I would definitely get in contact with an LC who can come to your home asap.............more
Is your baby mostly only taking 3 sucks then coming off the breast or bf more than that at times? If it is primarily the 3 suck variety of feeding that is not adequate and *if* you can not get him to bf longer with a sustained suck, you will need to supplement until you help him to bf more effectively. Hopefully you will be able to produce enough breast milk thru pumping to allow you to supplement primarily with expressed breast milk. However if you don't have enough breast milk you may need to use some formula. It is really important that you keep him well fed in order for him to learn to bf and be able to suck well. If he is not gaining well he may become more frustrated at attempts to bf and too weak to suck well.
Please get an LC to come to your home for a complete bf evaluaion including the use of a scale that can measure the amount of milk the baby takes from the breast. Alot of what is making this hard for you can probably be corrected in a visit with an experienced LC.
Here's how to find an LC:
http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppbreastfeeding176/11/1/1.html
I agree with the LC on attempting at the breast first. I often also suggest that if the latch or suck is not happening to try no longer than 10 minutes or even shorter if the baby is getting very upset. Then if there is no latch or effective suck, offer 1/2 oz of breast milk (if you have it) or formula and attempt the breast again. If no latch occurs or the baby won't sustain a suck for more than 3 sucks then use the supplement for that feeding. Pump after feedings for 10 to 15 minutes with your double pump and use that milk for the next feeding if the baby needs supplement at that feeding. Then you should rest between all feedings or you will become even more overwhelmed.
The reason the baby probably looks angry when he latches and takes 3 sucks is that he can't feel the nipple in he roof of his mouth to stimulate the urge to suck well. Here's a post that describes how I teach moms to transition to total breastfeeding after supplements:
http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppbreastfeeding570/60/1.html
You really need the help of an LC to help you determine and teach you how to identify when the bf has been effective and when you need to supplement.
I know others may be upset with me but I have worked with many many preemies who start off with some supplement and sometimes in bottles or sometimes via finger feeding. (more commonly via bottles) I honestly see problems and benefits with both methods but feel confident that the right LC can help you transition to bf from either. It is also important to note that sometimes preemies need to be supplemented. From what I hear though I bet your baby could do just fine as soon as he is latched more effectively and feels the nipple which will make him suck. Then you can wean off the supplement after he is learning to take milk from the breast more effectively.
Here's another post that describes breast aversion that occurs from agreesive attempts to bf, it offers some insight as well:
http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppbreastfeeding231/2/3.html
I hear you when you say that you are getting overwhelmed with the finger feeding and want you to know you are not alone. I find that your feeling about the finger feeding is not uncommon. The advantage of the finger feeder is you can train the baby to suck better if that is needed and make the flow more like bf. The disadvantage is that it provides very firm stimulation to the roof of the mouth (like bottles) and it may be hard for the baby to "feel" your breast in the mouth in comparison to the bottle or finger feeding. The finger feeders are also more time consuming to use and to clean and in the case of some preemies they might not take enough milk before they tire out.
The advantage of the bottles is they are easy to use, easy to wash, and most folks are comfortable with them. They allow the baby to get larger quanities of milk faster (which is both a plus and minus depending on the need or situation). The problems are the difference in feel and flow between the breast and bottles. And, they may cause the baby to position his mouth in a way that is not like bf at all. Also b/c they are easier to use they are more likely IMO to become a "crutch" for the parents even when the baby could reasonabley only bf.
You need to find a plan that meets the needs of your baby, supports your desire to eventually exclusively bf, and doesn't overwhelm you to the point that you feel you will totally give up trying to bf b/c the routine is too hard to follow. That should be the primary goal of working with an LC and you might even want to say that to her to help focus on the reason for the visit.
I hope this helps, keep us posted.
Warmly
Kathy
