https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:56:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983347 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:47:59 +0000 lamariniere 1983347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I didn't feel guilty with LO2. Since BF worked out in the end for LO1, I feel like I've given them equal treatment. I do regret that it was such a stressful time with LO1 though, and wonder if formula would have made me a better mom in the beginning for LO1. That said, I am SO thankful that I didn't have to deal with any of that stress with LO2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983332 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:24:04 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1983332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I don't feel guilty. She needed to eat! I tried, I did my best, and we chose to formula feed. Even if we hadn't given BFing a shot, I wouldn't feel guilty. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983330 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:21:24 +0000 MrsRcCar 1983330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to EP with N. I told myself that if I had to EP again with E. I wouldn't do it. It was so hard for me. However E decided that he loves being EBF and it has been pretty awesome minus some initial latch problems and the occasional clogged duct. I am super happy it worked out better this time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983304 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 14:24:11 +0000 Cherrybee 1983304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: @Espion: Pre baby #1, I did loads of research and had already made some very firm decisions about how far I would go to BF. I was determined to be kind to myself, not struggle, not feel guilty etc. The posts are all on here and its funny to read back because the reality was just so different. I had no idea how I would *feel*. :shocked: </p> <p>I had a terrible time BF #1. Flat nipples, a tongue tie and a small bit of retained placenta meant that I never produced a drop of milk. My nipples cracked so badly they bled into my baby's mouth :shocked: then the mastitis kicked in. Horrific. We battled it out, pumping and "supplementing" (read:FFing - I was pumping nothing but pus) for about 3 weeks before giving up but I was heartbroken for months afterwards. </p> <p>I am going to try with #2.... I do want to BF still......</p> <p>@Giulia1977: @yin: @lamariniere: @Mrs. Jump Rope: Can I ask a question? Did you feel guilty when your first child saw you BFing your second when you didn't have the same BF relationship with them? Do you ever mourn what you didn't have with #1 but have with #2? (in other words, is it weird that I feel guilty thinking about BF my next child when I didn't BF E??!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983298 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 14:10:42 +0000 MamaBehr 1983298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have had three kids now, and each breast feeding experience was SO different. I wouldn't give up on another breast feeding journey because your first one was hard (or even if your first one was easy, which is what happened to me).<br /> LO#1 super easy time nursing, made it EBF until she was 7 months old, and nursed part time until she was 1<br /> LO#2 bad latch, mastitis, clogged ducts, almost labeled failure to thrive at 3 months old, quite nursing all together at 3 months.<br /> LO#3 rough start, but eventually got a good latch and gained weight properly, still going strong as an EBF baby at almost a year old. </p> <p>Every kid was a completely different experience. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983291 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 13:49:05 +0000 coopsmama 1983291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: Yes yes yes to Dr. Bobby Ghareri!</p> <p>I struggled a lot with my first and eventually we stopped BF'ing at 5 months. I had mastitis 3x, clogged ducts, bleeding, you name it! I had my second born's ties revised (after my ped and the hospital LC didn't pick up on them!) and we are going strong at 5 months and it has been so much easier this go around - no mastitis, clogged ducts, etc. So glad I had another mom tell me about tie issues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983261 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:45:30 +0000 reverie 1983261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I managed until 15 weeks (going back to work really emphasized my loooooooow supply) and I hope to at least get to that with number two. I will be less hard on myself, supplement more if needed and just take things as they go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983259 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:35:23 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1983259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're still in the trenches of a really hard breastfeeding struggle, but I know I'll try again if we decide to have more kids. Can't have it happen twice, right? Plus, I'll have the experience from this time and hopefully be able to avoid some of the same challenges. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983255 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:27:55 +0000 littlejoy 1983255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ninjaduck: yes to this!!! Basically, if you're struggling with supply, it's one (or all) of the following:<br /> Lip/tongue tie<br /> Being overweight (early or advanced insulin resistance)<br /> IGT (hyperplasia in breasts)<br /> Breast reduction or breast trauma </p> <p>Ties are the #1 reason, and they are so common, but misdiagnosed very often. Dr. Bobby Ghaheri (Google him) is an amazing resource!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983254 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:25:11 +0000 littlejoy 1983254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggled for 11 months. The first 2 months were the hardest of my life. I have chronic low supply due to genetic factors. Baby had lip and tongue ties, and everything else wasn't in our favor. With that said, I will absolutely try to BF again. I am thankful for the empathy it gave me for other moms, and I am so thankful for formula!