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Reese1106
Family of 4! :o)
Member since 8/06 6655 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Benjamin latched on very quickly but I had a very hard time with BFing in the beginning. For me, I wasn't producing enough fast enough for him so I ended up needing to supplement with formula for a couple of feedings. Once my milk started coming in more consistantly, it got easier.
Ben was also a very slow eater and would fall asleep constantly. I would tickle his chin and break his latch on me in order to wake him up again. Nighttime feedings always took longer than days but not by much.
For comfort, I used the Boppy but also put several comfy pillows behind me, got a drink, the TV remote and a blanket to make sure I was a relaxed and comfortable as possible.
It definitely got easier. Hang in there and maybe talk to La Leche League to see if they can help, too.
Miss Abby is adorable!  
Message edited 9/8/2008 6:55:17 PM.
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Posted 9/8/08 6:54 PM  |
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Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Can you lay down when you feed her? It could help you rest more for the night feedings.
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| Posted 9/8/08 6:55 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Leslie, I'm all too familiar with the back pain. I used a booster pillow to support my back.
In the beginning, it truly felt like I was a milk cow - DD was either attached to me, or I was attached to the pump. As PP have said, don't get too caught up in the numbers. DD to this day, still nurses from only one side at a time, and I alternate sides from one feeding to the next.
What I had a hard time with was distinguishing between eating and being used as a human pacifier. Once that was figured out, there were no more marathon feeding sessions.
I'm a phone call away for any encouragement you would like. Hang in there . . . it doesn't seem like it now, but it all gets easier.
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| Posted 9/8/08 7:03 PM |
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happymom2be
LIF Toddler
Member since 11/07 404 total posts
Name:
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
First of all...she's so CUTE!! and CONGRATS!! I also had an emergency c-section and DS had a hard time latching on because he was 3 wks early. So I pumped every 3 hours around the clock for 1 month...it's exhausting and emotionally draining. My sister told me to try breast shields (target or babies R us) carries them. After a few tries he latched!! I could not believe it!!! It made life much easier. I still continued to pump. Try not to stress yourself out over it, you've already given her so many nutrients with all your hard work. Hang in there and just know that you are a dedicated mom and you are doing a fantastic job providing for your little girl.
Do you have a boppy? or a glider?
Maybe try laying down in your bed to feed her...
Message edited 9/8/2008 7:22:31 PM.
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| Posted 9/8/08 7:19 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Im afraid I will roll right over on her if I try to feed her in bed. Perhaps I will try that position when I am more awake then in the middle of the night. I will feel a bit more safe that way.
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| Posted 9/8/08 7:47 PM |
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waterspout4
My loves
Member since 5/06 19150 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Posted by Goldi0218
Im afraid I will roll right over on her if I try to feed her in bed. Perhaps I will try that position when I am more awake then in the middle of the night. I will feel a bit more safe that way.
I understand that!!!!!! I've never done that because I'm so scared. There have been numerous times that I slept with DS in my arms, on the boppy pillow, while on my recliner. That's the closest I ever came to laying with him. It was the only way he would let me sleep longer. 
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| Posted 9/8/08 7:57 PM |
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Sassyz75
Turning a new page
Member since 5/05 9731 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
My DD was also in the Nicu. She was under 6 pounds and never able to correctly latch due to being so small & weak. I tried to breastfeed, but she got the bottle in the NICU and that's what she wanted or else she'd cry and get very frustrated. I didn't have the heart to do the battle with her- so I just let it go and bottle fed, breast milk supp w/ formula where necessary. I commend you for trying to breastfeed.. good luck and javascript:FEmote(''); I wish I had advise.
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| Posted 9/8/08 8:14 PM |
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megsm3
Life is Good!!
Member since 8/06 3867 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Congrats - she is absolutely adorable - LOVE her hair!
BFing in the beginning does seem endless, but it does get better, promise! Just keep bfing and you two will establish a routine before you know it.
Good Luck!
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| Posted 9/8/08 8:24 PM |
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~Colleen~
my loves...
Member since 5/05 9129 total posts
Name:
guess
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
The beginning was very challenging - I'd say the first 3 weeks. Charlie is a slow eater...there were days where she ate every hour through the night...taking close to an hour to eat each time  It was frustrating and upsetting at times but in the end, it has been worth it. She is still a a slow eater - goes anywhere from about 30-75 minutes (she almost always eats from both sides). Hang in there...things will change. Babies typically change their habits every few weeks. By the time she was 5wks she started sleeping through the nights, so that helped. I also never woke her to feed her - she remains an on demand feeder (at 13wks).
Posted by greeneyes361708
Can you lay down when you feed her? It could help you rest more for the night feedings.
