During my hospital stay, I latched baby on well. Yes there were a few trial and errors on latching and how to unlatch etc but overall baby latched on me and was on total breastfeeding except for 2 times of cup feeding. I also room in with baby on the second day. Sure it was tiring as I only had 1-3 hours of sleep in a day but it was very satisfying to see baby's happy face after each feed. I also automatically wake up whenever it's time for baby's feed.
Back at home, the nightmare started. The CL suggested stuff which ruin my milk supply. Baby started to get very impatient at my breasts and she yells so loud. I just can't bear to hear her cry this way and lets my mom take her away for bottle-feed. The CL also suggested that I give pacifier but I strongly objected. We used the infant goat's milk to supplement her diet because I could only pump out max 10 ml (both breasts combined). The whole day, I managed to have 40-50 ml then I feed baby in a bottle in one feed.
Remm I bought the medela cup feeder? It's $55+ and was never used. Not even once. Baby has only managed to latch onto me once for 20 mins ever since the CL came. And all the time, it was hubby who brings the baby to me.
My massage lady is very encouraging. She keeps saying that I will have more milk and it will come slowly. She asked me not to be stressed and just relax. If I don't have, just give formula in the mean time. She also massages my breasts and clears the block ducts. After her session, I am always happier and positive.
The CL left coz her FIL passed away. The new CL is here and we have set some ground rules, which is to allow baby to latch on me before her actual feeding time. I also decided to call up Mount A Parentcraft for help.
I just hang up the phone with them. Such a coincidence that the person who returned my call is the lady who taught me in antenatal class, Joelynn, and she remembers me.
I told her about my problem. That I have been giving bottlefeeding and today is Day 17. Baby is impatient and refuse to latch and that my pumping supply has been remaining at 10 ml and doesn't increase.
She said that she is very glad that I call her now instead of waiting until baby turns 1 month. Coz as baby grows, she will get smarter and fiercer. She also said that babies will not refuse mommies' breasts.
She told me that my dip in supply is mainly due to NOT latching. She asked me to stop pumping now. Practice latching again. I asked her HOW? She said bring bb to me when she is not already hungry. Gently wake her before her feeding time. And reduce the formula feed. Instead of 60 ml, give her 30 ml. When she is half-full, she will be more interested to come to your breast.
Then I asked her, if I stop pumping then supply will drop. She replied, a few days of not pumping will not affect so much. And even if I am very diligent in pumping, supply will never go up much. Cos stimulation comes from latching, not pumping.
She carried on to share with me another person's success story. And she said that she is confident that baby will latch on me again. Tomorrow is Sunday. I will have to try latching. If I still have difficulty, she said that I can call up on Monday. She will see me on Monday with baby.
I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
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I latched baby for an hour at Mount A with the lactation consultants - Joelynn and Wang Yan. They told me to room in with baby and latch whenever I can. Back at home, we made the changes. I made an effort to wake up before baby, to massage my breasts and to put warm compress on them. But I realised that night feeds, baby isn't in the mood to latch. She is in a dreamy state and prefer fast flowing milk.
One week has passed. I managed to latch baby here and there. Baby and me are both learning together. Sometimes, she adjusts her position to get the right suckle, sometimes she suckles for comfort and falls asleep at my breast. Whatever it is, I enjoy the bonding time with her. I will talk to her, encourage her, play soft music for her and kiss her hand. Yesterday baby opened her eyes while latching (normally she closes her eyes) and gazed at me. Such a precious moment.
I will have more opportunities to latch on when I move back to my own place. Can't wait for this confinement period to end. Seriously.
