Breastfeeding after 3 weeks!

My baby boy was born at 35 weeks via c section. I was developing preeclampsia and it was unsafe to let him stay in any longer. He was so strong and didn’t need to be in NICU at all! We were thrilled!

After delivery, he latched immediately and did so well! We breast fed numerous times successfully in the hospital. He was put on formula as supplement since he was preemie and was born so large (8.5 lbs at 35 weeks). After discharge, his pediatrician instructed me to STOP breast feeding. He developed severe jaundice and it can be worse when breast feeding. Well, after a week or so, his jaundice cleared up and I was allowed to breastfeed again. Unsuccessfully I will add. I didn’t have much milk and he would scream and then bright red and would not latch.

I was so sad, I felt like I was less of a woman for not being able to even try breastfeeding him. I was sad because we started off so well. I began pumping so I could at least give him breast milk. Talk about serious time and work to exclusively pump. I struggled to get my supply up (still struggling) but we have a huge surprise!

Baby boy latched this morning and breast feed for 25 minutes! I cried and cried. I can’t believe my patience and determination paid off. Baby boy and I will master this and we will exclusively breast feed very soon! We are still working on getting him to open his mouth more to get a deeper latch.