I did this for a while in the beginning. I liked it at first until I wound up waking up to her either still feeding (hours later ) or just finding me again. I wound up dragging myself to the sofa to feed her...the DVR was my friend LOL
ETA: Your daughter is adorable!!!
Message edited 9/8/2008 9:54:06 PM.
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| Posted 9/8/08 9:53 PM |
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BRod-Cheng
I'm going to be a big brother!
Member since 6/07 1860 total posts
Name:
Betty
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
Leslie,
I had similar issues because my son also wound up in the NICU. He got so used to the bottles that he eventually refused to latch.
After struggling for over a week, I gave up on breastfeeding. However, I really wanted my son to have the advantages of breast milk so I pumped and fed him the breast milk via a bottle.
In the end it was the best thing for me. Because DS was now "bottle fed" I always knew exactly how much milk DS was getting, and DH was able to help with the feedings.
In order to keep my milk production up I pumped every 3 hours for 20 minutes. Eventually, I built up a storage of milk in the fridge and the freezer.
DS will be 4 months old tomorrow and I continue to pump and give DS the breast milk by bottle.
I hope things work out for you, and that this info helps.
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| Posted 9/8/08 10:14 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns.
You've all been amazingly helpful. I plan on taking a little bit of advice from everyone and combine it with what the pediatrician says tomorrow. I am anxious to see what her weight is - I hope my efforts are working. Her cheeks are getting bigger and certainly more kissable!!!
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| Posted 9/8/08 10:18 PM |
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waterspout4
My loves
Member since 5/06 19150 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Posted by Goldi0218
2) I learned that the Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap is an excellent food to grip and eat while breast feeding
MULTI-TASKING MOM HERE!!!!
Damn it!!!!!!!! I just stopped BF!!! Where were you with this info before?!?!
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| Posted 9/8/08 10:40 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Posted by Goldi0218
Im afraid I will roll right over on her if I try to feed her in bed. Perhaps I will try that position when I am more awake then in the middle of the night. I will feel a bit more safe that way.
I have to say that I never fell asleep when I was breast feeding side by side... I guess I became HYPER conscious of the little person next to me and the dangers that might present! But definitely try it when you are more awake - I think you might find some relief.
I had a lot of milk too. It never really abated for me - but I pumped and froze A LOT!!
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| Posted 9/8/08 10:47 PM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
No advice on the BF'ing but OMG she is gorgeous
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| Posted 9/8/08 11:03 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Well I wasn't exactly breast feeding my Build-A-Bear Kelly, otherwise I would have happily helped you out!
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| Posted 9/8/08 11:59 PM |
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Posted by Goldi0218
You've all been amazingly helpful. I plan on taking a little bit of advice from everyone and combine it with what the pediatrician says tomorrow. I am anxious to see what her weight is - I hope my efforts are working. Her cheeks are getting bigger and certainly more kissable!!!
I can picture you kissing her little cheekies!!!!
OK, I have read all your posts here and some of the responses. I hate to always refer back to Dylan's experiences because we are each unique, but I can only give the info that I know.
Dylan had problems with latching and sucking reflex. He latched on a few times in the NICU and once (Scott says twice) at home and that was it. I pumped for about 2 weeks but for the last few days of it, I was waiting for new information about my heart medication. Then we decided that I would stop pumping and I did not even use the last few days' supply. In restrospect there are some things I see clearly that I did not see clearly then. I don't know if those things would help you but here goes.
1. If I had it to do again, if my medication were not an issue, I would continue to pump and feed Dylan breastmilk. I do not regret my attempts to get him to latch but I don't think there is anything I could do differently to make it work for our particular situation and that's the only situation I am commenting on. I was getting upset trying to get a latch but as my ped. said, "the goal is to feed the baby." It's not about being a martyr or getting frustrated. I could have called a lactation consultant but I think I did enough with the very nice consultant at the hospital and several NICU nurses. I was doing very well with pumping, except that I did not like pumping both breasts at once, so it took a long time. I think I could have gotten used to doing both at once after the initial post partum period.
2. If I were to breastfeed (ETA I mean by either pumping or latching), I would focus only on that and let my DH take care of the rest. Because I had never taken care of a baby before, I wanted to make sure that I felt able to do everything. So, I was pumping, changing diapers, changing clothing, burping, bathing, talking to doctors and even making plans for the bris. My husband would have gladly done all of it, heck, he was even saying he could wear the fake boob like in Meet the Fockers. Now I know that none of those things are rocket science and if I focused on feeding Dylan it would have all fallen into place. It did all fall into place, but I might take a different route. I wore a heart monitor for the first month of his life. He was constantly pulling at the wires but I still did my "kangaroo care." The wires might be part of the reason that I don't feel he would have latched but like I said, all I know is our experience. I also realize now that I could have talked the doctor into waiting until the following month to do my heart monitoring but I won't get into that b/c that's not your issue.
