I feel like a failure – baby won’t latch on, and I’m dependent on my breastpump. I’m thinking of switching to formula rather than feeling like a milk machine. What do I do?
I’m terribly sorry you’re having this problem. Pumps weren’t made to replace breastfeeding, but to supplement it. Thank goodness you ARE able to pump at least! There is no substance on earth that compares to the healing, nurturing, and nutritional parts of breastmilk, so try to keep giving your baby breastmilk as long as you can, even if you have to supplement with formula. Your feelings are very normal for all moms who breast feed. Definitely get in with a lactation consultant IMMEDIATELY – even 30 minutes of help will make a world of difference.
When you breastfeed your baby, there’s a huge emotional bonding component. Because you’re missing that connection and feeling frustrated and stressed, your baby can feel that too, and it makes it difficult to feed. Trying to relax as much as possible will help immensely – tell yourself, “It’s totally ok if my baby won’t feed right now, but I’m going to try as gently and calmly as I can and I’m going to relaxxxxxxxxx.”