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• October 23, 2012 2:12 p.m.

  @ Judy. I went through the same exact thing as you did. I pumped and supplemented as well and it allowed me to pump enough milk for 2 days at a time. Yes it can be a pain when ur hooked up to a machine, but if you're able to pump and store, it works as well. After 6 months I decided that formula was gonna be my final choice. Don't listen to what others have to say as its all opinions and everyone experience(s) are different.

  - Tajuana

• August 21, 2012 3:28 p.m.

  Oh thank goodness for all you moms out there who shared your story - my daughter is 17 days old and breastfeeding has been a horrid. My nipples were cracked, red, raw from the beginning. Hospital lactation consultants told me my baby's latch was perfect, my nipples just needed to toughen up. Yeah - 48 hours later I was still breastfeeding and literally biting into a hand towel to scream because the pain was so excruciating. I ended up going to 4 breastfeeding classes led by an RN/IBCLC and I was given OTC ointment to heal the nipples and pumped and bottle fed (supplementing with formula if needed) while my nipples healed. I just tried breastfeeding again today and the pain was still excruciating. After crying literally everyday, I decided today no more breastfeeding and I'll have to continue to pump. My husband is wonderful and feeds our daughter a bottle while I pump each time. I'm hoping my milk supply will increase soon as we literally cannot leave the house b/c I have to pump. I've come THIS close to quitting and just going to formula but I'll keep on pumping and feeding our daughter breastmilk as long as I can. I'm tired of so many people and articles quoting 'breast is best' that i felt like a failure and inadequate mother b/c I was pumping. After talking to several of my girl friends (who are mothers) it's helped me realize not all babies are the same and I'm doing the best I can for my child and if that means bottles with occasional formula - so be it.

  - Judy

• June 23, 2012 3:51 p.m.

  My baby is 9 1/2 months old and I'm still breastfeeding him and plan on breastfeeding him til he is a year old. He's never had formula. I've been told by doctors and nurses how good of a job I've been doing breastfeeding. He is at a healthy weight and is growing great. Breastfeeding for me has been the best thing I've ever done. It was hard for the first two weeks but after that it was really easy for me. Breastfeeding is great because you never have to make bottles, you can just go out the door with your baby and milk is already ready for you at anytime! It's great for night time feedings because you never have to get up and make a bottle you just got to pick up your baby and put him in bed with you and feed him. I think breastfeeding is great for mom and baby. I lost my baby weight real fast after my son was born because of breastfeeding! And I know I'm doing the best for my baby! So good job to all the mom's breastfeeding there baby's!!!!!!

  - Terri

• May 17, 2012 4:45 a.m.

  Jerome is now 3 weeks old. My 1st attempt resulted in a blister on my nipple. I could not latch him properly on the left, I dreaded feeds. Premature, we needed to dig him up to feed every 3 hours. I saw a lactation consultant who helped with the latch, and it doesn't hurt anymore, but seriously, knowing he wets 6-8 diapers a day doesn't make me feel as if I've enough milk. My self-worth is tied to the amount I pump at night, whether or not he fed from both breasts and if he sleeps 3 hours at a time. Breastfeeding is hard. Harder than anything I've ever done. But just like everything else which is learnt, it gets easier once it works. As my gyne told me, delegate. You need to keep your sanity. If he won't latch, pump and let someone else feed him. You have a million feeds to go, dropping a few feeds a day won't mean you can't bond with your child.

  - Katrina

• April 23, 2012 10:37 p.m.

  I had heard breastfeeding was challenging but if you could just get through the first couple of weeks all would be fine. It didn't exactly happen that way for me. I experienced Mastitis along with the joy of breastfeeding. Talk about painful. I had no clue I had Mastitis and thought red spider veins, ultra tenderness & cracking nipples was part of the deal. Wrong. I had Mastitis for almost 6 weeks. I battled through the pain because I knew it would all be worth it. My baby girl is 16 weeks & has the cutest chubby little legs. She is one healthy baby. My piece of advice would be: mentally battle through the pain, surround yourself with supportive family/friends & imagine the happiness you will experience once your baby is able to latch on by his/herself & looks up to smile at you during a feeding. It's the best feeling & makes me tear up thinking of her little smile. Priceless. Best of luck to all!

