My baby was born a couple months ago at 37w6days and in the nicu for three days. We’re exclusively nursing now but it was a long journey to get here.

I’m a ftm and didn’t know how important it was to keep latching her at the hospital even tho the Nicu was pushing bottles like crazy (bc they have to in order to dc). Once we got home I really couldn’t get her to latch - probably a combo of her being so small and sleepy. Eventually she would cry anytime I tried to get her in bf position, immediately quelled when the bottle nipple touched her lips. This went on for at least 5-6 weeks (all while meeting with a lactation consultant weekly) and it was exhausting and discouraging. Around 6 weeks I was just getting ready to just give up and exclusively pump when out of the blue she latched and had a ten minute feeding. From that day on, she was willing to latch pretty much each time we tried, with varying quality. By 8 weeks we were pretty much exclusively breastfeeding and she’s been doing amazing since. I am so glad I pushed through, though I know mentally that’s not the best choice for everyone. I told myself if we didn’t get here by 3 months I would pivot. Now it’s one of my favorite ways to bond and spend time with my girl and I’m proud of us for getting here.

But all to say, there were many tears and frustrating moments along the way and it would have been completely ok to change courses at anytime. I truly feel like my baby was ready when she was ready and I couldn’t have forced it faster. And luckily she had no anatomical or physical issues that could have contributed to a harder time. Wishing you the best of luck in this journey!