BFing help please...

I tried it and I love it...i just know this is something for me, however the nurses werent as helpful as I thought they would be..and I just dont know what Im doing...

First off... when does your milk come in?

Somtimes I feel like he's just not getting enough... He sleeps most of the day and then cluster feeds at night (which I have been told is very normal...and will change once my milk comes in)

I do wake him to eat during the day but for the most part its not very successful...

Also- last night the hospital suggested I give him one feeding of formula...for after feeding every hour last night...he just wasnt sleeping or satisfied...

So I did... he slept great after that one feeding...and resumed normal BFing this morning/ today...

SO Im thinking until my milk comes in...I will supplement him with one bottle of formula at night...is that ok???

Also I cant get this latch thing down... I truely feel he just cant fit it all in his mouth...any suggestions... Im bruised and cracking everywhere..

PLease help..I really wanna make this work!

Message edited 10/3/2005 3:21:34 PM.

Re: BFing help please...

I think there are different opinions on this, but I would try not to supplement with formula until your milk supply is fully established. Usually it takes 3-5 days for your milk to come in, and then maybe 3-4 weeks for your supply to be good. At this point when you give a bottle, your body is not responding to the demand and it will just prolong things and you will have to work harder later on to build back up the supply needed.

If you think your latch is bad, definitely see a lactation consultant ASAP, but just know that it is normal for some woman (myself included) to have a good latch and still suffer from cracking and soreness in the beginning, this usually lasts about 2 weeks and then it becomes much easier. Definitely use the Lanolish cream after EVERY feeding, there was another thead with a few other recommendations as well.

At this age it is totally normal for them to want to eat every 1-2 hours, I remember feeling like I didn't get out of the same chair all day because all I did was feed her! As far as waking him, I would say let him sleep and he will let you know when he is hungry, as long as he is wetting diapers and gains weight he will be fine.
Congratulations!

Re: BFing help please...

Are you pumping? If so that will help your milk come in by upping the demand...I have always been told breast feeding is a matter of supply and demand.

My baby is almost three weeks old - I give her one bottle of formula at night - breastfeed the rest of the time and pump 2 times a day (I freeze the extra milk) I was lucky - my milk came in right away - but I was told if it doesn't to make sure I supplement with formula (I had to do so in the hospital as well) I would ask your dr. what the best thing to do is for YOU - everyone is so different and everyones babies are different - so even though everyone here can share their experiences or knowledge - I am not sure we can give you the right answer for you.

ETA: I had a lot of bleeding in the beginning - you MUST use Lanisoh and also rub in some of the milk into your nipples that will help also.

Message edited 10/3/2005 3:43:23 PM.

Re: BFing help please...

I gave birth on a Monday and my milk came in the following Sat (so 5 days).

I BF during the day and supplement at night but I didn't do that very often in the first 5 days until the milk came in (although I do believe it did it once in a while....can't remember )

I never thought he was getting enough either (still don't) but he pees and poops A LOT and he's been gaining an ounce and 1/2 a day so the Dr said that's great. The Dr said just be sure he is peeing and pooping and that will show you he is getting what he needs.

With the latching it doesn't have to be the whole aereola but definately make sure he is getting some of it, that's where the milk is coming from (not just the nipple). The Lansinoh cream works great!

Re: BFing help please...

If your pediatrician says you need to supplement because he is losing to much weight, then yes, its clearly the right thing.

If a random nurse suggested it just to help your sanity, I'm not sure its best in the long run. If he's hungry, he'll nurse more even if there isn't milk, and the more he nurses the more your body will produce. If you are supplementing he won't be telling your body to make more milk. It may seem like you are breastfeeding all day long, and that is exactly what you should be doing in the beginning. Everyone else can take care of everything else!

If you think he is just comfort sucking, a pacifier may be the answer for your sanity.

Re: BFing help please...

i would go by his weight...if he's gaining...then you are fine and you don't need to supplement. If not...then make sure you pump when he is eating so that you tell your boobs you need more to come out

Re: BFing help please...

He did lose a little more than most in the hospital...so of course Im a nervous wreck thinking its because Im not doing it right or something...

I was told the same (as long as he pees and poops) and he is...

My breasts def. started to fill up tonight, and even actually leak...I actually even was able to pump a bottle for later on tonight...In the meantime... if my babys latch is poor...will he still recieve milk?? I try for him to get the whole aerola all the time... but i see him struggling, like his mouth just isnt big enough... alot of times he tend to have the whole nipple in the mouth but primarily **** to one side....

What should my schedule be? How often and how long is the usual?? Switch during feedings..or alternate feedomgs...TIA

Re: BFing help please...

As long as he is excreting something than he's getting food!

Yes, with a poor latch he will get milk. When jeremy was little I used to practically force my nipple in his mouth. I would push it in for him with my fingers. He got the hang of it after a while.

At this point you should be feeding on demand, usually every 2-3 hours for 10-15 minutes a side (or as long as he will stay awake for). Burp him between sides.

Don't worry it will all become second nature to both of you soon!!

Re: BFing help please...

HANG IN THERE! the advice given by all these ladies is so exact, just kep feeding him and it will all work out, even your nipple tenderness will soon subside. with every pregnanci i almost gave up in the beginning, but in the end i nursed my daughters for the first year and now my son his in week 7 on his way to being bf for his first year as well, it is so fulfilling, but don't strerss yourself out about it.

Re: BFing help please...

Marissa -- I just logged on and saw your post! I'm excited that your home.

I don't have any first hand knowledge yet about breastfeeding, but like Iv'e said, my mom was a LLL leader for like 30-35 years. Let me know if myself or my mom can help in any way.

-Melissa