  - Lori

• April 21, 2012 11:54 p.m.

  I have a 2 day old baby boy and he loves to cluster feed. The cluster feedings will last for hours. He always wants something in his mouth. Should I just give in and give him a pacifier when he gets this way?

  - Daisy

• March 14, 2012 7:57 p.m.

  It's funny how I can relate to this post.,I never knew that breastfeeding is hard..I am a first time mom of a 10 days old baby.I really wanted to breastfeed my baby 'coz I know it is the best for my baby.Few days ago,whenevee my baby latch on me I'd be close to crying because it hurts so much and now I'm still waiting for my nipple to get used to him sucking. As of now,since,I can't tolerate the pain.I don't know if it's okay to pump my breast than physically letting him to suck my breast.

  - mary

• March 3, 2012 10:16 a.m.

  Breastfeeding has been the most challenging aspect of new motherhood for me, by far. I had decided that we would be breastfeeding for a year - took the classes, read up, bought a pump for when I have to return to work. I never counted on my daughter not latching. I worked with the lactation consultant several times a day at the hospital, but had to start giving her formula because of jaundice. I pumped and gave her colostrum by syringe. When we got home, I pumped every time she took a bottle, and I was able to eventually produce enough to eliminate the formula. All I did was pump, feed and wash bottles - and cry. Then I got a clogged duct and mastitis, and it was back to supplementing formula. I figured if I have to use formula anyway, I'm cutting back on the pumping. She'd get what I could manage, but I didn't want to waste my maternity leave bonding with a breast pump. Giving up is the best thing I did. Eventually I was able to pump enough in fewer sessions to feed all breast milk. I was just trying to get to 2 months b/f switching to formula. At 6 weeks, my daughter started screaming while I was pumping so I made a last ditch effort to get her on the breast and it worked! It's only been 2 days bottle-free, and I no longer pretend to know how we'll handle tomorrow. All you need to know is that one way or another, you will make sure you baby gets fed and do what works best for your family. That's all that matters.

  - Tisha

• February 6, 2012 2:03 p.m.

  I had a similar experience with my oldest more than 12 years ago. Breastfeeding was simply horrid. We tried all the usual tips, but I was frustrated and in constant pain every feeding -- and my baby was probably no better off. At about 4 weeks, her doctor finally told me to let it go. I wasn't doing either of us any good by being so stressed and frustrated. Once I had the doctor's "permission" to do what worked for us, I felt so much better and actually started to enjoy my baby. I think my state of mind was way more important for my baby's health than my ability to breastfeed. I'm glad for women who are able to breastfeed or even like it (!) but I've never regretted my own decision to stop.

  - Maddie

• February 1, 2012 9:49 p.m.

  My daughter is 3 weeks old and I was set on exclusively breastfeeding her. Once I had her however and we tried she would not latch on for anything. She would suckle for a few seconds and them scream bloody murder everytime. The lactation consultant at the hospital tried multiple things including a nipple shield ( because mine were not really sticking out) to putting a little formula on my nipple to trick the baby. We tried for 2 weeks to get her to nurse at every feeding for the first 15 minutes like we were recommended to do. We could never get her to latch on. I no longer attempt to breastfeed her so I have to pump and supplement with formula because I don't produce enough for her. She was born 10lb 9 oz and needs to eat more than the average sized baby. In the end I'm disappointed that I can't breastfeed my baby but my pediatrician told me that some babies just will not take a breast, especially is they don't want to work for the food like my daughter. But the 2 weeks I tried were very difficult emotionally because I felt like such a failure that I couldn't do the most basic thing: feed my baby. If this happens to you and you have a baby that just won't latch just know that it's not your fault. Some babies just will not take a breast.

