Haven't BF in a little over 24 hours

I haven't BF for over 24 hours because my nipples have been so sore. I was giving him Formula in a bottle. BF was/is very important to me and now I feel really bad. I just tried to let him nurse, and it seems he didn't get very much. Can I resume BF if I just keep letting him on everytime he seems to be hungry? He will be 3 weeks tomorrow so I had a good supply going until now.
If I can get it to come back good, how do I go about doing it?

Thanks for all help!!

 

Yes, you can resume. It'll take some work (and frankly, it might hurt) but you absolutely can build up your supply. It's a matter of supply and demand. The more you nurse, the more you'll produce. Because you've been supplementing, you may have to keep at that a little. But always offer breastfeeding to him first. Let him work at it for awhile. At 3 weeks, it'll still take him some time, probably. And if he's still hungry, give him formula afterward. I'd also suggest getting a pump, and seeing a lactation consultant. Then any milk you get will be helping to build your supply. The pain will go away! Good luck with working it out!!!

 

Yes, definitely! Make sure that he is latching well b/c that could be a major source of the nipple pain. Also, be sure to apply lanolin to your nipples after nursing and avoid using soap on them in the shower. Be sure that you are drinking and eating alot to help reestablish your supply and nurse frequently. I hope the pain eases soon!

 

24 hours is not too long at all! I have known women who have been forced to suspend breast feeding for up to a week and have managed to get things back on track again. Do what the pps suggested... work on his latch to make sure hs is securely on (this will help with your discomfort, too). Keep trying...the sore nipples will go away, I promise! Avoid soap, just bathe your nipples in clean water and apply lanolin after feedings. Within a few weeks, you will be so glad you kept trying!! Breast feeding is so easy and so much less fuss (no bottles! No formula! No expense!) and your breasts really will not mind at all after this initial sore period. Just like your muscles get sore after the first few times trying a new type of exercise, your nipples are new at breastfeeding. They'll get there faster than you think! And your figure, your wallet and your baby will thank you for it!

 

Thanks for the help and encouragement! Im definately going to start putting him back on and just work through this pain. I would love for this to work. It is so much more convenient to me. The pain is just h*ll though. lol
Anyway, I'll keep trying and hopefully I can get him to latch properly.
Couple more questions:

How can I retrain him back to my breasts? When I tried earlier, I could tell he really just wanted my nipple only, not any of the aerola.
How long do you think it will take to get the milk supply back in so that I dont have to supplement the formula? Couple days, week, or weeks?
Any additional tricks, hints, tips?

**** Note: I didn't even pump once I quit. Is that going to affect anything?


Again, thanks for previous replies!!!!
Hugs!

 

could you have thrush? do your nipples burn at all? does the pain go away once he latched on, or is it constant?

if you had been nursing full time before your day off, you really shouldn't have a problem in terms of supply. that is not enough time to really affect your supply. nurse every time he seems to need to. at his age it should be every 1-3 hrs.

 

Brandy, I don't know where you are from, but I do know that many hosptials have lactation specialists who are more than willing to come and help you work through the bugs of breastfeeding. When I had my first baby, I had decided not to breastfeed and then when she was two weeks old I regretted my decision. I told my Dr. my desire and worked with lactation specialist and everything worked out great (although it was hard the first few days especially with my baby being used to the botte and even though I continued using a bottle from time to time I had to change the type of bottle I used that worked better with breastfeeding) There is also an organization called La Leche League who are really pro breastfeeding and know the ins and outs really well. Good Luck! ~Mary~

 

yes yes!

I would recommend doing on demand and also not go longer than 3 hours, especially if you are trying to increase supply a bit.

I'd call the hosp you had him in and ask to talk to the Lactation specialist. They are so helpful!

good luck!