I know I have not said anything that does not sound totally obvious but somehow, some of these points were not so obvious to me at the time. HTH.
Message edited 9/9/2008 12:28:51 AM.
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| Posted 9/9/08 12:28 AM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Posted by Goldi0218
Two good things about today:
1) Abby was fed from the breast all day and I did not pump once. Though I may overnight just for relief.
2) I learned that the Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap is an excellent food to grip and eat while breast feeding
MULTI-TASKING MOM HERE!!!!
GREAT job!!! And multitasking is the name of the game! Yummy handheld foods are KEY
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| Posted 9/9/08 7:11 AM |
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saraH
happy birthday sweet kate!
Member since 5/05 16555 total posts
Name:
I know that God exsists, I held her in my arms...
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
I give you a lot of credit b/c I never even tried to get her to lacth.
She awas on every 3 hours and it would take her 1/2 hour or more ot take the bottle, so I didn't want to confuse her by breastfeeding. But I did pump what I could.
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| Posted 9/9/08 7:55 AM |
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sami
So very blessed!! Thank u !!
Member since 8/06 6524 total posts
Name:
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
It is hard just be very patience I know that is hard at 3am in the morning but i swear it gets easier also find the most comfy seat in the house..Oh and I know a c-section does not help but I promise you it will get better!
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| Posted 9/9/08 8:00 AM |
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Yay Leslie!! You're doing GREAT!
And hoooray for portable food! 
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| Posted 9/9/08 8:30 AM |
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hope07
LIF Adult
Member since 12/06 1050 total posts
Name:
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
I felt the same way in the beginning! Ds wouldnt latch until we got home from the hospital. It gets sooooo much easier! I always since the day home from the hospital pumped one bottle for DH to feed at night so I could sleep a few hours straight . . . Keep up the great work... sounds like you doing a teriffic job!
Edited to say....
I could never get the side to side thing down when ds was VERY little .... but after maybe 2 months its AMAZING at night! I could feed him in my sleep (and still do). Its amazing how much sleep you can get when you dont have to get up ... walk down the hall... sit in a chair for a half hour... then try to fall back asleep all at 2am! I was able to just put him next to me, he finds it and Im back to sleep as he sucks away!
Message edited 9/9/2008 9:09:10 AM.
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| Posted 9/9/08 9:03 AM |
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LJSMommy
Love him!
Member since 10/07 3189 total posts
Name:
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Posted by Goldi0218
Two good things about today:
1) Abby was fed from the breast all day and I did not pump once. Though I may overnight just for relief.
2) I learned that the Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap is an excellent food to grip and eat while breast feeding
MULTI-TASKING MOM HERE!!!!
Response to #1: Great!! It's tough but like I found out, it will work if you work at it!!
Response to #2: I ALWAYS ate while BF Logan.....I had no choice really as I was ALWAYS BF Logan in the beginning!!! I never really told anyone I did it because I wasn't sure if others did!
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| Posted 9/9/08 9:09 AM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
I never liked the side to side nursing. I was so tired and always petrified that I would roll over and crush the baby. But, once I was able to nurse in bed, I would sit upright, turn on the tv and nurse. It helped a lot just to not have to go thru the motions of going into the nursery, putting on the lights, getting situated, etc.
As I said earlier it will get better. the first couple of months were SO HARD for me. I don't know where you are located but Beverly Rae's breastfeeding mothers group in manhasset was really helpful for me and I made some great friends.
And that's wonderful that you have the support of your MIL. I wish I had the support of mine!
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| Posted 9/9/08 9:26 AM |
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dooodles
When you wish upon a star
Member since 5/05 11997 total posts
Name:
Because 2 people fell in love
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Leslie, while I cannot offer any advice or support on the BF issue, I just had to jump on here and welcome you to the parenting board 
Little Miss Abby is just adorable I cannot wait to meet her
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| Posted 9/9/08 9:35 AM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: My first parenting question. RE: Newborn breastfeeding concerns. (Mini-Update)
Again I thank you all for your support.
I am a convert of sorts as I had ZERO intentions of breast feeding my children before I got pregnant. But now I feel that this is something I can do for her while I am at home and before I go back to work. Hopefully, I will be able to continue my efforts along with pumping when I DO go back to work in December. Only time will tell.
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| Posted 9/9/08 10:20 AM |
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