  - Sarah

• January 28, 2012 1:53 p.m.

  Wonderful article. It's been great to read everyone's experiences. I am lucky that my son and I fell into a groove early on with breastfeeding and he's been exclusively breastfed for almost five months now. I do remember the beginning being very hard but definitely worth the bonding we've had together. Here's some advice that helped me throughout: 1) If the latch is proper, breastfeeding should not hurt. For me, it was a little painful as he latched (only in the beginning weeks) but then the pain went away. If I was in pain while he was nursing, it usually meant that I needed to readjust his latch. 2) Cracked and sore nipples are a reality of breastfeeding but go away after a few weeks. The nurses at the hospital recommended a saline rinse to cleanse/soothe followed by lanolin and cups allowing them to air dry. Worked wonders! 3) If breastfeeding doesn't work out, many babies are perfectly healthy and happy with breastmilk from a bottle and/or formula. Having a backup container of formula in the pantry helped ease my stress and ultimately helped us to be successful. 4) Find a support system of other moms who can answer your questions when you have them. Good luck ladies!

  - Ally

• August 12, 2011 10:23 a.m.

  I find there is a lot of pressure on new mums to breast feed, regardless of how painful or harmful it is for mom and baby. I had mastitis and would rather go through birth again than to breast feed ever again. In the end, I pumped, used bottles, and formula to supplement, and my baby boy is happy and healthy. The whole process was certainly more hygienic than using cracked, bleeding and infected nipples!! But I was angry at the amount of pressure I faced from health officials to breastfeed. I ended up on antibiotics and the baby had to be formula fed for a few weeks anyway. Instead of focusing on whether you breastfeed or not, why not focus on whether your baby is getting the right kind of nutrients in the most comfortable way? What's wrong with pumping and bonding with your baby that way? It seems to me that the issue is formula vs. breastmilk vs. combo, not bottles vs. breastfeeding. Regarding the breastmilk issue, experience from my friends also indicates that not everyone has got good quality breastmilk with all the needed nutrients - it's good to get analysis done. Some moms should supplement with formula whether they like it or not - it's the health of the child that matters, not any outdated preconception of what bonding with your baby should look like to everyone else.

  - Eva

• August 1, 2011 7:53 p.m.

  I watched my daughter try to breast feed her firstborn(my 1st grandchild)for 5 days,and be devastated that the "latch" she thot was good, was not. Therefore provoking a doubt of her own observations. The baby screamed hysterically 4nites and could NOT be comforted; she slept from crying exhaustion. I was there to do all housework while they tried to get baby to nurse. There was a discharge lactatn conslt as well as an appt after 2 days home. That 2nd appt figured out my daughter did not have a good "latch"(when prev she thot she did)and the babys seeming daytime behavior was merely putting up with unsatisfactory feedings. At nite the reality set in, hence the nite-time screaming from hunger. Lacation specialists who are not available 24/7 are NOT available. No one should have to listen to their baby be hungry.

  - Marge

• November 24, 2010 8:52 p.m.

  I just had my third baby, and am suffering with the pain of the first week of breastfeeding. Again. I just want to reassure women that it does get better. It usually takes me about two weeks for my nipples to 'toughen up'. Those couple of weeks are brutal, and I end up with a backache from tensing up every time the baby latches on. But it is worth it. The pain will go away. The bonding with baby is priceless.

  - Marlene

• November 5, 2010 9:48 a.m.

  Koraline, there is no way to know if the pain would have gone away or not. For some women it can take up to 6 weeks before it gets comfortable. You should be proud that you continue to give the baby pumped breast milk. You are working hard to give your baby what she needs.

  - Mary @ Mayo

• October 26, 2010 10:50 p.m.

