultant come and supervise/advise for 3 days, and PUMPED PUMPED PUMPED!!! Unfortunately nothing helped as my son still needed formula to gain weight and to sleep! I did start taking fenugreek as a last attempt and it built my supply up so that I was able to give half breastmilk and half formula to my son (very pleased). We continued this (breastfeed then top up bottle) until 61/2 months at which point he decided he didn't want to breastfeed anymore.

The important thing is not to beat yourself up over it - it isn't your fault and your baby will thrive on ANY breastmilk you can give him as well as formula!

You are still going to be the best mother to your baby and provide food, shelter, support and most importantly love to your little one!!

Peita - posted on 01/20/2010

I was determined to breastfeed all 3 of my children, but it did not work out that way! M 1st was a boy, he weighed 9lb 6oz born and breastfed every hour for an hour! I did this for 6 weeks, we were both exhausted all of the time and when he went onto formula he was having 200ml bottles every 2 hours and I guess I couldn't keep up with him! My 2nd was a girl, she weighed 8lb 3oz at birth, after I had her I retained my placenta and had a bleed out requiring a blood transfusion and my milk never came in properly, I kept trying and supplemented with formula but gave up again at 6 weeks! My 3rd was a girl and after delivering her it was realised I had developed Placenta Accreta, which is where the placenta grows into the muscle of the uterous, long story short, I had a bleed, an emergency hysterectomy, another bleed then clamps put on my arteries and my tummy packed and then 24 hours later, had the packing removed from my tummy, I had 9 units of blood transferred in total! With everything my body went through it was really hard to breastfeed! I was in intensive care for 4 days and the midwives came and manually expressed for me while I was under to try and help my milk come in, I didn't actually breastfeed my baby until day 5 on my own because I was too unwell! I am devestated I couldn't feed again, especially since she is definately my last due to the complications, but with that being said, I am now ok and proud mum to 3 beautiful kids! I fed whatever I had in my supply for 8 weeks and supplemented with formula, my supply never increased from about the end of week 2! My litle girl is gaining weight beautifully and is healthy and I think you just need to look at that, if you are healthy and your baby is healthy, then isn't that what really matters? If you are struggling to get past this or want help to increase your supply, go and talk to someone who can help you get through it, you need to be the happiest mummy you can be for your beautiful baby! Take Care!

Tara - posted on 01/20/2010

Sometimes it just isn't in the cards. I wasn't able to breastfeed either of my girls more than a couple of months. I pumped, I upped my food/water intake, I took the drugs and herbal supplements, etc. I knew going into it that I might have some trouble because I had a breast reduction in my twenties and I have inverted nipples, but it was still a blow to not be able to produce enough for my girls. Both my girls latched beautifully, but couldn't get enough to live on. In the end I made the choice to formula-feed both girls (still am as my youngest is 3 1/2 months now) - I figured I would rather my girls had enough to eat and associated eating with positive things and a happy mama instead of negative and unhappy. It is a tough choice, but beating yourself up over it, or killing yourself trying to make it happen are worse choices. Your baby isn't going to care how they were fed, just that they were fed :)

Heather - posted on 01/20/2010

It does take time. Be patient. That is the last thing you are going to do when you are having issues when you want to breastfeed. Do you have a pump? A pump is a good way when you are not nursing to use to help the milk flow. If you pump every couple of hours then your milk supply will come back. My friend had a similar problem and the pump saved her from tears. Hope it works out for you.

Ingrid - posted on 01/20/2010

Hi If you really want too keep trying. I felt like that as well but drank loads of water maybe about 2 litres a day to make milk in the begining and I still drink water now. In the begining it always feels like the boobs are not filling up and you are worried that you will starve your child. The more you breast feed and the baby sucks the more you drink then the more milk you produce. If you have given up and are now bottle feeding dont feel like a failure its really hard to hang in there I had loads of support and when I shouted and cried in the begining that there was no milk my mum was there to sooth me and reassure me otherwise I promise you know I would have given up. If you want to keep trying with the breast keep going its so worth it. Hang in there !!

Jessica - posted on 01/20/2010

It does take a few days. And you have to eat and drink more than when you're pregnant. Also there are medicines that can help you produce more milk if you go see your doctor.

But in the end if it's not possible then it's not possible and making sure your baby is healthy is the main thing. That is the most important thing for you as a mum, to make sure your baby is getting what he/she needs and if breastfeeding isn't possible then that means formula for most people. It makes you no less a woman, just like if a woman can't concieve that makes her no less a woman. Look at what you were able to acheive, look what you created. A healthy perfect little baby who you love and are trying to do the best by.

I can't help you with trying to cope as I was able to breastfeed, but in the first few weeks with my first son I thought I was going to have to formula feed and I remember that crushing feeling. Know that many mothers have to formula feed their babies and they have grown to be happy healthy children. It's not ideal but you wan't him/her happy and healthy with a full belly.

Good luck! And try to enjoy your new miracle instead of stressing because the time really does fly.

Natasha - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't beat yourself up about it! I had all great intentions to breast feed! I wanted of course like every mum what was best for my baby. Unfortunately i have inverted nipples and although my doctor told me this wouldn't be a problem my son couldn't latch on. I had to use a nipple shield but that decreases milk supply and because my son wasn't a good sucker i dried up too and was forced to stop BF when my son was only 8 weeks old. It was such a sad day i cried! But i just had to think that my son was more important and he was screaming in hunger and i needed to give him something. So just remember you can only do what you can do. Your baby wont love you any less for it and formula is still very healthy for babies!