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983229 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 11:24:44 +0000 ninjaduck 1983229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't post a lot, but after struggling so much with breast feeding and finding the answer I wanted to throw the idea of lip and tongue ties out there. I had heard of them, but my ds could stick his tongue out so I didn't think he had them. After dealing with so, so much I saw a lc and asked her about them, she said my signs indicated he could be tied. I found a pediatric dentist in the area who looked at him and said his tongue was anchored down in a posterior tongue tie. We got it fixed in a quick procedure and nursing is so much better now! I wish I had known about this ahead of time or doctors knew to check for it as it would have saved me a lot of pain and stress. Just thought I would throw that out there as something to look out for.</p> <p>On that note, there is nothing wrong with formula and bottle feeding at all and no one should ever feel guilty of that's what works for them and their lo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983138 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 08:35:06 +0000 kjpugs 1983138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awful time, ended up EP, will not be attempting with #2. It did nothing but aggravate my PPA. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983134 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 08:24:10 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 1983134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would like to try but I hope I am not as hard on myself next time. I think I've learned from the tough experience, who knows maybe less pressure would make it more likely to work out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1983007 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:08:19 +0000 daniellemybelle 1983007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am SO reassured to hear all the positive stories!</p> <p>I had chronic low supply from the onset. My milk never truly came in &amp; despite trying everything, I never produced enough to exclusively breastfeed. We dealt with some gnarly nursing strikes too &amp; I was a wreck over it for a good 4 months. But eventually it clicked and now at 13 months we love nursing. </p> <p>Next time I will definitely BF. If I have to supplement I will know it's not the end. I'll also try an SNS so I don't have to get sucked into the nurse-pump-bottle cycle that drove me nuts. I'll have the baby on the breast often, pump if he/she sleeps too much, but I won't pump after every feeding like I did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1982515 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:49:29 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1982515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first we really struggled for 4 months before I switched to EPing. I am hopeful that our issues were related to his prematurity, so I am going to try again. I think I am going to be much quicker to abandon breastfeeding the second time. I would much rather EP than fight with a baby who screams when nursing or deal with the pain associated with a bad latch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1982467 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:22:57 +0000 Giulia1977 1982467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first it was a nightmare, a big horrible nightmare. I was determined to breastfeeding because everybody doctors, nurses, friends and relatives told me i had to. And so I tried. The pain was umbearable, my nipples were cracked and bleeding, then 2 rounds of mastitis. I gave up after a month but again felt I HAD to pump for at least six months. And I did and i was exausthed and hated the pump so much I broke it the day i stopped. With my second i thought i would not do the same mistakes. I would try if it worked fine if it didn't fine as well. I had a great LC who encouraged me and corrected my latch and my positions, made me relax and give me some amazing tips like usi g the boppy pillow and Silverette cups for my poor nipples and it worked! No pain a happy mum and a happy baby! But I am honest... If i would have had the same pain I had with my first I would have quit right away and not feel guilty because you mum have to be happy too and enjoy those first few months with your baby!! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971490 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:26:31 +0000 blackbird 1971490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Espion: a lesson I think we all wish we had learned preemptively. But hindsight is 20/20 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971468 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:11:46 +0000 Espion 1971468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Same here. I'm going to try, but I'm not going to kill myself or base my self-esteem on it. I used to joke that E was a "formula fed baby with breastfeeding supplement" and I would be more than okay to do that at the outset instead of walking on coals for the first 3-4 months. I am encouraged that some say it was easier the second time. </p> <p>I love how we're all essentially resolved to be kinder to ourselves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971455 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 19:02:58 +0000 blackbird 1971455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will give it a try but I won't be as hard on myself this time. Part of me doesn't care, honestly. I'm certainly not going to hell and back over it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971447 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 18:58:08 +0000 Charm54 1971447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No I will not attempt BFing with #2. My journey showed me that I hated BFing, but loved EPing and supplementing. I will do that right away with next LO. I think it will be easier because I see how happy, healthy and bonded dd is. I love me some bottles! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971244 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:19:05 +0000 yin 1971244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1 never latched on for more than two or three sucks, and I started pumping on the second day. I EP'ed for a year, and it was a very stressful experience. I was afraid of the same happening with LO2, but I still wanted to give it a shot and be open to breastfeeding and/or formula feeding. LO2 latched on right away, and milk came in on day 2. I'm still breastfeeding, and he just turned 1 last month. I'll be sad when he weans. