FTM mom
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Hiii. Big breastfeed momma here. I actually had to hold my breast for the baby for a long time until they were doing it well themselves. With your LO being only two weeks I would give it time til they’re a little more secure and confident in what they’re doing. I usually did 15 minutes on each side and longer if they wouldn’t unlatch. I remember her latch was so fierce in the beginning and to unlatch her was tough. I used the boppy. But I see you have the breast friend and that’s good too! The thing I kept remembering is, it’s not meant to feel easy in the beginning. You’re gonna be dedicating a lot of time and discomfort til you and the baby figure it out and it gets soooo easy to the point where you’re like - feeding a bottle is too much work lol. The spectra pump is great. You can get it through your insurance. Make sure you get the right flange size and for everything else, a lactation consultant would be great for you and should be covered by insurance for at least 1-2 visits
@Lauren thank you Lauren, yes I’m based in the uk had support from a breastfeeding group and it made a huge difference. I used to cry breastfeeding the first week. Now it’s better but still not -yet- pain free I could only breastfeed using rugby ball position and I can’t do it whilst outside the house.
@Amanda thank you for your comment Amanda, appreciate your help. Do you have a recommended nursing pillow, I’ve got a non branded one and can only breastfeed using rugby ball position. I live in the uk so no insurance but happy to buy it either used or new if it will make my life easier x
I also have big breasts and a small baby, I recommend getting the My Breast Friend breastfeeding pillow! I used it for the first 6 months and it made it possible to bf in the cross cradle position for me. Always always offer both breasts at a feeding and alternative, starting with the one you left off with last time. The side you start with is basically the main course and the second side is dessert! As for pumps I have the pink spectra (my insurance wouldn't cover the blue one) with a battery pack I found on Amazon to make it more mobile. The longer you breastfeed, the easier it should get. My baby is now 10 months and does 10 minutes per side. Nursing in public is so much easier now too! Keep working on it and practicing! Your baby is still so little and you're doing a good job ☺️
Are there any breastfeeding support groups near you? They should be able to recommend different positions. If you are in the UK, there is a breastfeeding support helpline. I usually alternate breasts for feeds, although sometimes she has a preference, or if she seems super hungry, I'll offer both.