Can't Breastfeed? What to Do?

There are many reasons why some women can’t breastfeed. Your milk supply may not be strong enough, you may have multiple children or you may have adopted. While there is some evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding, we all know hundreds of healthy people that were raised on formula.

Use these tips if you are unable to breastfeed:

Give yourself a break If you've been dead set on breastfeeding since pregnancy, you're probably feeling disappointed. Just like moms who opt for natural childbirth but end up needing a cesarean, women who want to breastfeed but can't often feel a sense of failure and sometimes blame themselves.

Try not to beat yourself up, but do take the time you need to feel sad, mad, or any other emotion you may be experiencing. Mourn your inability to breastfeed. For some moms, this is a big loss. Avoid telling yourself that you should've tried for another day or another feeding. Talk about your feelings. I can really help.

If your heart's set on feeding your baby breast milk and your child meets certain criteria, you may qualify for donated breast milk from a milk bank. Talk to your pediatrician about the possibilities.

Bonding with Baby

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to strengthen your connection with your child, but it isn't the only way. At feeding time, hold your infant close to you and make eye contact. You can hold your baby in a breastfeeding position and have lots of skin-to-skin contact. Your relationship with your child won't be based solely on your ability to nurse her. How you respond when she cries, how often you hold and play with her, and how you are as a parent matters more than how you feed her. Breastfeeding Baby Formula Feeding / Bottle Feeding High Chair Safety Organic Baby Food Baby Food Preparation and Storage Baby Food Allergies Baby Safety Resources - Home Page