Something wonderful has happened

My breastfeeding journey has been a tough one. Long story short, I've used nipple shields since the beginning, which led to a drop in my supply (whether that was all in my head or not, I still don't know), which then resulted in me comp feeding for peace of mind. I've regularly tried to attach DS without the shields, but up until the last week or so, it still resulted in sore, bleeding nipples.

And now, it's working! No pain, no blood! I'm thrilled and I feel so positive about breastfeeding, and so pleased I stuck with it for as long as I did.

BUT, when I began comp feeding, I resigned myself to the fact that it might lead to weaning altogether. Now I have hope that we can turn things around, but my supply is nowhere near what it needs to be to meet all of DS's needs. I don't mind giving him a bottle for his last feed for the night, but I'd like to cut out all other bottles - he takes about 150-200ml over the course of the day. I'm nervous - topping him up gave me the security to know that he was always full and satisfied. DS hasn't come off the boob satisfied and full since he was a newborn. I go by the clock now, and worry less about hungry signs. Those bottles were my security blanket, and insecurity is part of how I got here in the first place! I hope I can do this, and move onto exclusive breastfeeding until he's ready for solids. Wish me luck!

Congrats! Well done! and good luck :) You've come this far already, be proud of that and know that you can make your next goal :D

That is great news Lee. :leap:

The ABA has some info on their website for increasing supply, but putting bub to the breast whenever you can usually does the job.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
or give them a call ABA 1800 686 2 686

My LO was a slow grower and for awhile i was feeding very often. I didn't have a strict routine but it went kinda like feed, play, feed, sleep. About half an hour after you breastfeed, your breasts have more milk and you can give a top-up directly from the breast.

you are doing awesomely!

:clap: WOW! what an awesome job you've done! You should be really proud of yourself!

I also had to use nipple shields for the first 3 months or so. Like you we were able to gradually wean. And once we did, we went on to breastfeed for 22 months. You've done the hard yards, don't doubt yourself and don't doubt your supply. A few days of constant feeding should get your supply up to where it needs to be. But definately worth giving the ABA a call for some advice too.

What a great job you've done so far!!

The best way to build up your supply is to ignore the clock for a few days and just let baby feed at the breast whenever he is hungry. If he is still hungry at the end of the day, you have that last feed by bottle to provide you with the added reassurance, but after a few days your supply will be much better at satisfying him the rest of the time.

It is entirely possible that with your attitude and persistence you will be able to get rid of bottles all together. In any case, you're doing a wonderful job to breastfeed him as much as you have and can! :clap:

Since a typical 3 month old drinks anything from 600ml to over a litre in a day, you are already at least 2/3 of the way there (and maybe much more). Just offer him a boob whenever he's awake and see how you go.