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Could you try feeding him shorter times but more frequently? Do you know how your supply is doing?

I really hear your frustration! You are working so hard at this. It does sound like he's maybe having a little bit of a rough time switching back and forth between the bottles and nursing. Have you tried many of the BF friendly bottles out there? What bottles are you using now? What size and type of nipple? Have you considered using the SNS? What about a cup feeder? You are doing a wonderful job. You two will get this sorted. Are you able to call the LC to just problem solve, or is there another professional you could call? I had my friend (who is an IBCLC) on speed dial when Lorelei was a baby!

@septemberlove: hang in there! I can't remember how old your Lo is... Pretty young I assume? I used to feed my DS for 20 min on each side in the early days and then cut him off..
Then if he got hungry again, whenever that was I would just feed again even if it was like 2 hr. also he will get more efficient as he learns.. Maybe just give it some time? I know it's hard.

@septemberlove: ah ok. I have friends whose babies would also nurse for 1hr.. It usually got better. I think as long as he is getting enough be will become more efficient. I'm glad you have an LC though. It sounds like he is really still learning. I know a month until going back to work sounds like a very short time, but so much can happen in 4 weeks. The first 6-8 weeks was so hard but after that it got infinitely better. You are doing so well, you should be proud!

@septemberlove: I know how hard it can be when those feelings creep in - like after all the stress and heartache, give me a break, dude! At least, that's how I felt. You're not alone!

@septemberlove: I just wanted to let you know that you and I are in nearly the same spot, but for different reasons. You're an inspiration for me to keep at it!!

@septemberlove: hah! I know. Drives me nuts!!

@septemberlove: aw I hear what you are saying. My DH was the same way (breastmilk...along with everything else pregnancy/baby freaked him out). I haven't used an SNS personally, but I know peope who have and they all said once it is hooked up and you get the hang of it it becomes second nature. I also know people have luck with these bottles going from breast to bottle: http://reliabrand.com/products/adiri-nxgen-nurser/adiri-nxgen-newborn-nurser. They are a little funky looking. We used a slightly similar all silicone bottle with DS that we loved (Nuby Natural Touch SoftFlex Silicone Nurser). I hope you find a solution and transitioning between the two becomes easier! Hugs.

Big hugs. BFing can be so hard. I really wish your husband was a better support. Have you talked with him about how he can help you and DS?

You are remarkably strong and determined, I'm so impressed with your dedication. You are a wonderful mom and are doing such a great job seeing that he gets what he needs to grow.

I think the missing piece is time. Time for him to learnt his nursing thing. Time for his mouth to grow bigger to get a better latch. Time for your nipples to adjust to constant abuse.

I swear it gets better. I know how hard it can be to believe that, but I promise it does. I dealt with a lazy latch in the beginning and just had to be vigilant at all times that dd would stay in the right position. I'd recommend doing breast compressions while he's nursing to up the speed of the flow a bit and literally squeeze the hind milk out. I would do them as dd got lazy and with increased flow she'd get excited about eating again.

I used the SNS with Ellie-- you can tape the tubing, so it's just like putting baby to breast the "regular" way. I also think that trying another bottle might help. Good to hear you're going with the slow-flow nipple (Ellie was still using those past a year when we stopped supplementing!), but there might be something else that he does well with that is a little closer to nursing so the transition is easier. I think that the transitioning back and forth easily can just take time. Using breast compression and massage can be a useful tool, also, as @Oliviaoblivia mentioned.

@septemberlove: you are still doing a great job! I just realized how itty bitty your sweetheart is!! It must feel like you've been at this forever & it's still not working great, but your LC is right - adjusted age has a lot to do with it. He's got so much growing to do!

I remember having nursing sessions where I had to tell myself "Just get through his feeding; that's all - just finish." because it was so frustrating. Keep trying new things, like how you did bottle first, until you find a combo that feeds him & makes you both happy. That was and is my breast feeding goal: Feed the baby & make us both happy.

And know that the steps towards that goal will be in flux. Maybe in a few weeks, you'll try a new strategy. It sounds overwhelming (and don't discount your hormones - they are still roaring through your body!), but there is peace to be found there. Things will keep changing, but you'll find the thing that works for you two. And above all, like everyone said, he LOVES THE HECK OUT OF YOU. I felt so rejected (and did just last week during a teething nursing strike), but it's really not personal.

You are doing so well. No matter how milk gets in his belly you are the best mama & you are giving him all the love and caring he needs. He's a lucky lucky boy!