Breastfeeding: A Sometimes Screamed-at Labor of Love

I am so glad to share my breastfeeding experience! To start I’ll say that mine wasn’t a cake walk by any means. Everyone at the hospital after I gave birth made it seem like it could be-- like it should be – and bless those nurses they tried to make it so. But my LO refused to make it easy. I had this grand image that my baby would latch perfectly from day one and we’d be super – but day one came and went and, aside from immediately after birth, my LO didn’t latch that first day. I was devastated and I felt like I was failing my baby. I had to learn quickly how to use a pump to get colostrum out so she wasn’t going hungry (and to avoid the judgement of the nurse at the time as I struggled to feed her). The struggles continued once we got home. A month or more went by and I just gave up. Every time I tried to breastfeed and she rejected it-- screaming at the top of her lungs – was a disheartening rejection. Pumping was all I was doing-- though I was grateful and blessed that I could use my M9s to pump and still move about. However, I met with an IBCLC and it changed everything. I thought nothing could help us – but she had a solution. Before breastfeeding attempts, I should offer my baby a bottle and let her drink about a half ounce or so. Then I do a “switcheroo” and offer the breast. I was skeptical, but it worked. The blessed consultant told me “She’s just a hangry girl.” And she was right. We found success after that-- though latching can still be a tiring battle of screaming at times – but she can nurse. Now, we breastfeed twice a day or so, and I pump still. I’ll even pump after nursing (as we are still working on her latching to both breasts rather than playing favorites on one lol), but those pumps feel like a small victory, because where normally I get 2-3.5 ounces a breast, I’ll get 1, maybe even .5 after nursing, and I know she’s gotten food and we had a moment to bond. :heart_hands:t3:

So mommas that struggle with screaming babies when trying to breastfeed, don’t give up! Maybe your baby is hangry. If so, try the switcheroo! Let them get their hunger down a bit before latching. Maybe it will work for you too. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

(The picture included is my post-nursing pumping yeild from today. 4 oz altogether – meaning I’m fairly certain she ate something considering it had been 5 hours since my last pump… Oops​:face_with_peeking_eye:)

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So so so soooooo happy you found a good lactation consultant that helped you !! The switcharoo funny enough we did the same thing just the opposite since my son hated bottles hahaha :joy: it worked sometimes but he caught on

Clever boy

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I’m glad you found a lactation consultant that was able to help you figure out what was going on​:grinning_face: I know that made you feel so relieved. You’re doing a great job momma!

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Hearing a baby scream at the breast is so disarming, but finding that clever trick to make it work must have felt like such a massive relief. And finding a good Lc. Way to stick with it and celebrate those wins!

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Oh really?? I didn’t even think of the switcheroo being used the other way around! Hopefully your kiddo takes bottles easier now!!

Yes! My LC was so wonderful! She also helped me learn how to collect colostrum before birth and that was what saved me in the hospital with my fussy baby! Just so glad we are in a better place now​:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Screaming at the breast is definitely disarming, but most of all it’s draining​:sweat_smile: finding this trick definitely was a huge relief! We’re even at a point now that my LO will latch without a bottle “appetizer”! Well, most of the time at least​:joy::rofl:

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Fancy taste with such young age ahahahaha

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I’m so happy you found a way to latch! It’s amazing! Especially to see how much she got out of you! My son picks favorites too but I try to make sure he drinks from both. It can be challenging at times tho

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That makes me so sad they made you feel so stressed to provide milk, but you did it! And your doing amazing!

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Yeah most of the nurses weren’t pushy but there was just one that, in my post-birth state, felt extra pushy and judgemental. But yeah I’m glad we’re doing good now! The journey has gotten easier!:blush:

Yeah getting her to feed at both is hard mainly due to the… Ahem… Size difference :joy: one side is a smidge larger and harder for her to latch onto​:sweat_smile: challenging for sure​:rofl:

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Oh that would definitely be more challenging!

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