  It's nice to know that it's not a breeze for anyone. I breastfeed for 2 weeks then bought a pump because it hurt too much. My baby had a hard time staying latched and I couldn't keep her awake to get a full feeding. Unfournately, I do not nurse anymore, but I do pump everytime she feeds. Sometimes I do have to use formula when my milk is low. Q: Could anyone tell me if the pain would have subsideded if I continued to nurse? And at about how many weeks does it feel bareable?

  - Koraline

• October 10, 2010 2:34 p.m.

  It's really amazing to find out that so many women struggle with breastfeeding. When we're going through it I think we all feel very alone, and as if there's something wrong with us because we can't do something as 'natural' as breastfeeding. I found another account of a lady's first 6 weeks of breastfeeding which I found very comforting in the early stages. http://www.pregnancyweekbyweek.us/stages-of-pregnancy/breastfeeding-part-1 I think it's so important that new mom's know they're not alone and that they have someone to ask for help.

  - Caroline

• August 29, 2010 6:07 a.m.

  Thank you for the article. It really is very tough. I thought it would be natural but BF'ing takes a lot of patience and persistence when you have sore/cracked/bleeding nipples like I do. I have been supplementing with formula and pumping as I am in too much pain. Its been 2 weeks now but am hoping it will get better.

  - gfromatl

• August 1, 2010 2:24 p.m.

  My baby is 10 weeks old now and started to cry each time after only 4-5 minutes of sucking. He seems to get only 60-80 ml of milk during those 5 minutes. Any obvious best practices to apply to improve this? There is plenty of milk, and he used to eat over 100ml at once few weeks ago... Also, he is extremely active, so 60 ml look terrible not enough. Thanks!

  - Anca

• April 14, 2010 10:41 p.m.

  I agree with this article completely! Nobody told me it was difficult to breastfeed. During the first two weeks, both my nipples bled and my baby was shouting because she can't get milk. I was in so much pain that time. I rushed to a lactation consultant who gave me tips on proper breasfeeding. However since my breasts were too painful and I was not producing enough milk, I had to give my baby formula. Anyway, I pumped every two hours for two weeks so I can have "relactation." Eventually my milk supply increased. Now I have a good supply of milk. Breastfeeding is a challenge and a commitment. I'm so proud of myself and the other moms who breastfeed their babies!

  - bella

• March 22, 2010 1:42 p.m.

  I think that we need all the help we can get when we first start nursing. Lactation Consultants and the La Leche League are good resources. Don't forget your friends and family who have successfully breastfed. They may have good insights also, as well as empathy.

  - Mary@Mayo

• February 11, 2010 11:09 a.m.

  I had a very difficult time at first breastfeeding my son. I am a nurse - and knew it would be difficult, but had no idea!! In the end, it was worth all the tears and frustration. My son is now 9 months old and I wouldn't have it any other way. My experience with lactation consultants was amazing - I recommend them to every expectant mom that I know! They were so supportive and creative in ways to help me out. I don't know if I could have made it without them. :)

  - Kristin

• January 12, 2010 3:02 p.m.

  There was no one to help me when my first child was born. but, I breastfed all 5 of my children and would definitely to it all over again. yes, I had sore nipples but worked through it. I loved the time spent breastfeeding - just me and my baby.

  - Ann

• January 1, 2010 2:02 a.m.

  Thank you, Mary, for this article! I too believed that it was all just supposed to happen naturally, when it really took us six weeks to get it down. My nipples were so raw, I had to pump, which stressed me out so much I wasn't making any milk! Anyway, it took the help of a lactation consultant to calm me down and let me know that what I was experiencing was normal. I'm so glad I stuck with it because it was a great experience in the end, all 14 months! I also found La Leche League to be helpful in support of my experiences, but the real learning came between me and my son.

  - Sydney

• December 23, 2009 2:36 p.m.

  La Leche League is a wonderful resource/support for new moms. Try to go to a meeting before your baby is born, meet other women and develop a support system. The book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, is a good resource. Breastfeeding is a learned "art", but, oh so rewarding, for baby and for mom. Ask for help and support, then follow your gut and your baby's lead.

  - Melinda