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971208 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:06:26 +0000 winniebee 1971208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggled so much with my first. He was small for gestational age, had reflux and MSPI. He never ate a ton and never seemed happy at the breast. I cried a lot and worried a lot about how much milk he was getting. So I started exclusively pumping at 6w....and that was the best decision for us at the time. </p> <p>I'm due in a few weeks with #2 and am going to try to BF again but also will not place pressure on myself to make it work. I'm open to a combo of pumping and formula feeding if necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971178 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:56:56 +0000 catlady 1971178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will do it again. My struggle wasn't the usual stuff (latch and supply were fine) but I had to be on an intense elimination diet for over 10 months. Even now at 14 months, I still avoid some foods since she is still nursing. I think next time I won't eliminate foods unless I am 100% sure that I have to. I want to give myself permission to use formula if it gets too hard, too. But we will see. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971149 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:34:03 +0000 artsyfartsy 1971149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will. Although I'm sad that T had major weight gain issues due to BFing not being enough for him. Now he's behind in gross motor development because he's so small. It makes me want to just FF next time so I don't have to worry...but I loved BFing. I'll just be much quicker to supplement if I noticed a weight drop in my next baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971148 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:33:17 +0000 lamariniere 1971148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With LO1, BF was a nightmare for the first 3 months. He had a terrible latch which caused me excruciating pain in addition to nipple damage, and he wanted to nurse constantly! I wanted to cry (from pain!) every single time I fed him. I was miserable! We got his tongue tie clipped and I saw a few LC's but the problems just never got better until he was older. Luckily, the problems resolved when he was about 3.5 months and we went on to successfully BF for 13 months, but those first three months were just terrible. When I was pregnant with LO2, I told myself I would try it, but if I had any of the problems I had with LO1, I would be ok moving on to formula right away. </p> <p>However, LO2 was a dream! No tongue tie, great latch, has never nursed more than 10 min at a time in her life, and no pain for me. I haven't even had a clogged duct or engorgement problems! She just turned 1 and we are still nursing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971145 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:32:50 +0000 erinpye 1971145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! Huge struggles with DD1 didn't stop me from nursing DD2. I had to supplement at 5 months with DD1, and stop BF her at 8.5 months. I'm still going strong nursing DD2 at 9.5 months, no supply issues this time, and it's been SO different and much easier. Have hope that just because you struggled with your first, it doesn't mean you will with your second. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971142 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:30:39 +0000 Mama Bird 1971142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll try again. I never had enough supply and was supplementing with formula from one month, so everyone told me it was a big waste of my time. But I hope sticking with it did at least something for LO's immunity! And I miss how many books I got to read when LO was eating and I wasn't holding a bottle, or having this magic bullet against teething pain and late-night wakeups :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971138 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:29:20 +0000 stargal 1971138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only lasted 2 weeks with lo 1 BC of weight gain issues. Lo#2 had the same exact weight gain issues and I had to pump on top of breastfeed for about 2 weeks (that was hell)were 4 months in and have a good nursing relationship but has.to fight for it since he is still very little in regards to weight gain. Hibeslty I love breastfeeding but in the beginning in contributed to my PPD so much. I always felt like I was couldn't get a break and that was so so hard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971129 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:17:42 +0000 Corduroy 1971129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm just finishing my first trimester with #2 and this has been on my mind. I quit BFing on one side at 10 weeks (I don't think I ever fed one that side more than 1x a day anyway). I have and inverted nipple and it was just too painful too feed and the pain did not improve much over the 10 weeks. </p> <p>I have an appointment with an LC for when I'm 36 weeks to discuss breast shells and options. Honestly, I am not optimistic based on my research. I may decide not to try very hard at all on that side or exclusively pump that side. Part of me is considering shortening my BFing plans quite a bit. I was VERY lopsided for 16 months with #1 and I'm not sure it was worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-struggled-with-breastfeeding-will-you-bf-lo-2#post-1971103 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:05:13 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1971103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggled with my first. She latched okay but I struggled and never made any milk. I never got engorged, I never produced, I couldn't pump, etc. So we formula fed and that was that.</p> <p>With my second, I was determined to BF. She was put to breast in recovery and latched right away. She ate like a champ and liked to eat often. My milk came in the next morning, and we've had an easy, great breastfeeding relationship. A few stumbles like cracked nipples and bleeding nipples once or twice, but nothing lanolin didn't fix in a day or two. Kid loves the boob &amp; we are going strong three months later. I have to say I am shocked at how easy and natural it is for us, considering how horrible and hard it was the first time. I'm so glad I gave it a second try. </p>