Infinity, you really are doing a fantastic job hun. It's extra hard work having to keep doctors calm as well as nourishing your little on I'm really that glad you are feeling better about things.

As you have pointed out, changing sides before she is finished can lead to too much lactose-rich early milk and limit weight gains. My guess is that by giving her EBM in a bottle you have seen better gains not just because of the amount she is getting but also because the milk is fattier. I think 20 minutes on one side if she will take it would be more productive than 10 mins on each. Better still would be letting her have as much as she wants from the breasts - as long as she is drinking - and then topping up if necessary, but perhaps there is a reason why they have suggested stopping her.

Infinity hun, I don't think there is any problem with using shields if they are helping. There is no real evidence that the modern shields reduce supply. In fact one study has shown that premmie babies get more milk when shields are used. I think doing whatever works for you is just fine. It's not good that you still have pain though. Has your DD been checked for tongue-tie or high palate at all? Those things can affect babies from being able to attach properly. Another idea might be to try Baby Led Attachment - see this article - Australian Breastfeeding Association - Baby-led attachment. If that doesn't help then maybe seeing a Lactation Consultant might be worthwhile for you. Feeding without pain should be possible and it must be very hard for you to be having so much pain.

All the best with it hun. I am so pleased to hear that things have improved, and I hope they get easier for you soon

black_rose - did you read the lactose intolerant article I posted earlier in the thread? Lactose intolerance doesn't happen in babies unless it's secondary to something else. It is quite likely there are other food intolerances/allergies in play with your kids. Have you had any allergy testing?