Isabel - glad I've given you hope for your next baby with BF! It sure is hard work isnt it, on top of just looking after a newborn... having to express, worry about how much they are getting, etc its stressful.
Here's our update -
LC came over today and watched me attach. I had forgotten the 'chin to breast' part and she wasn't at the correct angle so that was what was causing the pain even though i'm sure i was doing it right!! It was only something slight but that was enough to be hurting my nipple. Showed her my right nipple and she said to not BF with it for a few days and only express from it. So i'm only feeding from L side and expressing R side after feeds and feeding her EBM top ups and if she is still hungry after that (i have to express 100ml each time!) then formula top ups too.
I'm disappointed to find my milk supply has dropped. This is due to Ava's inability to suck/feed effectively each time. She's lazy at the breast but mainly because she is too tired (or too hungry) to feed well and hence this affects my milk supply.... its a bit of a vicious cycle we've been in
DD is still hanging around her birth weight.... still not really gaining much.
Anyway, still persisting through..... I'm not yet what you'd call a "Breastfeeding success story" but I am DETERMINED to be one.
Oh, and LC believes the Paediatrician has diagnosed Silent Reflux incorrectly and that she is just hungry when she screams and not a reflux baby. So thats very confusing!! Although I believe more what my LC says then the Paed as I don't think he was very good. Seeing him tomorrow anyway and getting prescription off him for Maxalon to increase milk supply.
Hope to get Ava off the "Losec" tablets soon as LC doesn't believe she even needs them.... how confusing!!! To think she's been on drugs and didn't need them
Ooooh Ren, I would seriously look into getting Motilium over Maxalon. Maxalon is not used that much these days as a galactologue, Motilium is much more common as it has less side effects in long term use.
I know it's very confusing, and hard to know who to listen to. I'm still working through that now!!!! YOU are with your baby all day, YOU know what she responds to best. You choose who you think is the most knowledgeable, and who most supportive of you and Ava continuing BFing. Given that you're on the Losec I don't personally think it would hurt to leave her on it for a bit, as she's has such a good repsonse, while you sort out your BFing issues and get her gaining some more weight.
How would you feel about seeing someone like a naturopath/osteo/chiro? It could really help with the reflux situation, which might make the BFing thing easier over time.
Did you manage to get to your ABA meeting, and grab the booklet?
Sweetie, don't stress about the Losec, I'm sure it's not doing any harm at all. It's a shame not to feed from the sore side - but as soon as you can bear it, get her back on it.
It is a vicious cycle, you are so correct, but you know about it and are getting help and that's so important.
You will look back like so many of us do, and be proud of what you went through and that you did so well.
Also, don't take my word for it, but try not to stress about weight gain too much either. They are so tiny and having a full tummy, or having a big poo can make a big difference.
Take care and i'm sending you lots of supportive vibes!!
I just fed DD 10mins on L side (as advised) and then fed her EBM of 90ml but she only took 60ml and went back to sleep!!! Soon I have to express again. This is all so very tiring.
Janie - yeah she said to get either Maxalon or the other one. I will keep in mind what you said! Thank you. She only wants me on it for a few days only... just til my milk supply is up again... so which one should I do? Its not long term.
Lenny - yeah it is a big shame I can't feed off R side at the moment, well i can but my nipple is so badly damaged and painful that we need to give it time to heal. Shame cos' that is the breast where DD seems to feed more effectively from!! and has more milk i think! LC is hoping I am back on the R side within only a few days. As soon as it heals.
Expressing from R side still and thats good as it doesnt hurt. (using Medela swing)
Ohhh i just wish DD had more energy to suck more effectively!!! She's so tired all the time.
Ren, as Ava gets more milk from you she will grow stronger and suck more effectively. It sounds like your LC is the one to help you do this. You are doing really well to keep going, despite so many obstacles. Remember bfing is a long-term journey, so once you are past this you will reap the rewards.
hun, sometimes you must just wish that you could click your fingers and it would be easy. But I promise, at the other side you will be so proud of yourself for getting through so much to do the best by your DD.
Ren, I really know how tired you are, it's so exhausting. But truly, it will pass, and like Jennifer said, you will be so proud of yourself. You really can do this! Look how much you've invested already
Just make sure that you and Ava are the priority right now, nothing else matters. Make sure you rest AMAP in between all of the assorted feeding stuff, and make sure you eat! I know when you're on that seemingly never-ending cycle of BFing, comping, pumping that eating can come waaay down the list of priorities, but it is important. Have your DH make up some sandwiches to leave in the fridge, and when you have more than two seconds spare, grab one Even if you eat it while feeding or pumping. My DS has been covered in crumbs throughout his little life, and he seems to have survived hehe.
Also, I know how tempting it is to think "oh, I won't go to bed now, she's due at 11pm, I'll only get an hour or so in, so I'll wait until after that feed". But by the time you get through feeding, pumping etc it's getting to be way too late to be up! So go to bed early (if you're not already ).
Hang in there hun, I can promise you it will get better
Way to go!!!
Just wanted to add some more cheers for you - hope that nipple heals up soon. You CAN do this, don't worry about the bottles - she's still bfing as well.
go girl
Thank you for the continous support in this thread.... it truly is so appreciated like you wouldn't believe.
DH makes me lunch every morning and leaves it in the fridge... usually salad and meat. I actually ate lunch on time today.... at 1pm!!! YAY.... And yes, drinking more water too!! Every time I express, I make sure I drink a cup of water at least!
I haven't read this entire thread but just wanted to say you are doing sooooooooooo great!!! I had supply issues and top ups etc were needed and you are doing what I now wish I had done and will do this time if needed!!! Good job keep going it will be worth it!!
OMG hun .. I had no idea you were struggeling this much. It's hard being a first time mommy and when your precious little cub is crying the whole time, it's even harder. And then your nipples are sore and your tired .. it gets darn near impossible BUT you are doing a good job, babe, a really good job. Hats off to you that you are pushing through and bfing ... it took me 4 days of bloody nipples before I gave up
Has anyone mentioned nipple shields?? I did not read the whole thread. Could help that nipple heal while she still sucks, although, if she is already a "lazy" sucker ... it might not work. They have to work twice as hard to suck off the shield than off the breast.
Goodluck to you and DH ... take one day at a time
glad you could meet Ava!!
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Soon I have to express again. This is all so very tiring.
Even if you eat it while feeding or pumping. My DS has been covered in crumbs throughout his little life, and he seems to have survived hehe. 
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