Background info: I finally had the okay by his pediatrician to transition into breastfeeding again. I exclusively breastfed him for the first 4 months of his life until a pediatrician said that he was way off the charts (he was born 8 pounds, 10 ounces. he only gained 1 pound 2 ounces.) The reason why I wasn't concerned: I "thought" he was meeting his milestones. I originally was worried about the charts but was told not to worry about these charts (coming from another mother) so... I didn't. He was growing according to my scale at home (which I later found out was not calibrated) I also couldn't find an understanding pediatrician about my lifestyle choices and was under medicaid. I finally was at wits end and called up ALL peds in my area. (he was also battling eczema) Pediatrician wanted him to go to the hospital immediately. So we stayed at hospital and was discharged. We found a good pediatrician with the hospital's help. But unfortunately, at his next appointment he was still not growing enough. She called CPS on us because I refused to use their formula recommendation to supplement with my breastmilk. (they wanted him on enfamil lipil. i thought all regular formulas were the same?)Â at the time, I was originally supplementing my breast milk with an organic formula (Baby's Only organic). CPS told me that they are afraid of organic because they saw one baby that was lead-poisoned from using organic formula. (I found no information regarding lead in organic formula.) So, I gave in and got enfamil to supplement my breast milk. Pediatrician told me not to nurse and to give him 6 ounces ever 4 hours to gain weight. He finally did gain weight. He is 14 pounds 5 ounces at 7 months.
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So here I am...
I still need to supplement my breastmilk but ped said I can nurse on top of those bottle feeds (kind of like "bonus" feeds). First time I tried it, he opened his mouth and he bit me HARD. Not thinking, I ripped him away from my nipples and put him down. He was not interested in nursing in the first place because he went straight for his toys. I am thinking of trying again but I am not really sure what to do in case he bites me. Will it be hard to get him back on my breasts after a 3 month break? Do you think it will be wise if I were to contact a lactation consultant? I am also really shy and have social anxiety so breastfeeding in front of someone makes me feel really uncomfortable and self-conscious. I am hoping to get over that eventually. Any tips or advice?
