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I just want to thank the person who posted something similar to my story on here. I can't remember what the post was called, but it really inspired me to keep trying to breastfeed my son. THANK YOU! Last night, we achieved a major milestone and I hope I am not jinxing us by posting this. I just wanted others to know not to give up if there is an inkling that you will be able to successfully breastfeed and you desire to do so. My son is 12 weeks old and last night, for the first time, I did not pump after I got home from work. I was able to breastfeed him, albeit with a nipple shield part of the time, three times in a row. While this might not seem amazing, we have been struggling with this since the day he was born. I even gave up on breastfeeding for 3 weeks and then went back to it because I was so frustrated with having to pump all the time. I was determined that he would have breastmilk one way or the other, but I hated pumping ALL the time. So despite discouragement from my family (formula-feeders, love 'em, but I wanted to bfeed if possible) and numerous crying bouts during and after unsuccessful attempts at breastfeeding (I don't love the hormones), I think we have finally reached a place where I can now not call myself an "exclusive pumper"! So for anyone out there struggling to bfeed, I just want to say, don't give up until you absolutely can't stand it anymore. i dealt with pain (my son has a STRONG suction - he sucked the nipple out of a bottle at daycare once), soreness, and unsuccessful latches for almost 3 months and I am so glad that I stuck with it. It's worth it!

I congratulate you! Breast feeding is the best for baby AND mommy. I read how to breast feed and researched on line but I was not prepared because I thought 'how hard can it be?' The hospital I delivered at said they had a Lactation Consultant but she was no where to be found when I needed help. I found a LC close to where I live. She assisted me in the proper positioning and different ways to position the baby that I found most comfortable. My nipples hurt so bad even when I did it correctly that she gave me a nipple shield to assist. I would pump and bottle feed most of the time because every time I tried to nurse, it hurt so bad even with the shield. I went to a couple of doctor appointments and wouldn't go without my nipple shield and my Medela cooler with a couple of bottles for back up because I was not confident with my nursing abilities. Although I was still bottle feeding my baby breast milk, I did not want to stop trying to nurse. It took me at least six weeks from when he was born that I could say I was confident with breast feeding. To any one that wants to breast feed their baby, don't give up. It is hard work and if you also pump like I do, it is the best you can do for your baby. My son is so healthy and is so advanced in all he does. My husband and I attribute it to the breast milk. I strongly recommend the guidance of a Lactation Consultant and a good breast pump. My husband bought me the Medela double electic breast pump. I recommend it to all my expectant friends (seems like were are all pregnant at the same time). The bonding you experience is well worth it!

Thank you so much for posting this! My son is 8 weeks old and breastfeeding has been so difficult so far. I keep hoping that one day he'll finally "get it", and your story gives me so much hope. Keep up the good work mama and good luck!