OneWishADay I wish I was able to breastfeed my baby… My son experienced heart failure at just five days old, and spent 3 weeks in the CVICU. While he has since made a miraculous recovery, I was never able to establish a milk supply nor have I been able to breastfeed due to his issues with eating from the very beginning of his life. Regardless, I induced lactation around 2.5 months postpartum by pumping, starting from dry pumping, to getting drops, to a single ML, and now at 4.5 months postpartum, I’m pumping roughly seven ounces or so a day. I have been pumping as often as I can, trying my hardest to get him any of my milk as I possibly can. I’m proud of what I have been able to achieve but I still wish I was able to bond through breast feeding .
That journey is incredibly powerful 
From CVICU days to now, the strength and love behind every ounce you’ve worked for is undeniable. You’ve done so much for your baby, even through the hardest start. Sending you so much love. Bonding isn’t defined by how it happens, it’s in everything you’re already giving him 
Thank you so much for your kind words. You have no idea how much it means to hear this from another Momma 
I am so sorry to hear your little one had to stay in the CVICU. I’m so glad he has had such a good recovery! And he is just the cutest! You are going above and beyond, and it shows how much love you have for him. I hope your milk supply continues to improve.
So I’m not sure if this is totally possible but I always pumped because my baby didn’t latch correctly so he only tried to latch the first week n I was only just pumping but I read somewhere to try to put them on to at least try to suckle every so often cause something with their saliva helps Taylor the breastmilk a lil more so at least once a week or every other week I’d try n around 2 months one day he just latched which is pretty cool so maybe try. Mine drank from the breast about a week after he did that but I think I preferred to pump. So happy your baby is good though! Goodluck mama
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness I truly hope so too! But even if this is all I can provide, I’m more than happy. They say that there’s billions of antibodies in a single drop of breast milk.
I’ve read the same thing, so I have been at least putting his saliva on breast, I know that may seem weird but to me it makes total sense since he doesn’t breastfeed. I have continued to try to put him to breast, and he has suckled about five times ever now. Not for long but it’s something! He usually cries when I bring him to breast but I think it may be positioning. He doesn’t seem to like cradle hold or football hold so I’ve tried practicing side lying most recently. It’s not always successful but he’s latched twice in that position! its hard when he cries but im just gonna keep trying. I’ve had the most luck when its no pressure, loving snuggles and kisses beforehand.
Exactly!
I’m proud of you! You are doing a great job! Pumping is hard work and yall have been through a lot so glad your baby is doing so good now!
I truly appreciate it. It hasn’t been an easy task, but it’s certainly a labor of love. 
Hey so pumping is breast feeding and you are doing your best to give him what you have THAT IS AMAZING!!! I’m so proud of you for not getting discouraged! You are a rock star through and through
Love hearing this, thank you!!! 
So glad your baby is home and getting better I can’t imagine how hard that time was for you. You are amazing. I hope your baby keeps getting stronger and your supply keeps growing. You worked so hard to give your baby your milk. That love matters most.
It was absolutely insane but I feel very grateful for where we are now. We’re very lucky. It feels like we’ve made it past a very very scary bump in the road, to say the least. Your kind words are so appreciated 