Attachment problems - having trouble copeing

[tanni_83]

Ever since Jordyn was born we've had attachment problems. About 2 weeks after she was born things got better, but only for the left side. She still has lots of trouble with attaching to the right side. She is a big feeder too...every two hrs day AND night.

Its really starting to wear me down with also having to run after a 2yr old all day. Night times are a nightmare. We cant even feed in bed properly coz she falls off all the time.

I really need some support to keep going :crying:

know sitting here crying about it isnt going to help, but i dont know how else to deal with it. Shes crying out of hunger as i type this, but i just need a break.

Im even thinking of just expressing and bottle feeding. I know its a lot more hard work, but i dont think its worth all this heart ache to keep going the way i am.

Thanks for listening. Tanni :gloomy:

[tanni_83]

i wish she would stay asleep for more than 10 minutes :hair: :banghead:

[punkbaby]

Get in touch with the Australian Breastfeeding association they are so awesome giving tips and advice that you dont seem to think off plus they give you the support to keep going as well too!

Its so hard when they are so eractic feeding like that too, dd is still doing the I want to scream my head off from 2am to 5am and its wearing me out but i know it will get better :) wish she slept like she did during the day at night!

Maybe express one or two feeds a day to give yourself a break just a thought then you can have some time out

Good luck i am sure someone else has some better advice for you though but give the ABA a call

[tanni_83]

Ive been thinking of calling the ABA. I used to be a member :)

Thanks for the kind words. Im just not used to it. Elise was a brilliant feeder, never a problem. I guess i just had faulse/high expectations that this time around id be fine as id done it all before without a hitch.

[UmmInayah]

:hugs: Don't worry you will get the hang of it again :)

I used to feed bub in a football or clutch hold on the right side as it was easier for me to use my right hand to attach. Maybe you could try this?

You're probably already doing this, so I guess this is more like a checklist..
- Are bubs lips outward when feeding?
- Are you too engorged and this is preventing bub from getting enough breast in her mouth? Maybe you could express a little before attaching her so that she can grab more boob.
- Are you shaping the breast so that bub can get more in her mouth?
- When you're attaching, are you making sure her bottom lip touches the breast first? (This was the mistake I was making, and hence she wasn't getting enough in her mouth!)

I hope it works out soon! :fingerscrossed:

I agree with contacting the ABA. They are always so helpful.

[tanni_83]

Hi:wave:

Thanks for your replies. Yesterday was a terrible day. I had feeling and emotions running wild. I didn't really know how else to cope but to get it off my chest.

Today however Jordyn is both feeding and sleeping brilliantly!

Thanks again everyone, its reassuring to know there are people (even if you dont know them personally) you can rely on for encouragement :hugs: