Mars and I have been working so hard at breastfeeding since he came home from the hospital. To practice, I always offer him the breast without the nipple shield at the start of each feeding session. Then, when he gets frustrated, I put on the shield. For the first couple of weeks, he reached frustration really quickly. Most of the time he didn't even try to latch on or suck.
About a week before his due date he started to become more interested. He would try for longer and even move his mouth like he was sucking (although he wasn't forming a seal). Last Friday, three days after his due date, Marley latched on! He nursed for about eight minutes and, I swear, I held my breath the whole time.
I was so relieved and excited! But, then we couldn't do it again. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to figure out what we had done. Just when I was feeling like it must've been just a fluke accident, he finally latched on again on Monday night. Then for a third time this morning.
So, I'm willing myself to have patience - even though I feel like we should be able to get it every time now! I have to keep reminding myself that it'll happen eventually. We're just going to keep practicing. Good thing we have lots of opportunities since Mars eats about eight times a day!
