Breastfeeding and pumping

I feel I have been struggling lately with breastfeeding, and I want to bond with my son by breastfeeding, but I feel I can't do it anymore, and I feel like he eats more than I produce because when I pump and I give him the milk he wants more. I am struggling, and I'm getting very emotional about this whole new mom thing. I also get scared that when I feed him, he spits up a lot, too, because maybe he's eating too much? I dont know. My son is 2 weeks old.

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The first few weeks of breast feeding are so so difficult, I don't think it get talked about enough. I would say -
Your baby is more efficient than any pump at getting milk out, so I wouldn't compare what he is like breast vs expressed. If he's gaining weight and having wet and dirty Nappies he's getting enough
You can't over feed a breast fed baby. They take what they need.
The unknown of breast feeding is terrifying. Especially compared to formula feeding which is very regimented. That aspect of it gets easier as you become more experienced and your supply settles down. I now know what it feels like when she's had a full feed, how long it takes etc.

I really struggled breast feeding initally and nearly gave up several times. And it would have been fine if I had! But I'm so happy I stuck with it as I love it now (6 months in). Find some local breast feeding support, cut yourself some slack, this bit is really tough, it gets better!

I had to do pumping because my son was in the nicu for the first week and a half.

@rebecca I'm just trying to find a good routine, and I wasn't able to breastfeed him the first week and a half due to him needing oxygen to breathe in the nicu. Also how do u know if baby is done eating I have to burp him constantly cause he just stops eating and like 5 mins in but when I set him down he starts crying and trying to suck on his hand. I know he wants more. Plus, I know I have support from my family, but not my boyfriend enough.

I would recommend finding a lactation consultant who can check his latch and make sure he’s getting the most out of each feed. If the latch isn’t good (and small tweaks can make all the difference) then he’ll be using extra energy trying to get milk out and it will be less efficient, so you might end of producing less milk over time. I really struggled with bf too and found having a lactation consultant observe some feeds and give me advice helped a ton! But I’m sorry it’s so tough, and it sounds like it’s been a stressful start with your son in nicu, I hope you’re ok ❤️

It sounds like you need to check your latch is okay, I don't know how it works in the US can you access a lactation consultant? I would really recommend laid back nursing or the football hold early on (you can youtube them). In terms of social media I love olivia_lactation_consultant (she's uk based) and the la leche league are really good. Mama nurse Tina also has some great youtube videos that helped me early on in breast feeding.

If you want to keep breast feeding it sounds like you need more support. This is a completely new skill you and baby are learning, it does not come easy! As a first time mum it is so daunting and ever first time mum i speak to feels the same! There is also nothing wrong with stopping if this is too much for you. You could exclusively pump which would likely boost your supply or switch to formula. You need to do what's right for your mental wellbeing aswell as baby!

The first weeks are very challenging. Please see a lactation consultant or find a local breastfeeding group. It will make such a difference. Put baby to latch on demand. This is the best way to make more milk.

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