We're a week in and my wife is really struggling with breastfeeding. Baby won't latch correctly, she's in pain, we're seeing a lactation consultant tomorrow but she's so stressed about it. I want to help but I feel useless. We have formula but she feels like she's failing if we switch. Anyone been through this? What did you do? I hate seeing her like this.
A week in is still so early. The first month is brutal honestly. If formula helps her feel less stressed, that's actually better for everyone. Fed is best and all that.
Latch issues are rough. Have you been able to see a lactation consultant? They made a huge difference for us in those early days. Seriously worth the call.
Latch issues are brutal man. We went through this exact thing. Lactation consultant was worth every penny - sometimes it's just technique and positioning. But also don't feel bad if formula becomes part of the plan. Fed is best and all that. A week in you're still in the thick of it though, hang in there.
Those first couple weeks with feeding are intense. Don't beat yourself up if you end up supplementing with formula. So many families do and it's totally fine.
The first few weeks with feeding are legitimately traumatic. My wife had the same latch problem and we ended up doing a combo - nursing when it worked, formula to supplement. No shame in that game. Get a lactation consultant if you can, they can actually show you things that YouTube videos can't convey.
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One week in and your wife is already stressed about this? That's normal but also remember that breast feeding takes like two to four weeks to really click. Don't put too much pressure on making it work perfectly right now. Your baby will be fine either way and your wife needs to not feel like she's failing at day 7.