I think my breastfeeding days might be over.
I took a week or so off, since my nipples were terribly sore—raw, scabbed, and bleeding. (Well, it wasn’t as bad as that makes it sound when you put all three of those together, but all three of those issues were apparent in one way or another.)
So we introduced formula [mixed with breastmilk] and I continued to pump—with the notion that it would just be until I healed and then I would start breastfeeding again. And things went well. He likes all three brands of bottles we tried and the formula didn’t seem to bother him at all.
So fast forward a week or so when I tried breastfeeding again. And it didn’t go terribly well. 🙁
He is bigger now, of course, so the position I loved and that worked well before (football hold) doesn’t work so well now because his legs are long enough to reach the couch/chair and he can push off—taking my nipples with him. And I can’t seem to get any other positions to work because…he seems to be MUCH more active—twisting and turning and pulling and wiggling and just plain not settling down—which makes for a difficult latch. And speaking of the latch, that doesn’t seem to be great, either…as after two tries, I was already getting sore again.
I may try attending the LaLeche League meeting this week to see if they can help any…otherwise, I think I’m done. I hate to say it, but it’s true. Aside from the tenderness and latching issues, it just feels awkward overall. But since I am still pumping, he is still getting some breast milk…