Baby has never latched on and has been bottle fed for the past 4 weeks. Can I still breast feed?

I have a quick question. I really wanted to breast feed my baby, but right after my csection when I would try, my nipples would not get hard and my son would not latch on. So I started pumping and feeding my son via bottle with breast milk, but now he's 4 weeks old and my breast milk is diminishing! I mean, I can only get maybe 2 oz out of both breasts in each pumping. I tried to breastfeed my son more and more to see if he'll just latch on or atleast pray for a miracle because I hate buying formula.. it's expensive and inconvenient. Is there anything I can do? Can he still learn to latch on? I need help, but if you think it's impossible, I can learn to live with that and try harder with my next baby. I just reallllllllly want to breastfeed. Please help!

[tahariel]

You may want to find a certified lactation consultant to assist you and your baby with the process. Does your hospital or health care center offer lactation consultants by appointment? I would think it would be possible and now that baby is a little older, he might be able to latch on easier. My baby did not latch well the first few weeks then the latch got much better as baby got older. Congrats on breastfeeding and Best Wishes!

[AndiJ78]

Sometimes it is possible to re-lactate. Definitely work closely with a Certified Lacation Consultant and involve your OB/GYN as well. There are some rx medications that can help the process as well.

Good luck.

[AndiJ78]

I forgot to add, make sure you are using a hospital grade pump as many of the others simply drain the breast rather than helping to increase the supply. In addition, keep pumping at least every 2 hours and pump for 5 minutes beyond the last drop of milk.

Keep trying to get baby to latch, but don't wait until late signs of hunger are present. Even if he choses not to nurse that session, pump and keep trying.

[sanity874]

put your baby on your breast as much as possible even when hes not hungry it should start producing milk.

[abbyloo]

Thanks everybody, it's amazing, after i wrote this question, I had put my son graham on my breast and guess what!!! he just latched on and he sucked as much as i had on both breasts out! its now been a few days down the road and my breasts have produced so much milk that it actually hurts when graham starts to cry and my breasts let me know it's time to feed and milk just pours out of me! i can't believe he just latched on! it's a miracle i guess! thanks everybody!!

[tahariel]

congratulations, that's great news. Enjoy this special time with your son! They grow up fast so treasure every baby moment!  :-)

[AndiJ78]

Fantastic news! Babies are amazing little creatures, they make those fancy pumps seem like nothing in their ability to get a supply built up.

Be prepared that you may experience some nipple tenderness, but it will likely pass in a week. Keep altering nursing positions to help him tap into different milk sacs and before you know it you will both be old pros at it.