One Last Try…
I’m 11 weeks postpartum and I’m about to give up on breastfeeding and pumping all together.
My baby was born at 37+3 due to gestational hypertension. She had trouble latching in the hospital, they told me this was common in 37 weekers.
My daughter has been combo fed since she was 2 days old. I have seen lactation consultants and when I’m on my own, I have trouble getting her on comfortably or getting her to open her mouth wide enough.
What I believe is getting in my way is my anatomy. I have very large breasts (H cup) and small nipples (17mm). They’re also very soft, almost like a water balloon but even more unstable feeling. I actually joke that they are “testicle boobs”. My nipples are also very sensitive (since before getting pregnant) and they point toward the floor. It feels like I need more than one set of hands to get her on.
When I’m breastfeeding, I worry she’s not getting enough. When I pump (besides my morning pump) I only get 1-2 oz combined, IF I’m lucky. I know the baby will empty me better than the pump but I’m still nervous she won’t get enough.
And when it comes to pumping… ugh. I HATE IT.
I have the blue Spectra wall pump and the Eufy S1 Pro wearable.
The wearable is so much more comfortable; but I know those aren’t as efficient when maintaining supply.
I hate the feeling of the cups hanging off of me when I use my spectra. I’ve tried putting smaller bottles on, using the Pumpin Pals silicone flanges, the Pumpin Pals hard angled flanges, rolling a towel up under my boobs to support them, sitting so the bottles are supported on something. I considered the Legendairy silicone collection cups that can be hooked up to my Spectra, but they’re expensive and I’ve already spent a lot of money trying to find things that work.
Any tips would be really appreciated. I’m about to give up and switch completely to formula 😢
Is it also even possible to increase my supply at this stage?
Thank you all in advance 🩷