Can I start breast feeding?
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Also worth trying to pump here and there as well possibly? But I think try baby with latch and maybe contact a lactation consultant as well x
Yes this is absolutely possible with the right support! You could see if she will latch - best to start at a time when she is peckish but not super hungry. Lots of mums find skin to skin really beneficialfor this, both completely naked or just nappy is ideal. Let her go at her own pace. You might like to try lying back and having her on your stomach or chest - see if she shows rooting behaviors, shes young enough that she might try to get to the breast without much help from you. You could practice this to start with, whilst you work on building up your supply. Its likely she will still need formula for a while as you establish supply and she gets used to breastfeeding. Its helpful to make sure you're paced feeding (have a google) her bottles which more closely mimics breastfeeding. Are you still under midwife care or health visitor? Might be worth asking either for support but they're unlikely to be experts so you could ask to see your local infant feeding lead.
Also lots of peer support out there from all different organizations. You could ring for example the national breastfeeding helpline who are open overnight just to chat it through and consider your options, or look for local breastfeeding support groups
@Francheska thank you! I will give it a go and speak to my midwife also!
@Beth Thank you, this is so helpful! I will give it ago, I do currently pace feed her as that's how the midwife showed me how to do it anyway. I do still have one appointment left with my midwife this week so I will have a conversation with her when I see her!☺️
Not too late, I did something similar with my first and BF until 15 months (combi to 7 months then exclusive alongside weaning when she rejected the bottle). Speak to your local breastfeeding support team and yes maybe do some pumping (even manual)/definitely breast compressions during feeds ♥️
You’re still quite fresh post partum so it’s definitely possible. See about latching but also I’d see if you could contact a lactation consultant or midwife for help? Your supply usually takes 8-16 weeks to regulate depending so there’s definitely a possibility of being able to!