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Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. Stephanie:

I have a five week old son. I tried breastfeeding but even with the help of lactation consultants and a LeLeche League member, he would not latch on properly and screamed relentlesly during the process of me trying to get him to latch on. I was given a nipple shield. After weaning him from the nipple shield, I developed blisters and scabs and the baby got dehydrated. Hence, I have been pumping and giving expresssed milk through a bottle. This seems to be working well and I have heard about other people doing this. I have seen no literature on this method. Is this method of feeding popular? Should I keep trying to get him to latch on although every attempt has been unsuccessful? Is it ok for me to pump my breasts for 6 months?

A. Dear Felicia,

Congratulations on your baby! Good for you for your perserverance. It's difficult to continue breastfeeding when it's difficult, but you're doing great. One question - was baby nursing well with the shield? Will he take the shield now? Nipple shields are not the "optimal" way to nurse your baby, but it's a lot easier than pumping. There is always the risk that you may not be able to keep your milk supply up when you ise the shield, but you risk that with the pump as well. I do know of women who pump for 6 months and feed bottles - they are very dedicated as it sounds like you are. The times whenit's difficult are during the growth spurts - you just need to make sure you are increasing your pumping time when he seems to be goign through a growth spurt. Let me know what you decide. You could check out some of the boards at like parentsplace.com and see if you could find someone who has pumped for a long term - the support would be wonderul because it is not a topic that one can find a lot of information about.

Stephanie

Stephanie Ryan, RN, BSN, ICCE, IBCLC answers your breastfeeding questions.