I had problems feeding and indeed felt like daisy the cow, once I hit the 6 week mark, I introduced a small amount of formula after a breast feed (approx only 15mls), this was advised by a Health visitor. By doing this I managed to get my baby onto a regular feeding regime (every 3 - 4 hours instead of constant!), this was only introduced once Breast feeding was established, so he did not get confused. I then happily breast fed for 20 weeks, until I returned to work, and there were no issues then getting my baby to take a bottle.

Good luck with it all - the best advice I was given was "ignore everyones advice" and go with your instincts!

I agree with "go with your insticts..". That always worked for me. It is really hard as somebody mentioned here already being in a new place and being a new mom, one tends to question everything. So, be a confident mom trusting your guts (and getting your homework done in terms of technique with some helpful lactation lady, they are supposed to come to check on you, anyways) is the best way .

Oh man, how I wished, many, many times, that my 24/7 eater would get tanked up in 15mins. I did get a nursing necklace, a great thing, when my child got older and disctracted and the close pins pinned all over my shirt stopped working. Necklace, pompons, stuffed toys, aluminum foil, whatever to keep her focused did help a bit. And changing every 3 hours also sounds too nice, we ran through pampers like nuts, sometimes 3x an hour .

Thanks a million for everyone who commented here.
I have been trying some of your tips and found that my boy is drinking much longer. When I initially posted here, he only could last for a couple of minutes. Now he can drink for about 7 mins without a break!!
Many thanks to all!! I am so happy to know that I am not the only mum who struggles with breast feeding... Thanks for sharing your experience, which has helped me greatly!

Hi All,

I thought maybe it would be good to do a quick update. I have been breastfeeding my boy for 7 and half months now and I have to say that breastfeeding feels so wonderful (I cant believe I am saying that as I was struggling a lot at the beginning).
Thanx all for your advice and support. Here is a message for new moms: If you are struggling with breastfeeding, do get a good stillberatung ASAP. Dont struggle on your own.

Good for you! Be proud, you worked hard for it. Once your child will appreciate it, really. I had no idea what my mom did for us until I had tp work hard on nursing my child. Your child will live off the antibodies, good brain acids and sturdy imune system for the rest of his life.

Well done - that is so great to hear. Once breastfeeding is sorted out it can be such a wonderful thing. Glad to hear that it worked out for you.

I'm really glad to hear that it worked out so well for the two of you; well done for persevering!

This is a very old thread, but wanted to recommend the following links for moms breastfeeding:

Mother-to-Mother support:
http://www.llli.org
http://www.lalecheleague.ch
http://www.llli.org/forums
http://romandie.stillberatung.ch (French speaking Switzerland)
http://www.stillberatung.ch
http://www.laleche.org.uk
http://www.lalecheleague.ca

Other sites by trained lactation consultants (IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultants):
http://www.kellymom.com
http://www.drjacknewman.com

Always go for advice from other mothers, lactation consultants and breastfeeding supporters, LLL Leaders. Unfortunately, midwives, OBs, paediatricians are not trained in breastfeeding, but the former are.