"Breastfeeding"

Due to a tough time giving birth ( blood loss , severe tear and gettting antibiotics) I was delayed in starting breastfeeding and my body was trying to recover.

The hospital staff although helping me to breastfeed also offered to feed my baby formula during the night so I could sleep. I gratefully accepted but didn't realise what an  impact that would have on my supply. I wish they had explained that it might stop milk flow or had more knowledge about it as I wouldn't have given in despite being so tired. 

Once back home I was sore and healing and found breastfeeding very hard going. It was sore and neverending. As it turned out my baby regained his birth weight fine initially but it was the following weeks and months later that he deviated from the average weight. I was determined to solely breastfeed and was introduced to the breastfeeding team from fife.  They provided me with a double  expressing machine to use up to 5 times a day to encourage milk production and also came out to help.

After weeks of persisting however my milk production still seemed low and baby wasn't gaining enough weight, and with advice from my healthvisitor  and breastfeeding team we decided to give a bit of formula. Within weeks he was gaining and obviously just needed some calories. He was much happier too and clearly not so hungry.

The breastfeeding team were available on the phone all the time and helped me with a wee routine to stick to which would not interfere with my milk production. Over the next month the changes were amazing and he grew considerably. We are very grateful for the advice and help in those scary first few months.