How long will I have to wait?

[motte]

My DS is 7 weeks old but born 5 weeks early. I am still pumping ebm for him full time and attempting to get him to feed a couple of times a day (only in his 2 wakeful periods). I am desperate to get him feeding properly.
He actually was latching on fine in hospital with a shield but I was advised to just stick to giving him ebm as he had to go under lights for jaundice and was not getting enough during breastfeeds and it was taking up too much time away from the lights. I was sent home with instructions to keep up the ebm and keep breastfeeds to a minimum until his jaundice was fully gone and he was back up to his birth weight. I think with the chaos of returning home to my other kids and the housework etc as well as having to pump all the time I didn't get him on the breast enough. He seems to have lost his latching skills, and now doesnt like the shield. I have had a wonderful lactation consultant come and visit and we got him on the breast ok and it was wonderful to have him feed properly at last even if it wasnt for very long. But it never really happened again and now days are turning to weeks and I'm starting to panic he wont ever feed properly.
When does it get too late? I cant believe it's gone on this long. I had the LC come back and she was happy with my technique and wasn't too concerned about the time it was taking for him to get it. He is still interested and will have a few tries but usually gets frustrated and even gags when it seems he's nearly got it. I have bfed my other two so I know what it feels like when it's right.
Just need to hear from anyone who's had a similar situation or good advice!

[onthefly]

You have time motte

[Kmn]

It took me 6 weeks for a close-to-full term baby - it should get easier as bub gets bigger and stronger.
Keep trying - have you tried feeding with you lying on your side and bub lying on his side next to you - that worked much better for us than any other way.

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

No-one can really say - but it will happen. I would strongly suggest that you see an LC- you need your own personal guide through this

[Lisa B]

I just wanted to send you a big You are doing really well to keep up the EBM. It's a difficult journey you've been on and I hope your bub takes to the breast really soon.

[Sagres]

If he is getting frustrated perhaps you could try hand expressing to get things going a bit before he attaches?

[Sagres]

I would strongly suggest that you see an LC- you need your own personal guide through this

Umm the original post says she is seeing a LC, perhaps she is looking for some advice above and beyond that step?

[MantaRay]

How are you going motte? It's really tough when babies arrive early. Getting back on track can take some time. These difficulties are something you can get through with the right support. I hope things are improving for you