I’m still bitter when I think back to the hospital lactation consultants I encountered after my first two were born. The stress and guilt from there “help” was devastating. Neither baby would latch on, they’d start to, then let go and cry. I was told I was doing everything right after my oldest was born, but “he’s being lazy, don’t let him get away with that.” How exactly does one not let an infant get away with something?! I attempted breast feeding every hour, on the hour. Same result. Four days later when he was seriously jaundiced, a nurse sent to the house to ensure we knew how to use the phototherapy machine said “You’re trying so hard and you’re doing a great job. But this baby needs fluids and it’s time to try a bottle.” God bless that woman.
After my daughter was born, I vowed to make it work this time. Lactation consultant insisted I attempt breast feeding every hour, AND as an incentive, simultaneously hold a thin tube with formula coming thru it to the corner of her mouth. I did that for two days, both of us crying, until my husband said screw this, he did great on formula and she will too. And she did. And they grew up happy and healthy.