breastfeeding success for 2nd time Mums

[kedi376]

So with J I struggled to breast feed for two weeks, she wouldn't latch, it was painful and if she did latch it was for 10 minutes then she would either scream or fall asleep. So I started to express and topped her up with formula. I ended up going to a bf group when she was 6 weeks and I was told J had tongue tie.

The tongue tie was snipped and I attempted to breast feed again, with nipple shields and without nipple shields but the result was always the same.

So I continued to express for just over 5 months, still topping up with formula. I never seemed to produce enough milk to keep her going.

Now I'm pregnant with number 2 and I know it's still really early but the thought of breast feeding scares me rotten! I was gutted I couldn't breast feed J and fought with the guilt for quite a while.

I'm not sure I have it in me to try and breast feed again. I'm thinking of just expressing again, as I know how to do this.

Is there anyone who couldn't breast feed first time but managed to the 2nd time?

 

[SaraLouise]

I don't have any advice hun, but with how hard bfing has been with H I really do hope it's better when I have another.

The thought of going through all this again is certainly enough to put me off!

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Paddles]

Hello.

I had a terrible experience feeding my first. Poor latching, poorly baby and I was unwell. Baby losing weight and being admitted into hospital. Advised by the doctors to top up. I declined and continued to breast fed and express to get supply up this resulting in no sleep at all. Ended up getting mastitis and becoming very unhappy baby was diagnosed with reflux too.
I eventually switched to formula after a long battle.

Was dreading breast feeding this time round. But so far touch wood has been easier. I've got lots of support which has been invaluable. Still hard work but baby has latched on well, milk has come in and he's putting on weight.
I went in with the mindset that if it don't work that's fine, I need to do what's best for my family and that's not to have a stressed mummy. I still do worry at how I'm gonna Breastfeed and chase after my toddler but will see what happens. Playing it day by day and trying to be relaxed about it.

Each baby is different. And the experience is totally different from last time. Hope it is for you too.

Xx

 

[Clairexx]

Hiya, I really struggled first time round as he wouldn't latch and was having to give formula from day 1 as he was badly jaundice and always asleep. I tried for around 5 weeks with getting him to latch and then just expressing and topping up with formula, until I just stopped producing any milk at all. Like you I struggled with the guilt and this time round was certain I'd try my absolute best and would be as prepared as possible. So I did a huge amount of research online and spike to as many people as possible before he came, and touch wood I have now been successfully exclusively breastfeeding for 8 weeks now. It has been very very hard at times, but I do think that the confidence that comes with second baby has helped. Good luck hun xxx

 

[Paddles]

Oh agree. You are much more relaxed with the second baby. Makes a whole lot of difference too. X