hi all my dd is 18 days old and i can't get her to take the breast. my main problems are:
1) I had a c-section, and the midwife made my breasts so sore by hand expressing before my milk came in that i was unable to offer the breast to dd for 4 days. (I am still really angry about this coz other midwives were much more supportive) As most of you probably know, having a
C-S can put you 1-2 days behind a Vag delivery for when milk comes in. Out of concern for dd's health I gave her a bottle... big mistake.
2) She is used to the bottle, and has been averaging 1 expressed feed per day via the bottle, but pumping is time consuming and frustrating, and
3) I really wish I could properly breastfeed her and I feel really sad that it's not happening
4) dd has to work harder to get the milk, so cries, makes me stressed, so I can't let down....
Is it too late? Would she learn to nurse this late? Is it worth even trying? I am thinking of going to a breastfeeding clinic on Thursday, but am in two minds about it. DD is doing great on the formula, but I want to nurse her. Obviously I have milk there because she IS getting some breastmilk sometimes.
I seem to have got a touch of the flu off dh too, which probably doesn't help.
Anyhow, any advice would be welcome: I am not easily offended (I know this can be a touchy issue) and although I am bottle feeding, I wish I was breastfeeding, so I can see both sides of the arguement.
Thanks
Di (Jazmin's Mum )