We tried the SNS, and absolutely hated it. My doctor didn't want me to give Sophia a bottle because she was afraid that Sophia would stop taking the breast, but after spending an entire morning being frustrated and crying our respective heads off, I bid good riddance to the SNS and just decided to supplement using a bottle instead.
And you know what? She goes back and forth between breast and bottle just fine.
The other change I made was that I got rid of the nipple shield. I actually think that this made the biggest difference. When the Lactation Consultant was showing me how to use the SNS, she commented that she didn't think we needed a nipple shield, because Sophia had a good latch without it. This got me thinking, and I started doing some research.
I found out that the purpose for nipple shields is for babies who have a poor latch, and/or mommas who have flat or inverted nipples. When Sophia was three days old, a different LC told us that Sophia had a good latch, but she was an inefficient nurser. My research made it clear that a nipple shield is NOT the answer to inefficient nursing. In fact, it can make the problem worse. When a nipple shield is used, the baby does not stimulate the breast in an optimal way, so baby does not get enough milk.
Some mothers can successfully breastfeed with nipple shields, but they typically cause more problems than they solve. And it makes sense now that Sophia was not gaining weight properly; she just wasn't getting enough milk.
So what is the answer to inefficient nursing? Breast compressions, or pumping and supplementing, which is what we're doing now, but we really should have been doing this from the beginning.
I'm glad to finally have some answers, and a method that will finally work, but I feel a bit thwarted by the people who are supposed to be experts on breastfeeding. I feel like we weren't even given a chance to prove that we could be successful at breastfeeding, before a nipple shield was introduced. She had a good latch from start, and a good latch is the biggest key to avoiding or correcting problems.
So how are we doing? After the first week of supplementing she gained seven ounces, and the second week she gained nine ounces. As long as she shows a trend of gaining at least five ounces per week, my doctor will be happy. Hopefully we can end these weekly weight checks soon.
Sophia is improving in other areas as well. She is a much more efficient nurser, and now that she is getting enough, she has happy times between feedings. She takes naps. She sleeps for several hours at night. In fact, she's doing so well that I no longer feel the need to pump after feedings. I still will pump occasionally, but now it will be to build up a stash again.
Here's to a happy, healthy, growing girl!
P.S. Here are the links to my favorite breastfeeding websites. These resources have been invaluable to me.
KellyMom.com
DrJackNewman.com
The Leaky Boob Facebook page - this is a forum for mommies all around the world to share their questions and answers, frustrations and joys regarding breastfeeding and other topics relevant to raising young children.
